Acts Lesson 15: Happy to Suffer for Jesus!

In this lesson, we are brought back to the issue of whether it is right to obey God when His commandments come into direct conflict with those of men in authority over believers.  Peter and John had asked this question as they stood in trial before the High Court Council of Israel, but it had not been answered.  However, the Lord Himself answered the question through the series of events that followed their release!  When the men, with the other Apostles, returned to "preaching Jesus," all twelve were arrested for their disobedience.  But a God-sent angel released them from prison, and they immediately returned to "preaching Jesus" - plus performing all manner of mighty miracles in His name.   The Lord was providing the answer to the question of obeying Him over men when their commandments contradict!  He also gave a direct answer through the mouth of Peter, who spoke on behalf of all the Apostles, when he said (again standing in trial before the Council), "We ought to obey God rather then men" (5:29). The high priest and others went into a rage and wanted to slay all twelve men!  God intervened by providentially using one of their own members, Gamaliel.  His words spared the men from being killed, although they were each severely beaten.  What the Council members saw after the men were flogged absolutely amazed them!  The men were beaming with joy!  They were thrilled to have been "rewarded" for knowing (in a small way) the fellowship of Christ's sufferings!  They were "Happy to Suffer for Jesus"! Find out what the Apostles did right after they were beaten and then released!  It is such a strong testimony to us today!