Act 5:41, 9:16, Phili 1:29 | JFB | STEP | 41. departed . . . rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name —"thought worthy by God to be dishonored by man" ( ) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON ]. This was their first taste of persecution, and it felt sweet for His sake whose disciples they were.

Acts 5:41

41. departed . . . rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name—"thought worthy by God to be dishonored by man" (Mt 5:12; 1Pe 4:14, 16) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. This was their first taste of persecution, and it felt sweet for His sake whose disciples they were.

Acts 9:16

16. I will show him—(See Ac 20:23, 24; 21:11).

how great things he must suffer for my name—that is, Much he has done against that Name; but now, when I show him what great things he must suffer for that Name, he shall count it his honor and privilege.

Philippians 1:29

29. For—rather, a proof that this is an evident token from God of your salvation, "Because," &c.

it is given—Greek, "it has been granted as a favor," or "gift of grace." Faith is the gift of God (Eph 2:8), not wrought in the soul by the will of man, but by the Holy Ghost (Joh 1:12, 13).

believe on him—"To believe Him," would merely mean to believe He speaks the truth. "To believe on Him," is to believe in, and trust through, Him to obtain eternal salvation. Suffering for Christ is not only not a mark of God's anger, but a gift of His grace.