Acts 5:29-32. Reminds so much of what people are facing today. We must obey God rather than Men. Gods word is first and if men’s word disagrees with Gods word it is Gods word we should be standing by
God warns us how dangerous adultery can be, not just in the sense of how it destroys your reputation and your relationships, but how it harms your heart and your relationship with Him
38And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him.
Let us pray that the purposes of God vs. the purposes of man be made clear. Let us not get in the way of what the Lord is doing.
To rejoice because you just suffered shame for the Name….. that’s amazing. Many of us do anything possible to avoid shame, hurt, or punishment. Here, the apostles walked right into it, proudly, and walked right out of it, proudly.
So so convicted about proverbs 6:6-11 about laziness. As a work at home mom, it is so easy to just sit down and litterally fold my hands to rest for “just a minute” when I know the Spirit is asking me to trust Him to give me the strength and endurance I need to make it through. Convicted now to let the LORD be my strength and not allow laziness to creep into my home and keep me from doing God’s work with God’s strength and ability, not my own!
30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” That’s the gospel!!
we must not let lust and temptation take over us. it is sinful and not faithful to the person who one person is committed to. do not also allow jealousy to dictate our actions, this will turn into hatred and we will not be able to come back from it.
The pain of committing adultry in psalms really spoke to me. We need to be committed to our spouses and to the Lord in every way and not fall into temptation. I loved how the believers in Acts were joyful over their physical state
Every day they did not cease teaching in the temple and from house to house. They filled Jerusalem with the words of this Life. Their hearts rejoiced greatly to suffer for the sake of Jesus’ name. Oh Lord, May our hearts be set aflame to the same work of making your good news and your glory known in the world. In all our doings today, may we not cease teaching ourselves and all we come in contact with of the great Gospel of your glorious Son.
Welcome Iliana! I got off track this week with vacation. Im catching back up- loving proverbs and acts! Makes me want to read more than one day anyway! And i absolutely appreciate these women who have bern commenting, teaching, sharing their insight and their own lives all along the way. We are glad you are with us!
“They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” – Acts 5:40-41
How amazingly powerful! These men were beaten and inflicted with pain and, after suffering in front of the Sanhedrin, when most people would feel afraid, insecure, humiliated even, the apostles REJOICED! How great an honour it is to ‘suffer for the Name’! Today, as we live our lives, we are constantly hurt by things people say and do, but we must live for God, and then we will rejoice that we may be honoured in suffering for the Name!
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
Prov 5:21 “For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes, and He considers all his paths.” This should be at the TOP of the Proverb (and on our minds…). Reminds me of that Sunday School song, “Oh be careful little eyes/ears/hands/feet/hearts what you see/hear/do/where you go/feel…”
Following godly discipline yields:
-maintained discretion
-preserved knowledge
-enjoying the blessings of youth (for some, this is a spouse)
-being satisfied and captivated by God’s plan (sorry–I can’t relate this to marriage yet!) :)
Following worldly influence yields:
-bitterness
-relationships that cut like a sword
-feet going to death
-steps to the grave (yikes)
-crooked, unstable, ignorant paths
-giving your best strength to others (not the Lord!)
-giving your years to those who are cruel (& don’t care about you)
-strangers enjoy your wealth
-your work’s reward will be spent by someone foreign, not who you intended to benefit from your earnings
-groaning, physical exhaustion
-looking back, regretting hating discipline & correction
-not obeying or hearing (taking to heart) instruction
-ruin before everyone important to you
-captivated by something/someone that belongs to another (covetousness/lust/greed)
-embracing one who belongs to another (adultery, idolatry)
-ensnared by your evil deeds
-strangled by the cords your sin
-dying for lack of discipline
-led astray by your own foolishness
Let’s choose to follow godly discipline & wisdom. The road is narrow, difficult, and unpopular, but it leads to life, joy, and abundance.
Thank you SarahMay. I’m struggling to decide what I should do with my career. Your bullet about giving your best strengths to other and not the Lord really struck me. Even though I work in the nonprofit sector, it doesn’t mean my work is aligned with my purpose. Ladies please help me pray that the Lord reveals my reason for design and the purpose for my life.
“…Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Beaten. Tried. Told not to preach in Jesus’ name and YET STILL they rejoice in their suffering! Lord that we would all have hearts like apostles, knowing it is YOU who justify and see our hearts. Let them beat us as our hearts beat all the more steadily for You!
