“Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” ‘The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (Acts 5:28-32)
The early church was subject to some pretty heavy mandates that prohibited their proclaiming of the gospel. Jail and beatings were common by-products of their daily lives. But note their convictions, first from the Sanhedrin council: who apparently had forgotten their brash statement its supporters had made before Pilate that the responsibility for Jesus death should be on them and their children (Matt.27:25). But also Peter’s response: “We ought to obey God rather than men”
Christians should obey governmental authority, but when government decrees are clearly contrary to God’s Word, God must be obeyed. Salvation for the Jews, as well as Gentiles demands repentance, and Jesus came to give us that eternal life.
Dear Christian friend, in your walk with the Lord you may have to decide to obey God or men, rely upon the truth from His Word, you will have the Holy Spirit’s power and conviction to be an effective witness that’s well pleasing to God.
The Lord bless you!
