How does Peter's response in Acts 5:29 connect to Romans 13:1-2? Context of the Two Passages Acts 5 records the apostles standing before the Sanhedrin after being forbidden to preach in Jesus’ name. Peter answers, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Romans 13:1-2, written later by Paul, commands, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God… So he who resists the authority is opposing what God has set in place”. Shared Foundation: God-Given Authority • Both passages affirm that all legitimate authority originates with God. – Romans 13:1 — God establishes governing powers. – Acts 5:29 — Peter recognizes God as the ultimate Authority, higher than the Sanhedrin. • Because God delegates earthly authority, obedience to rulers is normally obedience to God (cf. 1 Peter 2:13-15). Apparent Tension, Real Harmony • Romans 13 stresses our default posture: willing submission and respect. • Acts 5 highlights the exceptional moment: when rulers directly command disobedience to God’s revealed will. • The harmony: 1. Obey rulers because God instituted them. 2. But if rulers require what God forbids or forbid what God requires, obey God first. Biblical Precedents of the Principle • Daniel 3 — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the image. • Daniel 6 — Daniel continues praying despite the royal edict. • Exodus 1:15-21 — Hebrew midwives preserve infant boys against Pharaoh’s order. • Each example mirrors Acts 5: obedience to God over conflicting human commands while otherwise living honorably under pagan rule. Practical Outworking for Believers Today • Submit cheerfully to laws: taxes (Romans 13:6-7), civil regulations, social order. • Engage respectfully with authorities (Acts 4:8-12 shows Peter addressing leaders courteously). • Disobey only when a law directly contradicts explicit Scripture—e.g., prohibiting gospel proclamation (Matthew 28:19-20), mandating idolatry, or forbidding acts of Christian obedience. • Even in civil disobedience, accept consequences without retaliation (Acts 5:40-41; 1 Peter 2:19-23). • Pray for rulers (1 Timothy 2:1-2) that they will not place believers in situations requiring such costly choices. Key Takeaway Romans 13 sets the rule—honor and obey governing authorities as God’s servants. Acts 5 supplies the exception—when human commands collide with God’s commands, “We must obey God rather than men.” Proper Christian citizenship balances loyal submission with unwavering allegiance to the higher, divine Authority. |
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