Courage and Passion in Acts 3-5

I know we could find many pertinent stories in Acts, but two jump out at me initially.

1. Acts 3:1-4:31 -- Peter and John are told to stop talking about Jesus, and the fire and passion that burned within them blazed uncontrollably in their hearts and they couldn't keep quiet about Jesus and what He had done

2. Acts 5

The Apostles are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, told to stop again, beaten severly because they wouldn't shut up about Jesus, and then leave rejoicing that they were considered worthy to share in suffering for the name.

How refreshing a contrast is that in our day and age?! Not ashamed to share Christ in a world that is hostile to truth choosing to take God at His word over being intimidated by beatings, name-calling and the like.

It takes courage and passion to choose to share the name of Christ with our non-christian peers. Only may we be as bold and courageous as these early disciples were. Something so stirred the early church to talk about Jesus all the time. The gospel indeed has the power to change lives. Will we be courageous enough to share its passion and grandeur?