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The Story of Redemption
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.”
The priests could not but see the reasonableness of his views;
they were obliged to agree with him, and very reluctantly released
the prisoners, after beating them with rods and charging them again
and again to preach no more in the name of Jesus, or their lives
would pay the penalty of their boldness. “And they departed from
the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy
to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every
house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
Well might the persecutors of the apostles be troubled when they
saw their inability to overthrow these witnesses for Christ, who had
faith and courage to turn their shame into glory and their pain into
joy for the sake of their Master, who had borne humiliation and
agony before them. Thus these brave disciples continued to teach in
public, and secretly in private houses, by the request of the occupants
who dared not openly confess their faith, for fear of the Jews.
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