The person correctly charged with misdemeanour ought to carry himself with a measure of shame as he appears before the judge (showing no shame despite guilt reveals a hard heart). We understand that Peter himself would have conveyed the wrong sentiment had he responded with shame to his arrest by the Jewish leaders (Acts 4:3). Instead, Peter stood tall and “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:8) boldly (1 Peter 4:13) explained the facts of the case (see also Acts 16:25; singing is hardly an expression of shame). It should further be noted that the phrase “let him not be ashamed” is not meant to be gentle advice but is in fact a command. The resurrection, ascension, and reign of Jesus Christ make this posture among his followers imperative.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.