What is the meaning of Acts 4:19? But • The conjunction turns us back to verse 18, where the council “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” The gospel is already colliding with human opposition (Acts 4:1-3). • Scripture often uses a simple “but” to mark a pivotal shift—God’s purposes moving forward despite resistance (Genesis 50:20; Psalm 118:13). • The clash here is not accidental; Jesus had forewarned His followers of such moments (John 15:20). Peter and John replied • These two men stand as eyewitnesses of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 3:15) and are now Spirit-empowered spokesmen (Acts 4:8). • Their unified response shows the strength that comes from fellowship in truth (Ecclesiastes 4:12; Luke 10:1). • Courage is the hallmark of those who have seen the risen Lord (Acts 1:22; 2 Timothy 1:7). Judge for yourselves • The apostles invite the council to weigh the matter, echoing Joshua’s “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). • They appeal to the leaders’ own sense of justice, much like Jesus did in Luke 12:57, underscoring that God’s moral law is written on every heart (Romans 2:15). • This is not defiance for its own sake; it is a gracious call to honest evaluation. whether it is right in God’s sight • “Right” has one standard—God’s. Human verdicts must align with divine truth (Isaiah 5:20; Proverbs 21:2). • The phrase “in God’s sight” reminds us that every action is laid bare before Him (Hebrews 4:13). • When earthly directives conflict with God’s commands, the believer’s course is clear (Acts 5:29; Galatians 1:10). to listen to you rather than God • Obedience to God supersedes all lesser authorities (Daniel 3:16-18; 6:10; Matthew 10:28). • The apostles respect civil authority (Romans 13:1) yet recognize its limits: no human order can nullify God’s mandate to proclaim Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). • Practical takeaways: – Speak truth even when pressured to be silent. – Measure every command against Scripture. – Trust God with the consequences of faithful obedience (1 Peter 4:19). summary Peter and John, confronted by powerful leaders, draw a clear line: when human commands collide with God’s, the Christian must follow God. Their respectful yet unwavering stance models Spirit-filled courage, invites honest judgment, appeals to God’s absolute standard of right, and affirms that listening to God always outranks listening to men. |
    |