In what ways does Acts 4:19 connect to Romans 13:1-2 on authority? Setting the Scene – Acts 4 records Peter and John on trial before the Sanhedrin for preaching Jesus. – Romans 13 is Paul’s instruction to the church in Rome about living under pagan civil rulers. – Both passages speak to authority, but from different angles: one from the standpoint of persecution, the other from ordinary civic life. Key Text: Acts 4:19 “But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.’ ” Key Text: Romans 13:1-2 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God. 2 Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Shared Ground: God-Established Authority – Both passages begin with the assumption that God is the ultimate source of all authority. – Romans 13 affirms that civil government is “appointed by God.” – Acts 4 shows the apostles honoring God’s higher authority when earthly leaders overstep. – The common thread: authority is legitimate only insofar as it aligns with God’s revealed will. When Obedience Collides – Romans 13 commands submission; Acts 4 displays a refusal to comply. – There is no contradiction: Romans 13 addresses normal governmental function, while Acts 4 addresses direct commands to disobey God. – The apostles’ standard is clear: • If rulers permit righteousness, submit. • If rulers command unrighteousness, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). A Biblical Framework for Civil Obedience 1. Recognize God’s sovereignty over every ruler (Daniel 2:21). 2. Render due honor, taxes, and prayers for authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-2). 3. Disobey only when obedience would violate explicit Scripture (Exodus 1:17; Daniel 3; Daniel 6). 4. Accept any resulting penalties with a clear conscience, as the apostles did (Acts 5:40-41). Practical Takeaways – Submission to government is the default posture; resistance is the rare exception. – A believer’s ultimate allegiance is always to God’s Word. – Civil disobedience, when required, should be respectful, measured, and rooted in Scripture—not personal preference. – Suffering for obedience to God is honorable; rebellion for personal gain is not (1 Peter 4:15-16). Supporting Scriptures – Matthew 22:21 — “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Titus 3:1 — “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient.” – Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” – Hebrews 13:17 — “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” |
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