Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. I. THE SPIRIT OF THE BELIEVER. This is shown in the conduct of the disciples under persecution. 1. A working spirit. As soon as set free, they are found in the temple at work for Christ. 2. A conscientious spirit. "We ought "is the principle controlling their conduct. 3. A witnessing spirit. Notice how strong and how clear is their testimony (vers. 30-32). 4. A rejoicing spirit (ver. 41). They were glad at the privilege of suffering for their Master's cause. II. THE SPIRIT OF THE UNBELIEVER. Notice how this stands in marked contrast with the believer's spirit. 1. There is the fear of men (ver. 26). While the apostles are fearless of popular opinion, their persecutors are fearful, and stand in awe of the people's wrath. 2. There is hatred against the truth (vers. 28, 33). These men were not sincere seekers after the truth. The truth was the particular object of their enmity. 3. There is the spirit of persecution (ver. 40). Either the disciples were right or they were wrong. If they were wrong, the priests' party need have no rear — their cause would come to naught. If they were right, it was a crime to beat them. But to repress truth by violence has been the aim of persecution in all ages. III. THE SPIRIT OF INDECISION. This we observe in the counsel of Gamaliel. His plea may be interpreted as the utterance of a noble toleration or of an unprincipled expediency; perhaps both elements entered into it. Parallel Verses KJV: Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.WEB: But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. |
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