Coming before the Jewish council, the apostles once again have a choice between obedience to Christ or submission to the Jewish authorities. Boldly they declare the gospel before them even though they know that their words will serve to bring them into further trouble. They are willing to obey God, no matter the cost, and therefore the good news of Jesus Christ is once again preached to the Sanhedrin. The gospel continues to spread.

After the council has beaten them, the apostles must decide if they will continue to preach and teach or go back to their homes in Galilee. If they disobey the Jewish council, they know there will be further trouble for them—not only beatings but possibly also death. Obedience to Christ is costly but it is worth it because he is Lord. They say him risen from the dead. They know that he is God’s Messiah. They will continue to obey him by preaching his message no matter the consequences.

From the example of the apostles we are shown how God wants us to respond in the face of persecution. He wants us to be obedient to him. We must not allow threats of fines, beatings, or death to stop us from doing what God wants. We must always obey God rather than men.

When it comes to persecution, we are focusing on the opposition that comes to those who seek to obey Christ, not the opposition that comes when we are obnoxious, rude, and poor citizens or neighbours. Those who are blessed are those persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10), not those who do wrong (cf. Romans 13:3–4).