Conversation Guide
Counted Worthy
The church finds its joy in bearing witness to the lordship of Jesus.
Begin
Begin
When have you found joy or satisfaction in doing something that was difficult but deeply worthwhile? What made it worth the cost?
Explore
Explore
The risen life of Jesus continues through his Spirit-filled people. When the apostles were imprisoned and commanded to stop teaching, neither locked doors nor powerful authorities could silence their witness. They proclaimed that Jesus is Lord, Messiah, and Savior—and obeyed him even when that allegiance became costly. After being flogged, they rejoiced not because suffering was good, but because they had been entrusted with the name of Jesus and found faithful under pressure. The same joy is offered to the church today as we carry his name and make his risen life visible in the world.
Read Acts 5:12-26 The Apostles Heal Many 12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. The Apostles Persecuted 17Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” 21At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23“We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to. 25Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.Acts 5:12-26
- The angel released the apostles from prison and immediately sent them back to the temple to continue teaching.
- What does this scene reveal about the purpose of their rescue and the unstoppable character of Jesus’ risen life?
Read Acts 5:27-32 27The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”Acts 5:27-32
- Peter declares, “We must obey God rather than human beings,” and then proclaims Jesus as Savior and Lord.
- What was the real conflict between the apostles and the council? How can Christians distinguish faithful obedience to Jesus from mere stubbornness or rebellion?
Read Acts 5:40-42 40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.Acts 5:40-42
- The apostles did not rejoice because suffering was good or because they had earned God’s approval.
- What did it mean for them to be “counted worthy” of suffering disgrace for the Name, and what does their immediate return to teaching reveal about the source of their joy?
- Where might a desire for comfort, safety, approval, or control be keeping you on the sidelines of what Jesus is doing?
Where has Jesus entrusted you to carry his name—in your home, workplace, relationships, or community? What could it look like for his risen life to become more visible through your words and actions there?
Respond
Respond
Practice
Begin each day by praying, “Your kingdom come.” Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one place where allegiance to Jesus is calling you beyond comfort. Take one concrete step of faithful witness—speak about what Jesus has done, act in a way that reflects his lordship, or remain faithful where silence or compromise would be easier. Pay attention to the joy of meeting Jesus in that act of obedience.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the risen King whom no prison, authority, or opposition can contain. Fill us again with your Holy Spirit and orient our lives around your lordship. Free us from the safety of the sidelines and make us faithful witnesses in our homes, relationships, workplaces, and community. When obedience becomes costly, keep us close to you. May we find our joy in carrying your name and sharing your life with the world. Amen.