What does Acts 5:40 teach about obedience to God over human authority? Setting the scene “ ‘At this, they were persuaded by him. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.’ ” (Acts 5:40) Immediate context • The apostles have been proclaiming Jesus openly. • The Sanhedrin forbids them to continue. • Earlier, Peter states, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • Gamaliel counsels leniency, leading to verse 40. Key observations about obedience • Human authority punished and silenced, yet did not persuade. • The apostles endured real suffering (flogging) rather than disobey God. • Civil or religious orders that contradict God’s command must be resisted. Biblical principles highlighted 1. God’s command outranks every earthly decree. 2. Obedience may invite opposition, suffering, or loss. 3. Faithfulness is measured by loyalty to Christ, not by social acceptance. Scripture echoes • Daniel 3:16-18—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse the king’s idol. • Daniel 6:10—Daniel keeps praying in defiance of a royal edict. • Exodus 1:17—Hebrew midwives “feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded.” • Matthew 10:28—“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” • Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-17—Respect authorities, yet never above God’s will. Practical takeaways for believers today • Measure every human directive against Scripture; if it contradicts God, decline to comply. • Expect hostility, but remember that suffering for Christ confirms allegiance to Him (Philippians 1:29). • Maintain respect for authorities even while disobeying sinful orders, as the apostles submitted to punishment without retaliation. • Rely on the Spirit for courage; boldness grows when obedience is non-negotiable (Acts 4:31). • Witness continues through suffering—public faithfulness becomes a testimony that “we obey God rather than men.” |
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