How does Acts 4:18 challenge us to prioritize God's commands over human authority? The Historical Moment • Acts 4 finds Peter and John on trial after healing a lame man in Jesus’ name. • Religious leaders—Sanhedrin—fear the spread of the gospel and their loss of control. The Human Command “Then they called them in again and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18) • A direct, formal prohibition. • Issued by the highest religious court of the day. • Intention: silence the testimony of the resurrection. The Apostolic Response “But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” (Acts 4:19-20) • Immediate, respectful but firm refusal. • Standard of judgment: “God’s sight,” not public opinion. • Motivation: eyewitness certainty—“we have seen and heard.” Timeless Principles • God’s revealed will always outranks human edicts (Acts 5:29). • Civil authority is God-ordained (Romans 13:1) yet limited; when it contradicts God’s word, obedience to God takes precedence. • Bold testimony flows from personal encounter with Christ (1 John 1:1-3). • Fear of God dispels fear of man (Matthew 10:28). Supporting Scriptural Illustrations • Hebrew midwives: “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded.” (Exodus 1:17) • Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego refuse imperial idolatry (Daniel 3:16-18). • Daniel continues prayer despite decree (Daniel 6:10). • Paul: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) Practical Ways to Prioritize God’s Commands • Know the Word—regular, literal study equips clear moral vision. • Settle convictions before crises arise. • Pray for courage to speak truth graciously. • Cultivate fellowship; boldness grows in community (Acts 4:31). • Accept potential cost—reputation, comfort, even freedom (Philippians 1:29). Encouragement for Today God honored the apostles’ steadfastness with greater gospel advance (Acts 4:33). When we place His commands above human pressure, He supplies “all sufficiency in all things” so His glory shines through our obedience (2 Corinthians 9:8). |
    |