The Privilege of Suffering for the Name

Suffering for the sake of Jesus and righteousness should not be viewed as a punishment
but as a privilege.

The apostles were dragged before the council and beaten for preaching the gospel,
something they had been ordered not to do (Acts 4:18). After they were released, they went
on their way “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (Acts
5:41).

Being flogged or whipped was the beating they’d received, a brutal and painful punishment
that left scars. They had been publicly decried as criminals and treated as such. Threats of
more severe treatment were promised them if they continued preaching. How did they
respond? Did they fear the council and try to hide? The text says they rejoiced that they had
been counted worthy to suffer for their Master. And they continued preaching (v.42).
To be dishonored and disgraced by unbelievers is not something to hang your head in
shame about, but rather you should celebrate! You should thank God that you have been
counted worthy to suffer for Him. In other words, suffering for the Lord is a privilege not a
punishment.

The righteous have always been targeted by the wicked for mistreatment, abuse, and
persecution. From Abel to Zechariah, the Old Testament offers up many cases of such evil
abuse. Whatever persecution we experience faithful saints of the past have also endured.
Jesus suffered persecution and crucifixion. He said that if His enemies so treated Him, what
would happen to His followers?

“If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign
those of his household” (Mt.10:25).

“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they
persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).

We cannot avoid persecution (2 Tim.3:12). Since we cannot avoid persecution and
suffering, we must cultivate a proper attitude concerning it.

To cultivate that proper attitude, remember that the road you’re called to walk on Jesus has
already traversed for you. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered
for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21–22).
Don’t focus on your present pain but instead on the future glory to be revealed when Jesus
returns. That is what He did. “…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who
for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated
at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2).

Finally, we can take comfort in the words of one of those apostles whipped that day by the
Jewish authorities who went out rejoicing. “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not
be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:16).
– Kurt Paquette