Definition: And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 5:41. It's a really important and fascinating passage about courage and faith! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a group of people – likely disciples of Jesus – who were being questioned and threatened by a council (a group of religious leaders). They were being warned to stop their preaching or speaking. Here's the breakdown: "And they departed from the presence of the council..." : They suddenly stopped going to the council. It was like they were fleeing a situation they didn’t want to be in. "...rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." This is where it gets interesting. They weren't just leaving – they were joyfully choosing to be treated badly. They recognized that their message, and potentially their life as believers, was at risk. "Suffering shame" means being publicly criticized or disgraced. They felt like their reputation was on the line. What it’s saying: This verse speaks to a few important things: Faith & Courage: The disciples were willing to stand up for what they believed in – speaking about Jesus. This shows incredible faith and courage, even when facing potential danger. Recognizing Worthy of Punishment: They understood that their message was valuable enough to be punished. It wasn't just about them being offended; it was about the importance of their truth. Why is this important? This story highlights a key theme in the Bible: God’s love often involves allowing people to face challenges and suffering, even if those challenges are difficult or painful. It shows that God doesn't just want us to be happy; He wants us to stand firm in our beliefs and truth. In short: These disciples were brave enough to risk everything for their faith and wanted to protect the name of Jesus. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give a little more context about this story (like its significance in the early church)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?