What does Acts 5:42 mean?

The apostles have met their first line of resistance and proved triumphant. The Sanhedrin, the council responsible for upholding the Mosaic law among the Jews, arrested, questioned, and beat them. The apostles do not react in shame, fear, or hate. They are grateful they stood firm and "were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41). This small blip of persecution will not slow them down.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people that children of God love their enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44–45). Paul says those who show genuine love do so by blessing their persecutors (Romans 12:14). He goes on to say to live at peace with others, as far as it is possible, and if they cause harm let God take care of it (Romans 12:17–19).

The apostles also exemplify Romans 12:20: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink." The members of the Sanhedrin, perhaps more than anyone else in Jerusalem, are hungry for God and thirsty for the truth. "Teaching" is from the Greek root word didaskō, which means to provide instruction. "Preaching" is from the Greek root word euangelizō. It means to teach about Jesus and His offer of salvation. The apostles do both within earshot of the men who arrested and beat them. In response, "a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7).

Christians today often over-think the persecutions they face—especially in the west, where full-blown persecution is rare—and fail to remember the love and prayer their enemies need. It is certainly within our rights to strive for churches, ministries, and individuals to enjoy freedoms enshrined in law. However, when we value those freedoms more than the lost hearts around us, we need to consider if we are really "worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41).