The apostles counted not their lives dear unto themselves, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. Paul and Silas suffered the loss of all things. They suffered scourging, and were in no gentle manner thrown upon the cold floor of a dungeon in a most painful position, their feet elevated and fastened in the stocks. Did repinings and complaints then reach the ear of the jailer? Oh, no! From the inner prison, voices broke the silence of midnight with songs of joy and praise to God. These disciples were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer, for which they suffered. {3T 406.3}

Apostlene agtede ikke deres liv kært, men glædede sig over, at de blev agtet værdige til at lide beskæmmelse for Kristi navn. Paulus og Silas led tab på alt. De blev pisket og på ublid måde lagt på det kolde gulv i et fangehul, anbragte i en yderst smertefuld stilling med fødderne løftede og sluttede i blokken. Var det græmmelse og klage, der lød i fangevogterens øren? Oh nej! Fra det inderste fængsel afbrødes nattens stilhed af glædessange og pris til Gud. Disse disciple opmuntredes af en dyb og alvorlig kærlighed til deres Genløsers sag, for hvis skyld de led.