Acts 5:41
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The apostles found joy not just in suffering, but in being deemed worthy of that suffering, seeing indignity from men as a divine honor. This "oxymoron"—dignity in disgrace—highlights their profound redefinition of value, where honor for God's name far eclipsed human shame.
Just before this, the apostles Peter and John had been arrested, interrogated by the Jewish council, and even threatened and beaten for boldly preaching about Jesus. Despite the severe punishment and the clear warning to stop, they left the council's presence not with fear or regret, but with sheer joy. This moment marks their first experience of persecution for their faith, and they saw it as an honor to suffer for "the Name"—Jesus Christ.
How can suffering shame be something to rejoice over? The apostles found a divine paradox in their persecution.
The apostles weren't just enduring hardship; they saw themselves as being counted worthy to suffer. This isn't about earning favor, but about God deeming them fit to share in Christ's experience.
Dignified by Indignity
Think about it: the world sees shame, disgrace, and suffering as the lowest points. But for these believers, being treated like their Master, Jesus, was an honor. It was a sign that they were truly His.
This is what scholars call an 'oxymoron' – a seemingly contradictory statement that holds a deeper truth. They were 'dignified by indignity,' finding a strange honor in being treated with dishonor.
What's so special about 'the Name' that it makes suffering worthwhile?
The emphasis on 'for the Name' is powerful. It's not just any name; it's the name of Jesus, the Messiah. This was the very name the religious authorities had tried to silence, the name associated with salvation.
The Core of Their Conviction
For the apostles, confessing and proclaiming 'the Name' wasn't optional – it was their highest calling. It was the essence of their faith and the reason for their message. The suffering they endured was a direct consequence of their unwavering commitment to this Name.
This wasn't about seeking trouble, but about refusing to be silent about the One who was, and is, the source of all hope.
This wasn't just stoic endurance; it was active rejoicing. What fueled this incredible joy?
The text highlights a distinct kind of joy – one that erupts in the midst of suffering, not in spite of it. This is a hallmark of the New Covenant, a joy that transcends circumstances.
Understand the original words
synedrion · Greek Noun
The highest judicial and administrative council of the Jews in Jerusalem, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes. It held significant authority in religious and legal matters under Roman oversight.
chairō · Greek Verb
To feel or express great joy or gladness. In the New Testament, this is often a spiritual posture produced by the Holy Spirit, independent of external circumstances.
kataxioō · Greek Verb
To be considered or deemed suitable/fit for a specific purpose or status, often by God's sovereign estimation rather than human standards.
paschō · Greek Verb
To undergo hardship, pain, or mistreatment, often for the sake of the Gospel. It is viewed in the New Testament as a privilege of the believer’s identification with Christ’s suffering.
The apostles' joy in suffering shame for Jesus' name highlights a radical redefinition of honor, where worldly disgrace becomes a badge of worthiness for Christ.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity: Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection, which led to the formation of the early church.
c. AD 30-33
Early Church Growth in Jerusalem
Following Pentecost, the early followers of Jesus experience rapid growth in Jerusalem, with many believing and joining their community.
c. AD 33
Healing the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate, drawing a large crowd and leading to their arrest and preaching.
c. AD 33
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
The apostles are arrested and interrogated by the Sanhedrin, boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ. They are warned not to speak or teach in Jesus' name.
c. AD 33
Jesus himself taught his disciples to rejoice when they are persecuted and reviled for righteousness' sake, directly linking their suffering to the joy experienced by the prophets before them.
Philippians 1:29Paul echoes this sentiment, stating that believers have been granted the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for his sake, framing suffering as a divine gift.
1 Peter 4:13-14Peter encourages believers to rejoice because they share in the sufferings of Christ, emphasizing that the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon those who are insulted for the name of Christ.
Galatians 6:14Paul expresses a profound paradox, stating he will never boast except in the cross of Jesus Christ, highlighting the idea that what the world considers shameful is a source of glory for the believer.
ellicottActs 5:41: "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
(41) Rejoicing that they were counted worthy. —The emotion is probably, in one sense, natural to all who have an intense conviction of the Truth for which they suffer. But in this case there was something more. The Twelve could not fail to remember their Lord’s beatitudes; and now, for the first time, felt that they could “rejoice and be exceeding glad” because…
jfbActs 5:41: "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
- departed … rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name—"thought worthy by God to be dishonored by man" (Mt 5:12; 1Pe 4:14, 16) [Webster and Wilkinson]. This was their first taste of persecution, and it felt sweet for His sake whose disciples they were.
The apostles found joy not just in suffering, but in being deemed worthy of that suffering, seeing indignity from men as a divine honor. This "oxymoron"—dignity in disgrace—highlights their profound redefinition of value, where honor for God's name far eclipsed human shame.
Just before this, the apostles Peter and John had been arrested, interrogated by the Jewish council, and even threatened and beaten for boldly preaching about Jesus. Despite the severe punishment and the clear warning to stop, they left the council's presence not with fear or regret, but with sheer joy. This moment marks their first experience of persecution for their faith, and they saw it as an honor to suffer for "the Name"—Jesus Christ.
Just before this, the apostles Peter and John had been arrested, interrogated by the Jewish council, and even threatened and beaten for boldly preaching about Jesus. Despite the severe punishment and the clear warning to stop, they left the council's presence not with fear or regret, but with sheer joy. This moment marks their first experience of persecution for their faith, and they saw it as an honor to suffer for "the Name"—Jesus Christ.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 5:41 is available in the Sola app.
Joy as Evidence
This rejoicing served as powerful evidence:
This joy wasn't about earthly gain, but about an internal transformation, finding ultimate value in God and His kingdom, even when facing worldly disgrace.
atimazō · Greek Verb/Noun
Public disgrace, shame, or humiliation. In a biblical context, it refers to the loss of honor before men for the sake of faithfulness to God.
onoma · Greek Noun
In biblical usage, a person's name represents their authority, character, nature, and reputation. To act "for the name" is to act as a representative of Christ’s person and authority.
Release and Continued Ministry
Freed by an angel, Peter and John return to preach, are arrested again, and brought before the council. They refuse to obey the council over God.
c. AD 33— this verse
Apostles Flogged and Released
The apostles are flogged by order of the Sanhedrin but are released after defiantly declaring their intention to continue teaching in Jesus' name.
"Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." — The apostles found joy not just in suffering, but in being deemed worthy of that suffering, seeing indignity from men as a divine honor. This "oxymoron"—dignity in disgrace—highlights their profoun…
