You would think a true Christian is not someone who would be suggesting a campaign of disobedience. (Romans 13:1-7.) But in this true story of Peter and John, two of Jesus’ apostles, we will find out their just cause for disobedience! when they defy the orders of their country’s religious leaders.
Peter and John were put out of the Council room where they had been on trial. (verse 15.) The court was adjourned until the Jewish leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law discussed with the High Priests what to do with them. (Acts 4:5, 16.)
You see, a man over 40 years old who had been lame from birth, had been miraculously healed by Peter and John preaching in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. (Acts 4:7-10.)
But these religious leaders were furious, because this would make the preaching about Jesus Christ to be popular among the people. Peter’s message about Jesus was clear: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12.)
If the people came to believe this, then these priests and teachers knew they would lose their followers, and they would be redundant! They had to decide what they would do in order “to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people".
“… They called them in again, and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” (verses 17-20.)
Like any other true Christians, Peter and John would have had respect for people in authority. (Romans 13:1-7.) But when anyone gives orders that are contrary to what God has said then there is cause for disobedience! You must choose to disobey either God or man!
The Christian chooses to obey GOD, but he knows that that might mean having to suffer at the hands of those he disobeyed. (Matthew 10:28-39.)
But how much worse for those who would rather obey men or religion instead of GOD - they will discover “it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.” (Hebrews 10:29-31. Matthew 7:21-27.)
The court warned Peter and John even more strongly, and then set them free, but they seemed determined to obey GOD rather than men.
Do you think they were wise to stand against the authority and power of popular religion? IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD AS IMPORTANT AS THAT TO YOU? I hope you will obey and please GOD, whose message for you is that only His Son Jesus Christ can forgive your sins and make you acceptable to Him. (1stTimothy 2:5-6. 1stPeter 3:18.) No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. (John 14:6.)
Read Acts chapter 4, verses 15-22.
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