Acts 5:41
What does Acts 5:41 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:41 means
The apostles leave the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. Their joy reframes suffering as participation in Christ’s path. “The Name” points directly to Jesus, whose honor they cherish above their own reputation. This response displays a Spirit-given perspective: opposition validates their witness and deepens their fellowship with the risen Lord. Shame intended by enemies becomes glory in God’s sight. The verse teaches that true disciples value faithfulness over comfort, and that joy can coexist with hardship when it is endured for Christ’s sake and cause.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So they went away from the Sanhedrin, happy to undergo shame for the Name.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862they, indeed, then, departed from the presence of the sanhedrim, rejoicing that for his name they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they indeed went from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They therefore went their way from [the] presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonoured for the name.
Context
Following beating and strict orders, the apostles’ reaction defies expectation. Instead of being silenced, they rejoice. This internal victory prepares for the final summary of their continued ministry. The next verse will show that they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ, both in the temple and from house to house. The flow concludes the chapter by highlighting perseverance and daily faithfulness, despite threats, thus vindicating Gamaliel’s warning that a work of God cannot be overthrown.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 16:23
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
- Romans 5:3
And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;
- Luke 6:22
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
- 1 Peter 4:13
but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.
- Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
- Matthew 5:10
Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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