How does John 5:11 connect with Acts 5:29 about obeying God over men? Scripture Texts • John 5:11: “But he answered, ‘The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” • Acts 5:29: “But Peter and the other apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” Immediate Setting in John 5 • Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years (John 5:5–9). • The healing occurs on the Sabbath; Jewish leaders accuse the man of breaking Sabbath law by carrying his mat (John 5:10). • Pressed for an explanation, the man simply repeats Jesus’ directive (John 5:11). • His obedience is grounded in the authority of the One who healed him. Immediate Setting in Acts 5 • The apostles are forbidden by the Sanhedrin to preach in Jesus’ name (Acts 5:27–28). • Peter and the others declare their unshakable priority: God’s command outranks every human order (Acts 5:29). • Their stance leads to persecution yet also to divine deliverance (Acts 5:40–41). Key Connections Between the Two Passages • Same underlying issue: human authority challenges obedience to God’s explicit command. • In John 5 the healed man cites Jesus’ word as sufficient justification; in Acts 5 the apostles do the same. • Both incidents occur under religious authorities who claim to defend God’s law yet oppose God’s work. • Obedience brings conflict but also bears witness to God’s power—healing in John 5, bold proclamation in Acts 5. • The authority of Christ—whether spoken directly (John 5) or through His Spirit-empowered mission (Acts 5)—supersedes traditional or governmental dictates. Principles of God-First Obedience • God’s commands are clear, specific, and rooted in His character (Psalm 119:160; Isaiah 55:11). • Obedience may provoke opposition, especially when cultural or religious norms are entrenched (Matthew 10:22). • The believer’s defense rests not in elaborate argument but in simple fidelity to what God has said (John 14:15). • God honors those who honor Him, even when immediate consequences seem costly (1 Samuel 2:30; Daniel 3:16-18; Daniel 6:10). • Obedience is an act of trust that God’s authority will ultimately vindicate His servants (Romans 8:31). Practical Takeaways for Today • When civil or cultural directives conflict with Scripture, side with Scripture—graciously yet firmly. • Anchor decisions in what Christ has clearly commanded, not in personal preference or public pressure. • Expect misunderstanding; respond with unwavering allegiance to Christ coupled with respect for people (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Remember that obedience often becomes the platform for God to display His power—healing in one context, gospel advance in another. • Live so that, like the lame man and the apostles, the simplest explanation for your actions is, “Jesus told me to.” Supporting Scriptures for Further Reflection • Exodus 1:17—Hebrew midwives “feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them.” • Joshua 24:15—“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” • Proverbs 29:25—“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” • Galatians 1:10—“If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Revelation 2:10—“Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” |
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