SHALL WE OBEY MEN RATHER THAN GOD?

Passage: Acts 4:13-22

Key verse: 19

NIV

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John(A) and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,(B) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.(C) 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin(D) and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?”(E) they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign,(F) and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.(G) 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?(H) You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking(I) about what we have seen and heard.”(J)

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people(K) were praising God(L) for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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ESV

13 (A)Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed (B)standing beside them, (C)they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, (D)“What shall we do with these men? For that (E)a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them (F)to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, (G)“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for (H)we cannot but speak of what (I)we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, (J)because of the people, for all were praising God (K)for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. These men have been with Jesus (13)

Peter and John were country boys without much formal education. They were ordinary men. But their courage was extraordinary. The Jewish leaders were astounded by them. What made them special? It was not the way they dressed or spoke. It was the fact that they had been with Jesus. The religious leaders took note of this.

2. They decided to obey God (14-22)

The Sanhedrin didn't know what to do. A crippled man had been healed, everyone was praising God, and the gospel of Jesus was spreading. They had to put a stop to it. They commanded Peter and John to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John could not stop. They couldn't help talking about what they had seen and heard. They asked these religious leaders a counter question: 'Is it right in God's sight to obey you or God?'

Prayer: Lord, help me to spend time with Jesus every day so that I can obey you and boldly speak and teach your word of truth.

One Word: They had been with Jesus