John Calvin Commentary Acts 5:41

"They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name." — Acts 5:41 (ASV)

Then they went rejoicing. We must not think that the apostles were so unfeeling that they did not also experience some shame and lament when they felt the punishment; for they had not entirely put off their human nature. But when they considered the cause, joy prevailed.

So, the faithful must be affected in two ways whenever they suffer persecution for the gospel: they must be touched by the bitterness of punishments, yet in such a way that they overcome this sorrow with spiritual joy. For they would have immediately (changed their mind and) struck sail, unless they had been strengthened and encouraged by that joy.

And undoubtedly, even death was sweet and pleasant to Peter in this manner, even though the Lord testifies it will be bitter for him. Let us, therefore, learn that we must wrestle with sorrow and care, that we must hold on courageously to suffer the cross, and that we must bear it when it is laid upon us.

That they were counted worthy. This might seem absurd at first glance, because Luke places honor in reproach. But the contrast between God and the world causes this: what is considered most shameful among people excels in dignity and glory in the sight of God and His angels.

We know that the kind of death Christ suffered was the most shameful of all, and yet He triumphed most nobly on the cross. So, when we are made like Him, we may rightly boast that it is a matter of unique excellence to suffer rebuke in the sight of the world.

Thus Paul boasts of the marks of Christ (Galatians 6:17). For we must, in this regard, consider the cause that associates us with Christ, who not only swallows up the shame of the world with His glory but also turns the world's reproaches, slanders, and mockery into great honor.

Therefore, it is no surprise that so few are found who are strong and resolute enough to bear the cross, because we are almost all drowned and overwhelmed by the carnal mindset; and scarcely one in a hundred considers that the reproach of Christ far excels all the triumphs of the world—this being the only source of comfort.

Therefore, we must be all the more diligent in reflecting on this truth: that we are today made partakers of the sufferings of Christ, so that we may also be partakers of His glory.