Jesus Is Worth Suffering For — Acts 5:17–42
Oct 3, 2026 14
Jesus is worth suffering for. The apostles have been beaten and told to stop speaking in his name. Yet they leave rejoicing, and they keep on teaching. What conviction about Jesus leads to that response?
Acts 5:41–42
[41] Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name. [42] And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. (ESV)
They cannot help speaking about Jesus
The apostles have continued proclaiming Jesus and healing the sick. The religious leaders are jealous. They arrest them, but an angel releases them from prison and tells them to return to the temple and speak. By morning, they are teaching again (see Acts 5:17-21).
Brought before the council, they are reminded of the order to stop. Their response is clear: they must obey God rather than men. Once again, they proclaim the Jesus who was killed, whom God raised from the dead and exalted as Saviour to give repentance and forgiveness (see Acts 5:27-32).
Even before those who threaten them, they cannot help speaking about Jesus.
The council is furious and wants them dead. Gamaliel urges caution, warning that they could find themselves opposing God. The apostles are beaten, ordered again to stop speaking in Jesus’ name, and released (see Acts 5:33-40).
And they leave rejoicing.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Jesus is worth suffering for
Isn’t that extraordinary? They know Jesus. They know what he offers. They consider it an honour to suffer disgrace because they belong to him. They love him more than comfort, safety or life itself.
Their suffering does not stop them. Every day, in the temple and from house to house, they continue making Jesus known.
As we pray for persecuted Christians today, let’s remember that they are ordinary believers like us. They depend on the Spirit of God to strengthen them in their trials. Their stories remind us that suffering for Jesus continues, and that there can be joy even in the middle of hardship.
We need that same dependence on the Spirit. Let’s ask God to help us care more about the name of Jesus than our own reputation, and to strengthen us when following him is costly.
The Good News is…
The Jesus who died for our sin and rose again is worth trusting through suffering. We know the hope that is to come, when he will wipe away every tear. Even amid hardship, we can rejoice that we belong to him. Jesus is worth suffering for, and his Spirit can give us courage to keep making him known.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 5:17-42
Reflection
Pray for Christians facing persecution (learn how to pray for our persecuted family through ministries like Open Doors http://opendoors.org.au), asking God to strengthen them by his Spirit. Ask him to give you courage to keep making Jesus known too.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited