The results of standing up for the truth are not always pleasant. The disciples were proclaiming freedom from bondage, eternal life and most important reconciliation with God. Who does not want these things? Yet they were beaten and put into chain because they preached the good news.
Paul writes to Timothy, "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner:but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Timothy 1:8).
It is painful to experience repercussion for speaking the truth. We can only stand firm if we are standing in the power of God, not in our own strength. If we try to fight relying on ourselves, we will either buckle under or take on the ungodly behaviors of our enemies. Thank God he fights for us and through us speaks the truth.
