What authority did the apostles recognize over the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:27? Setting the Scene Acts 5 finds the apostles arrested for preaching Jesus, miraculously freed by an angel, and voluntarily returning to the temple to continue teaching. When they are brought back “before the Sanhedrin” (v. 27), every eye in the chamber is on them. Standing Before Earthly Judges • Acts 5:27 — “They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest questioned them.” • The Sanhedrin is Israel’s highest religious court. Humanly speaking, its authority is formidable—able to imprison, punish, and, in earlier days, even sentence to death. The Authority the Apostles Acknowledge • Acts 5:29 — “Peter and the other apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” • Key observation: They do not deny the Sanhedrin’s earthly jurisdiction; they simply recognize a higher, ultimate Authority—God Himself. • The apostles submit to arrest, appear in court, and answer respectfully, yet refuse any command that contradicts the Lord’s mandate to preach the gospel. Scriptural Confirmation of God’s Supreme Authority • Acts 4:19-20 — Peter and John had already said, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God.” • Matthew 10:28 — Jesus: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” • Romans 13:1-2 — Civil authorities exist by God’s appointment, but their legitimacy is derivative; when their orders conflict with God’s will, believers “must obey God rather than men.” How the Apostles Balanced Submission and Obedience 1. Respectful Conduct – They stood before the council without hostility. 2. Clear Confession – They plainly affirmed Christ and the resurrection (Acts 5:30-32). 3. Willingness to Suffer – They accepted the consequences (flogging, v. 40) and rejoiced (v. 41), demonstrating that loyalty to God outweighs personal comfort. Living This Truth Today • Recognize legitimate earthly authorities—governments, employers, church leaders—yet keep God’s Word as the final standard. • When commands collide, choose obedience to God, confident that His sovereignty rules over every human court. • Courage to speak truth flows from a settled conviction that Christ’s authority eclipses all others (Matthew 28:18). |
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