Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἐπορεύοντο
they departed
G4198
ἐπορεύοντο
they departed
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
4 of 16
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
χαίροντες
rejoicing
G5463
χαίροντες
rejoicing
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
5 of 16
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 16
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
προσώπου
the presence
G4383
προσώπου
the presence
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
7 of 16
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνεδρίου
of the council
G4892
συνεδρίου
of the council
Strong's:
G4892
Word #:
9 of 16
a joint session, i.e., (specially), the jewish sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
11 of 16
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματος
name
G3686
ὀνόματος
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
13 of 16
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Luke 6:22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.Philippians 1:29For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;John 15:21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.2 Corinthians 12:10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;Hebrews 10:34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.Isaiah 65:14Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
Historical Context
Following their flogging by the Sanhedrin (the first apostolic beating on record), the apostles embodied Jesus' blessing on the persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12). This public punishment aimed to silence them but instead strengthened their resolve.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians develop joy in suffering rather than mere stoic endurance?
- What does counting suffering as privilege reveal about true values and identity in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The apostles' rejoicing after suffering represents a radical reversal of natural human response, showing Spirit-produced joy transcending circumstances. Being 'counted worthy to suffer shame for his name' reframes persecution as honor and privilege. This paradoxical joy demonstrates Christianity's transformative power.