Take a moment to read Acts 5:17-42 before reading the devotional below.
When an angel comes and busts you out of jail, you know you are on a supernatural mission. When you go into a very visible public place after busting out of jail, you’re definitely not living for your own purposes. It’s not a great survival strategy. But the apostles were listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. They weren’t out for self-preservation.
After the apostles were arrested for a second time, a wise man named Gamaliel steps up to offer the religious leaders some advice. He suggests that if the apostles are doing the work of God, then they will not be able to be stopped. But if they are just trying to stir up trouble, arresting them will only fuel the fire. In the end, the religious leaders listen and let them go — but not before flogging them.
Ultimately, we know that the apostles were not just out for their 15 minutes of fame. They were part of a supernatural movement driven by the Holy Spirit that is still being carried on today. You are part of that movement if you are a follower of Jesus. When you are carrying out God’s mission, nothing can stop you. Notice the apostles’ reaction to being flogged: they rejoiced at being worthy of suffering.