Neither Threats, Nor Imprisonment, Nor Flogging

  So the temple courts is where the guards found the apostles preaching.   The guards brought them back to the Jewish leaders without the use of force.  The apostles did not resist.  The full Sanhedrin was gathered (70 men) ready to pass judgment on the apostles.  (The apostles in this account remain unnumbered and unnamed except for Peter.)
  The trial is going against the apostles (the majority wanted to put the apostles to death) when Gamaliel urges caution.  "In the present case I advise you:  Leave these men alone!  Let them go!  For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God" (Acts 5:38-39).
  His speech was persuasive and the apostles were only flogged, not executed.  And, of course, the Sanhedrin told them again to stop speaking in the name of Jesus.
  The apostles' response?  "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ" (for the whole story see Acts 5:17-42).
  Telling the disciples to stop preaching about Jesus had no effect.  Throwing them in prison had no effect.  Flogging them had no effect.

  For reflection:  Am I as determined as they were?  Would what they went through stop me?  Have I ever invited someone to my home to talk about Jesus?
  Let us pray.  Holy Spirit, I'm afraid these things would stop me.  I need more of your strength to stand up to threats, imprisonment and violence.  Also, help me to open my home and my heart to others who need to hear about you.

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