Lord, enable us to live in such a place of love and sacrifice, as the apostles, that even persecution is grounds to praise You!! If you’re able to praise Him in persecution, through troubled times, times of following Him blindly though you don’t understand…
when you can truly praise Him regardless of circumstances, the enemy loses all ground! Hallelujah, may it be so for the Bride.
I’m so encouraged to read the faith of the apostles, but sometimes I feel discouraged that the power goes with the name and they healed so many etc, but no matter how much I pray for signs and wonders to accompany his message, I can’t do healing and incredible things like this. I know God has his reasons but sometimes my faith feels so incomplete when I read Acts. Just have to keep seeking him and trust
Hi suzie. This time in the early church was very exciting and different than now – lots being saved, deacons being appointed shortly, apostles etc. You are not an apostle, so you should not expect to do these miracles. With the gospel we have everything we need for life and godliness. This early church did not have the instruction we have. Hope that helps.
Thanks Britt. That’s true, I’m not an apostle, or a missionary. And I’m not moving in such deep faith as they were. But I do believe in God’s supernatural power still moving today. I know of many who are anointed to do healing miracles, my friend had her leg grow two inches to match the other to fix her back pain when she was prayed for
Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest”. Encouragement to be disciplined and work hard. :)
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Wow! It seems like they were excited to have been beaten for His names sake. That they were counted worthy for this to happen to them. Instead of whining and complaining and woe me type of attitude they rejoiced over this happening to them and kept preaching and teaching about Jesus. I pray that I may have an attitude like this when my faith is tested.
38 Therefore, 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. 39 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 stuck out to me so much! I loved how he addressed this situation! “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men…” How amazing is that? Such a confidence boost to believers that these men were able to have these words spoke about them even in the very beginning of the early church! My God is way bigger then any man’s laws or insecurities & that is to be greatly praised!
reading through acts has been such an amazing reminder of the pure, bold faith God intends for us. it’s so easy for me to get lost in the details of life: the problems, the complaints, the insecurities. reading through acts reminds me that a) I actually have it pretty good. b) things aren’t as bad as they seem. c) God’s intention for us is pure faith and fellowship with him and others, so if I pursue him, the rest of these things will be added to me.
I really loved these passages today! They spoke volumes to my heart about obedience. If we are obedient to Gods will, He will be faithful in His promises! Such a sweet thing to keep with you everyday!
What struck me in today’s reading in was this statement
28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
Contrast that with Matthew 27:25- And all the people answered and said, ” His (Jesus) blood be on us and on our children .” What?! I thought you wanted His blood on you, i.e. You were taking responsibility for His death because you wanted it so badly! And now it is on you and your children and now you’re mad at the apostles because they are pointing it out!
I have to be careful of what I want too, because it may come back and bite me.
[38] So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; [39] but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,
—
If this was just of man, it would not still be around today, impacting the world the same as it did then. But if it’s of God, you will not be able to overthrow them!!!!
This is a huge encouragement today.
Wow! I didn’t remember these stories about the initial days of the church. The disciples were so courageous, and God was showing His power in such amazing ways. I wonder if that Gameliel is the same one who trained Saul/Paul?
I LOVE READING ACTS! I even go and Google where and when to find out more lol. The book Women in the Word helped me think about historic timing to dive into the bible more
Same!! I don’t ever remember reading some of this stuff! Acts 5:38-39 were so rich to me!! What convincing evidence of the truth of the Gospel! Despite persecution, the members of the early church continued to spread their message!
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
All glory and honor to God who is a lamp in the darkness, whose words light my paths and whose reprimands teach me to mend my ways and lead a life following Jesus.
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
✅
✝️
Acts 5:29-32. Reminds so much of what people are facing today. We must obey God rather than Men. Gods word is first and if men’s word disagrees with Gods word it is Gods word we should be standing by
God warns us how dangerous adultery can be, not just in the sense of how it destroys your reputation and your relationships, but how it harms your heart and your relationship with Him
29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
We must obey God rather than men.
38And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him.
Let us pray that the purposes of God vs. the purposes of man be made clear. Let us not get in the way of what the Lord is doing.
To rejoice because you just suffered shame for the Name….. that’s amazing. Many of us do anything possible to avoid shame, hurt, or punishment. Here, the apostles walked right into it, proudly, and walked right out of it, proudly.
