There is an example worth noting in the fifth chapter of Acts. The pressure was on, and the apostles were told that they could do anything they desired EXCEPT preach in "that name." (Acts 5:28) What name, you ask? Read on ...
During this time, "by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people." (Acts 5:12) Consequently, the people magnified the Lord Jesus, and the result was more and more believers were being added to the Lord daily -- indeed, "multitudes both of men and women." (Acts 5:14)
Conversely, the recognized authorities of the day wanted nothing to do with them. The high priest with the members of council, and all the senate of the children of Israel did not want the apostles preaching and teaching the gospel of His kingdom -- at least, not on their turf.
Imagine the scene. Multitudes of people were bringing forth the sick into the streets and laying them "on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed EVERY one." (Acts 5:15-16)
But this was becoming too much for the high priest and all that were with them. These Sadducees were in fact, filled with indignation. So, what did they do?
These men laid their hands on the apostles and threw them into the common prison. But the Lord of lords and King of kings opened the prison doors had a different idea. He said, "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." (Acts 5:19-20) What words?
The words that are spirit and life. (John 6:63) The words that speak of eternal life. (John 6:63-68) Jesus had earlier said, "And this is life eternal, that they may know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent ... I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me." (John 17:3,6,8,11, 12-26)
And when the apostles heard this message, they entered the temple early in the morning.
Later, when the high priest came and those that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, they asked for the apostles to be brought from the prison. The doors of the prison were still shut, but by then, the apostles were already preaching and teaching in the temple.
One told them, saying, "Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people." Once again, the captain with the officers brought them from the temple. This was done without violence, given that the captain and officers feared that the multitudes of people would stone them.
When they had brought the apostles before council, the high priest asked them, "Did not we straightly command you that ye should NOT teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." (Acts 5:28)
Which man's blood? As Peter stated, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you slew and hanged on a tree -- Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour -- for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." (Acts 5:30-31)
When the high priest and council heard this, they were cut to the heart and took counsel to slay them. Then stood up one in the council -- a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, who was very reputable within the community. He said to them:
"Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be a somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought ... but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Acts 5:34-39)
And to him they agreed, and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So, what was the name that the apostles were forbidden to speak? Yes, the name of Jesus -- the precious name of Jesus -- the ONLY name under heaven whereby we can inherit eternal life. The ONLY name in which we are instructed to do everything in word or deed, including water baptism. (Acts 2:38-42)
And when the apostles departed from the presence of council, what did they do? The apostles rejoiced -- that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Think about this for a moment! These same apostles whose very shadow healed the sick, and freed those in bondage, were counted "worthy" in the eyes of the Lord for suffering for His name. In spite of being beaten, they rejoiced. But most of all, the apostles never stopped preaching and teaching the name of Jesus.
Why? Because there is no cease and desist order in this earth that can satisfy one's very soul the way that Jesus -- our Lord God who willingly became our Saviour -- can satisfy.
Praise Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.
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