Acts 5:39b-42 So they were persuaded by him, 40and when they had called in the apostles, after beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. 41Then they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name. 42And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
The Sanhedrin gave the apostles a mixed response. The council’s motivation is only implied at the end of verse 39. Gamilel’s influence was strong in this group. Did they respond to his personality and honorable position, or did they grasp the logic of his argument? Did they accept the possibility that God was at work through the apostles? Their response in verse 40 suggests that they only agreed to Gamiliel’s suggestion because he was the one who offered it. Innocent prophets sent by God should not be beaten. By beating the apostles, the Jewish leaders showed their contempt for what the apostles said and who they represented. It should have been obvious to the Sanhedrin that God was on the side of the apostles and not them. By beating the apostles, the council showed their contempt for God.
The critical issue was about the name of Jesus. The Sanhedrin’s warning fell on deaf ears but committed hearts. The response of the apostles is amazing and challenging. They had just been interrogated by the highest authorities and most influential people of first-century Judaism. They had been physically beaten. The typical flogging at that time consisted of thirty-nine lashes (2 Corinthians 11:24). That number was chosen based on the Torah’s regulation of no more than forty lashes in Deuteronomy 25:3, with one less in case the count was off. This beating was severe and included both sides of the body. It could kill a person. The apostles rejoiced at the honor of suffering for Jesus’ name. They might have recalled Jesus’ words spoken on the mountain in Matthew 5:11-12. It is a privilege to suffer for Jesus’ sake, for it brings a reward in heaven. Those who suffer like this are in the company of the prophets, who also suffered for proclaiming God’s words.
A “little” beating could not stop the apostles from preaching the word of the Lord. Peter had already voiced their conviction that they would rather obey God than people. It was clear to them that God was with them. The Holy Spirit was guiding them each day. Their great faith comes out clearly in verse 42. They had a two-part ministry strategy. They preached publicly in the temple, like they had before. They also went into people’s homes where they could spend more private time and explain the gospel more. Preaching (euangelizomenoi) is translated from a word that includes “good news” or gospel. A modern equivalent would be “evangelizing.” They also were teaching (didaskontes), which could be interpreted as more explanation of the details and meaning of the good news.
The earliest believers provide a profound and challenging example for every believer today. They were clear in their message. The focus of both forms of proclamation was Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah the Jews had been looking for. The apostles could draw upon the Jews’ Scriptures for theological support. The signs and wonders gave visual and experiential support for what they proclaimed. They were also strong in their convictions and did not let external pressure compromise their message or stop their ministry. Finally, they spread the seed of the word of Christ everywhere, both publicly and privately. Through all of this, the Holy Spirit empowered them and gave them the words and courage to continue in the face of opposition. They found people everywhere willing to listen and in need of the hope they offered.
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