Thursday, May 12 They summoned the apostles, flogged them, and ordered them to stop speaking on the basis of Jesus’ name.​—Acts 5:40.

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Thursday, May 12

They summoned the apostles, flogged them, and ordered them to stop speaking on the basis of Jesus’ name.—Acts 5:40.

 

The apostles Peter and John viewed it as an honor to be persecuted for following Jesus and sharing his teachings. (Acts 4:18-21; 5:27-29, 41, 42) The disciples had no reason to feel ashamed. In the long run, those humble first-century Christians did more good for mankind than any of their opposers did. For example, the inspired books written by some of those Christians continue to give help and hope to millions of people. And the Kingdom they promoted not only is now in existence but will soon rule all of mankind. (Matt. 24:14) By comparison, the great political power that persecuted the Christians has collapsed into the ash heaps of history, whereas those loyal disciples are now kings in heaven. Their opposers, however, are dead; and if they are ever resurrected, they will be subjects of the Kingdom that was promoted by the Christians whom they hated.—Rev. 5:10. w20.07 15 ¶4