The apostles’ boldness here is remarkable, but not surprising. We might marvel at their faith, and in some sense we should. But we should pay attention to two details. First, they were not standing firm in the face of imprisonment and beatings in their own power. They reminded their hearers every single time that their ministry was rooted to God and His Gospel. Second, their entire lives as Christians had been marked by suffering and opposition.

Though our trials and sufferings may be different than the apostles’, they show us that God’s people cannot be shaken by mere mortals. We stand in the powerful, death-defeating name of Jesus.

In what ways do you want the Holy Spirit to change how you respond to trials and suffering?