32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” -ellie
So so convicted about proverbs 6:6-11 about laziness. As a work at home mom, it is so easy to just sit down and litterally fold my hands to rest for “just a minute” when I know the Spirit is asking me to trust Him to give me the strength and endurance I need to make it through. Convicted now to let the LORD be my strength and not allow laziness to creep into my home and keep me from doing God’s work with God’s strength and ability, not my own!
30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” That’s the gospel!!
we must not let lust and temptation take over us. it is sinful and not faithful to the person who one person is committed to. do not also allow jealousy to dictate our actions, this will turn into hatred and we will not be able to come back from it.
29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
❤️
The pain of committing adultry in psalms really spoke to me. We need to be committed to our spouses and to the Lord in every way and not fall into temptation. I loved how the believers in Acts were joyful over their physical state
Every day they did not cease teaching in the temple and from house to house. They filled Jerusalem with the words of this Life. Their hearts rejoiced greatly to suffer for the sake of Jesus’ name. Oh Lord, May our hearts be set aflame to the same work of making your good news and your glory known in the world. In all our doings today, may we not cease teaching ourselves and all we come in contact with of the great Gospel of your glorious Son.
I went over this internet site and I think you have a lot of fantastic info , saved to fav (:.
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
Welcome Iliana! I got off track this week with vacation. Im catching back up- loving proverbs and acts! Makes me want to read more than one day anyway! And i absolutely appreciate these women who have bern commenting, teaching, sharing their insight and their own lives all along the way. We are glad you are with us!
This is my first day using this app, and so far so good! I love reading your comments it helps me to understand these words better.
“They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” – Acts 5:40-41
How amazingly powerful! These men were beaten and inflicted with pain and, after suffering in front of the Sanhedrin, when most people would feel afraid, insecure, humiliated even, the apostles REJOICED! How great an honour it is to ‘suffer for the Name’! Today, as we live our lives, we are constantly hurt by things people say and do, but we must live for God, and then we will rejoice that we may be honoured in suffering for the Name!
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
❤️
Prov 5:21 “For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes, and He considers all his paths.” This should be at the TOP of the Proverb (and on our minds…). Reminds me of that Sunday School song, “Oh be careful little eyes/ears/hands/feet/hearts what you see/hear/do/where you go/feel…”
Following godly discipline yields:
-maintained discretion
-preserved knowledge
-enjoying the blessings of youth (for some, this is a spouse)
-being satisfied and captivated by God’s plan (sorry–I can’t relate this to marriage yet!) :)
Following worldly influence yields:
-bitterness
-relationships that cut like a sword
-feet going to death
-steps to the grave (yikes)
-crooked, unstable, ignorant paths
-giving your best strength to others (not the Lord!)
-giving your years to those who are cruel (& don’t care about you)
-strangers enjoy your wealth
-your work’s reward will be spent by someone foreign, not who you intended to benefit from your earnings
-groaning, physical exhaustion
-looking back, regretting hating discipline & correction
-not obeying or hearing (taking to heart) instruction
-ruin before everyone important to you
-captivated by something/someone that belongs to another (covetousness/lust/greed)
-embracing one who belongs to another (adultery, idolatry)
-ensnared by your evil deeds
-strangled by the cords your sin
-dying for lack of discipline
-led astray by your own foolishness
Let’s choose to follow godly discipline & wisdom. The road is narrow, difficult, and unpopular, but it leads to life, joy, and abundance.
Thank you SarahMay. I’m struggling to decide what I should do with my career. Your bullet about giving your best strengths to other and not the Lord really struck me. Even though I work in the nonprofit sector, it doesn’t mean my work is aligned with my purpose. Ladies please help me pray that the Lord reveals my reason for design and the purpose for my life.
Praying for wisdom & insight for you, Darlisha!
Praying, Darlisha.
“…Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Beaten. Tried. Told not to preach in Jesus’ name and YET STILL they rejoice in their suffering! Lord that we would all have hearts like apostles, knowing it is YOU who justify and see our hearts. Let them beat us as our hearts beat all the more steadily for You!
Lord, enable us to live in such a place of love and sacrifice, as the apostles, that even persecution is grounds to praise You!! If you’re able to praise Him in persecution, through troubled times, times of following Him blindly though you don’t understand…
when you can truly praise Him regardless of circumstances, the enemy loses all ground! Hallelujah, may it be so for the Bride.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
I hope I can rejoice as them after suffering for the name of Jesus if I ever have to come to this point!
