Obedience to God and Man
January 29, 2020
Commentary
As you can imagine, the temple guards were perplexed upon finding the empty prison cells (v. 24). They were soon informed, however, that their prisoners were already back in the temple, preaching as though nothing had happened (v. 25). The guards once again arrested the apostles, but they did so gently, fearing the wrath of the people (v. 26). What could the religious leaders do with a group of preachers whom jails could not hold? Upon recapturing them they charged them with:
1. Disobeying direct orders (v. 28) – They continued to preach in Jesus’ name.
2. Placing blame on them (v. 28) – While not completely responsible for the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross, the religious leaders certainly had played a large role in what had happened, and they did not enjoy the constant reminder of their guilt.
The apostles did not change their convictions, but simply replied that obedience to God took priority over obedience to man (vv. 29-32). These were men of principle and courage. Their ruling principle was to be obedient to God no matter the circumstance.
When addressing the religious leaders, the apostles didn’t shy away from the truth which they knew must offend their audience. They stated the facts.
1. God raised Jesus back to life (v. 30).
2. The Religious leaders were responsible for His death (v. 30).
3. God had exalted Jesus as a leader and a savior (v. 31).
4. Jesus now offers an opportunity for Israel to repent and be forgiven for their sins (v. 31).
5. The apostles were witnesses of these truths (v. 32).
6. The Holy Spirit was also a witness of these truths (v. 32).
Application
The Christian life is not a parking lot, but instead it is a launching pad. How would I feel if I were sent to jail for sharing Christ? Would it be “poor me” or “praise the Lord"?
Acts 5:24– 32 (NET)
24 Now when the commander of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were greatly puzzled concerning it, wondering what this could be. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courts and teaching the people!” 26 Then the commander of the temple guard went with the officers and brought the apostles without the use of force (for they were afraid of being stoned by the people).
27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the council, and the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name. Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood on us!” 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. 30 The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these events, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Illustration: DLMoody on Obedience
If people were true to the first commandment, obedience to the remaining nine would follow naturally. It is because they are unsound in this that they break the others. (D.L. Moody).