"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'"
Acts 5:29
Part 5
What led up to Peter’s statement: “We ought to obey God rather than men?”
Yesterday:
The Church prayed. God granted power and boldness. They continue to obey their God. The apostles were arrested again. The Lord opens the prison for them at night, and the men are back teaching and preaching again in the Temple early the next morning.
Today:
Peter’s words to the Council during this second trial.
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said.”
“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Peter was not defending himself or the apostles for what they were doing. And he certainly was not “throwing himself on the mercy of the court.” He was offering them a “simple explanation” of what they have been doing and will continue to do. The scriptures teach us that we ought to obey our rulers, but not when the rulers contradict what God has said.
There are a few times when disobedience is the right thing to do. This was one of those occasions when it was right to disobey their authorities. Disobedience to authorities is only right if believers are asked to do something illegal, immoral, or told to do anything unscriptural.[1] No human government has the right to keep people from obeying the Word of God!
Believers, in any situation, we must always obey the Highest Authority. And that authority is God!
“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
When Christians disobey earthly authorities, it is always for God’s higher purpose, to do His will and to glorify Him.
We need to be aware that if there ever is a time that believers choose to disobey civil authorities to continue obeying God, the public authorities will not be pleased. The bad reaction of the disciples’ “religious authorities” is seen clearly here in Acts 5.
Peter continued his testimony for Christ in verses 31-32. And the rulers were “sawn asunder” in their hearts with rage! They discussed the issue among themselves then basically took a “wait and see” attitude after Gamaliel spoke to them. Peter and John and any other apostles there were beaten, thirty-nine stripes, as an object lesson to the group. Then they were commanded again to never speak in the “name of Jesus.” And then they were let go (Acts 5:40-41).
How did Jesus’ disciples and the Church respond to this persecution? Did the Christians go and hide? No! They left the Council rejoicing that they were worthy to suffer shame for “His name!” How did the Church respond publicly to the ruler’s commands?
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42).
The Church saturated the city and the Temple daily with their preaching and teaching of Jesus Christ! Their hearts were set on obeying God.
Believers, this ought to be the mindset of every child of God! We will obey God regardless of the consequences of men. What God thinks of us is far more critical than what man thinks of us.
The story does not end here. Please read the rest of the Book of Acts to get an idea of what His Church will do, lead by His Holy Spirit…
Quote: “If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it”[2] (Henry Blackaby).
[1] If it is illegal or immoral, it is unscriptural!
[2] Henry Blackaby’s quote, Downloaded: Monday, July 20, 2020. From: https://www.christianquotes.info/quotes-by-topic/quotes-about-obedience/.