How does Acts 5:28 challenge us to prioritize God's commands over human authority? The Setting and the Accusation “ ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,’ he said. ‘Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood upon us!’ ” (Acts 5:28) • The ruling council—the highest human authority in Israel—issues a direct order: stop preaching Jesus. • The apostles have already witnessed, risen Christ-mandated, and Spirit-empowered—they cannot be silent. • The charge highlights a collision of wills: man’s prohibition versus God’s commission (cf. Acts 1:8). What the Verse Confronts in Us • Human authority can make demands that clash with God’s revealed will. • Silence about the gospel may look like “peace” in society, yet it betrays the Lord’s explicit command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). • True obedience measures success by God’s approval, not institutional acceptance. God’s Commands: Non-Negotiable Priorities • “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) immediately follows v. 28—Peter voices the principle, the Spirit embeds it in Scripture. • Jesus warned that allegiance to Him divides families, governments, and cultures (Luke 12:51-53). • The Creator’s authority outranks every creaturely system (Isaiah 40:15-17). Old-Testament Echoes of Holy Defiance • Hebrew midwives refuse Pharaoh’s order, choosing life over royal edict (Exodus 1:15-17). • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego resist Nebuchadnezzar’s decree, valuing worship over survival (Daniel 3:16-18). • Daniel keeps praying though the lions’ den awaits (Daniel 6:10-13). New-Testament Reinforcements • Peter and John earlier: “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God, you must judge” (Acts 4:19-20). • Paul claims obedience to a “heavenly vision” despite imperial chains (Acts 26:19, 2 Timothy 2:9). • Revelation depicts saints who “keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus” under severe persecution (Revelation 12:17). When Obedience to God Brings Conflict • Expect misunderstanding: apostles were accused of rebellion and blame-shifting (Acts 5:28). • Accept consequences: beatings, prison, or marginalization do not negate God’s call (Acts 5:40-42). • Anchor identity in Christ, not in societal approval (Galatians 1:10). Practical Takeaways for Today • Evaluate commands, policies, or cultural norms by Scripture first. • Speak truth with respect (1 Peter 3:15-16) yet with unshakable conviction. • Support fellow believers who suffer for righteous obedience (Hebrews 13:3). • Pray for governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2) while remembering their jurisdiction is limited (Romans 13:1-7 does not override Acts 5:29). • Live visibly faithful—“fill Jerusalem” (or your workplace, campus, neighborhood) with Christ’s teaching through word and deed. |
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