TESTING OUT
“The apostles for their part left the Sanhedrin full of joy that they had been judged worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of the Name.” –Acts 5:41 Jesus “tested” his apostles (see e.g. Jn 6:6). His tests were designed to prepare them for future tests. They didn’t always pass these tests. The Jewish Sanhedrin also tested the apostles, very severely. The apostles passed the tests beautifully; they could not be defeated or suppressed. Scourging only caused the apostles to rejoice all the more, and persevere with even more joy. Jesus’ death did not cause His ministry to die, as happened...