Worthy of Dishonor
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:41,42 ESV
Worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. This statement stood out as I am currently studying the Acts of the Apostles. Those words seemed to hang in the air after reading it out loud. I paused for a moment and re-read it. I underlined it and highlighted it. Another translation said “worthy to suffer shame” (KJV). Others said that they were treated shamefully. What a way to treat men of God, men who had done many signs and wonders while preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Let’s picture this for a moment. These apostles were not treated as anything special before the council. The high priest and those with him rose up in anger and jealousy at the apostles for what God was doing through them in signs and wonders and the multitudes coming to Christ. Prior to their burst of rejoicing in such dishonor and shame for the sake of Christ, they had been imprisoned for these things. These apostles were men who walked with Jesus Christ and were chosen by Him to be His apostles. They witnessed His death, burial and resurrection, and their preaching and testimony carried authority. Jesus promised them persecution and trials for His sake. They were promised dishonor. While imprisoned, they boldly preached the gospel to the council for which they were imprisoned, calling forth repentance and forgiveness of sins. They were beaten with rods and told not to speak in the name of Jesus. Rejoicing and the obedience to not cease in teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ followed this act of dishonor (Acts 5:42). Apostles of Christ had been shamed and dishonored for His sake, and yet they counted it as a valuable treasure, fueling their zeal for the gospel and His glory.
Many want to return to the Acts church today for different reasons as the model for conduct and occurrences. Areas are highlighted while others are ignored. Signs and wonders passages are given credence without proper Biblical understanding. We do not hear much preaching on the threat of persecution for the sake of Christ nor of judgment incurred from professing believers lying to the Holy Spirit. We skip the verses where believers are imprisoned, beaten and even killed for His sake. When the true gospel is preached, it incites anger or joy, depending on which aroma the individual perceives. The stench of death and judgment brings anger while the fragrance of eternal life through repentance and faith in Christ brings great joy. This gospel forced men like Paul to be lowered in a basket out of a window in order to escape death soon after preaching Christ and Him crucified. This gospel caused men to plug their ears, grind their teeth and stone Stephen to death. This gospel incited riots. The Acts of the apostles does not end with an amen, but it does have a line of martyrs extending past its pages, those who counted their lives as nothing and did not refuse dishonor and shame for the sake of Christ. Who wants to sign up for that? In a world and even a church clamoring for honor and notoriety, will we welcome open shame for His name?
The true gospel of Jesus Christ will bring dishonor and shame regardless of title. Honor is a popular word in our modern society and even in areas of church culture. You can find books about living a culture of honor in the church, and the focus will be more on honoring created beings than honoring God Himself in word and deed. Part of this culture of honor is refraining from dishonor by calling into question teaching and doctrine. When there is a strong emphasis on honoring individuals in high places while also claiming that it is dishonorable to question doctrine, teaching and the like, there is error. The error lies in thinking that any of us are above testing against Scripture. You and I have an innate desire to be honored before men, and there is such a thing as honor in the proper context of Scripture. However, when we honor God and obey His instructions, proclaiming the gospel and the truth of His Word, dishonor and shameful treatment are inevitable, and we can be at peace with that. We rejoice in those moments when it is for His glory and not our own. This is a valuable lesson we can learn from these authentic apostles.
4 thoughts on “Worthy of Dishonor”
Suffering is not something ministers look to embrace. Too many lean toward being revered and taking exception when they are questioned. It’s everyone’s duty to speak truth and walk from that which doesn’t line up with what Christ taught. Enjoyed your post.
A pertinant teaching. I’m afraid the concept to suffer dishonor for Jesus will probably be foreign and not popular with Christians.
The apostles actually rejoiced in it which is so lovely and I believe that’s what the Lord would want for us and we need to be ready at anytime to follow in their footsteps.
It isn’t an easy path to follow. I’m really struggling with it. But Jesus gave up everything and suffered for us and we need to do likewise. “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth”.
Let us encourage each other to walk the walk.
I needed to hear this Sister, I have been suffering. But choke it back and tell my heart, it’s not as bad as others are suffering, so I need to suck it up buttercup. Your message is just what I needed to hear.
I will, with ALL my heart & soul suffer for my King, because He suffered for us! Now I have a whole new mind set towards it! And as Paul says “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Let us encourage & exort one another until the COMING of OUR KING!!!
Yes this is a message that our pampered world does not want to hear but it is coming & is already here. We will be persecuted for speaking out our faith in Jesus, so let us hold fast & stand firm & count it all joy! Remember we are his beloved bride!
Dawn thanks for encouraging us with your post.
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