They had the apostles called in, gave orders for them to be flogged, warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. And so they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name.
Acts 5:40,41
The apostles persistent preaching of the Good News of Jesus' resurrection has them arrested and punished by the Sanhedrin. This does nothing to stop their joyous zeal in proclaiming the Word.
What a transformation! The apostles only a few days earlier had been hiding and even speaking denial of Jesus for fear of the Sanhedrin. Now they are joyously and courageously proclaiming the Good News of Jesus everywhere, including in front of the Sanhedrin itself.
What has happened? They had encountered the risen Lord Jesus and received the Holy Spirit from him. The first result was that fear left them and joy entered, a joy that couldn't be contained.
Absence of fear, presence of joy. This is something I desire for my life. This Eastertide leading up to Pentecost is a god time to seek this state of grace. How? Encounter the risen Lord Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Come Holy Spirit.
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