I’m so encouraged to read the faith of the apostles, but sometimes I feel discouraged that the power goes with the name and they healed so many etc, but no matter how much I pray for signs and wonders to accompany his message, I can’t do healing and incredible things like this. I know God has his reasons but sometimes my faith feels so incomplete when I read Acts. Just have to keep seeking him and trust
Hi suzie. This time in the early church was very exciting and different than now – lots being saved, deacons being appointed shortly, apostles etc. You are not an apostle, so you should not expect to do these miracles. With the gospel we have everything we need for life and godliness. This early church did not have the instruction we have. Hope that helps.
Thanks Britt. That’s true, I’m not an apostle, or a missionary. And I’m not moving in such deep faith as they were. But I do believe in God’s supernatural power still moving today. I know of many who are anointed to do healing miracles, my friend had her leg grow two inches to match the other to fix her back pain when she was prayed for
Amen!
“41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”
In times of suffering, I think that my last response is to rejoice in God but the disciples did. I need to be more like them!
Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest”. Encouragement to be disciplined and work hard. :)
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Wow! It seems like they were excited to have been beaten for His names sake. That they were counted worthy for this to happen to them. Instead of whining and complaining and woe me type of attitude they rejoiced over this happening to them and kept preaching and teaching about Jesus. I pray that I may have an attitude like this when my faith is tested.
38 Therefore, 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. 39 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 stuck out to me so much! I loved how he addressed this situation! “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men…” How amazing is that? Such a confidence boost to believers that these men were able to have these words spoke about them even in the very beginning of the early church! My God is way bigger then any man’s laws or insecurities & that is to be greatly praised!
reading through acts has been such an amazing reminder of the pure, bold faith God intends for us. it’s so easy for me to get lost in the details of life: the problems, the complaints, the insecurities. reading through acts reminds me that a) I actually have it pretty good. b) things aren’t as bad as they seem. c) God’s intention for us is pure faith and fellowship with him and others, so if I pursue him, the rest of these things will be added to me.
Acts 5:41-42 they just really loved God.
Such a great examply of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. Matthew 5:11-12 specifically. It’s amazing
Amazing!! I can’t really say how those verses touched me. To be worthy just to suffer for teaching and speaking His Holy name.
I really loved these passages today! They spoke volumes to my heart about obedience. If we are obedient to Gods will, He will be faithful in His promises! Such a sweet thing to keep with you everyday!
What struck me in today’s reading in was this statement
28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
Contrast that with Matthew 27:25- And all the people answered and said, ” His (Jesus) blood be on us and on our children .” What?! I thought you wanted His blood on you, i.e. You were taking responsibility for His death because you wanted it so badly! And now it is on you and your children and now you’re mad at the apostles because they are pointing it out!
I have to be careful of what I want too, because it may come back and bite me.
this is amazing, thanks for pointing this out!
interesting find!
[38] So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; [39] but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,
—
If this was just of man, it would not still be around today, impacting the world the same as it did then. But if it’s of God, you will not be able to overthrow them!!!!
This is a huge encouragement today.
this stuck out to me too! how amazing is it that we are called to be apart of a kingdom – THE kingdom that can never be overthrown!
Yes, amen!
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” YES
Love this verse. So simple yet exceedingly profound.
Wow! I didn’t remember these stories about the initial days of the church. The disciples were so courageous, and God was showing His power in such amazing ways. I wonder if that Gameliel is the same one who trained Saul/Paul?
I LOVE READING ACTS! I even go and Google where and when to find out more lol. The book Women in the Word helped me think about historic timing to dive into the bible more
According to my John McArthur study bible notes, it is the same Gamaliel that taught Paul, cool huh?!
I seem to always reflect Acts and Romans, but I’m loving it this time through. it’s amazing to see the faith and courage of the early church!
Yes same Gameliel
Same!! I don’t ever remember reading some of this stuff! Acts 5:38-39 were so rich to me!! What convincing evidence of the truth of the Gospel! Despite persecution, the members of the early church continued to spread their message!
Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
All glory and honor to God who is a lamp in the darkness, whose words light my paths and whose reprimands teach me to mend my ways and lead a life following Jesus.
Amen.