Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just a restatement of their earlier defiance; Peter uses a stronger word for "obey" here, one that signifies owing allegiance to authority. It highlights that their silence wasn't a matter of personal preference but a direct violation of a higher, non-negotiable command from God, especially given the angel's recent instruction.
The apostles have just been arrested by the Sanhedrin for continuing to preach about Jesus, despite being threatened and commanded to stop. After a miraculous prison escape and a bold sermon, they are brought back before the very council who ordered their silence. Peter, speaking for the group, firmly declares their allegiance lies not with human authority, but with God's direct commands, especially those recently given by an angel and the Holy Spirit.
Understand the original words
peitharcheō · Greek Verb
The act of submitting one's will and conduct to the commands and desires of another; biblically, it is the primary obligation of the believer toward God above all human authorities.
This event occurs during a period of intense persecution for the early followers of Jesus. Their bold declaration, 'We must obey God rather than men,' directly challenges the authority of the Jewish leadership, who had previously warned them to cease preaching about Jesus.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and, according to his followers, rises from the dead three days later. This event is the foundation of the early Christian movement.
c. AD 30-33
Founding of the Jerusalem Church
Following Jesus' ascension, his followers gather in Jerusalem, forming a community that experiences rapid growth and demonstrates supernatural signs.
c. AD 30-33
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate. This event draws a large crowd and leads to their arrest by temple authorities.
c. AD 30-33
First Arrest and Trial
Peter and John are arrested and questioned by the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. They boldly proclaim Jesus' name, but are released with a warning.
This verse echoes the sentiment of Acts 4:19 where Peter and John first stated, 'As for us, we can't help speaking about what we have seen and heard.' It highlights a consistent commitment to divine calling over human restriction.
1 Samuel 15:22This passage demonstrates the principle that obedience to God is paramount, even over human practices or sacrifices, as Samuel declared, 'To obey is better than sacrifice.' This reinforces Peter's stance that God's commands supersede those of human authorities.
Daniel 3:17-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's defiance of King Nebuchadnezzar's idolatrous command, stating 'If it is so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods,' parallels Peter's unwavering resolve. Their willingness to face fiery judgment rather than disobey God mirrors the apostles' stance.
Matthew 10:28Jesus' teaching here, 'do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul,' directly supports the apostles' courageous stand. It provides the spiritual foundation for why they could prioritize obedience to God, who has ultimate authority over life and death, rather than to human rulers.
Romans 13:1-2ellicottActs 5:29: "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
(29) Then Peter and the other apostles. —The whole company of the Twelve, it must be remembered, were now the objects of attack, and they all accept Peter as their spokesman. We ought to obey God rather than men.—The words are an assertion of the same general law of duty as that of Acts 4:19-20, but the command of the angel in Acts 5:20 had given them a new significance.
barnesActs 5:29: "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
We ought to obey ... - See the notes on Acts 4:19 .
This isn't just a restatement of their earlier defiance; Peter uses a stronger word for "obey" here, one that signifies owing allegiance to authority. It highlights that their silence wasn't a matter of personal preference but a direct violation of a higher, non-negotiable command from God, especially given the angel's recent instruction.
The apostles have just been arrested by the Sanhedrin for continuing to preach about Jesus, despite being threatened and commanded to stop. After a miraculous prison escape and a bold sermon, they are brought back before the very council who ordered their silence. Peter, speaking for the group, firmly declares their allegiance lies not with human authority, but with God's direct commands, especially those recently given by an angel and the Holy Spirit.
The apostles have just been arrested by the Sanhedrin for continuing to preach about Jesus, despite being threatened and commanded to stop. After a miraculous prison escape and a bold sermon, they are brought back before the very council who ordered their silence. Peter, speaking for the group, firmly declares their allegiance lies not with human authority, but with God's direct commands, especially those recently given by an angel and the Holy Spirit.
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c. AD 30-33
Continued Ministry and Growth
The apostles continue to preach and perform miracles, even as opposition grows. Many people are converted, and the church expands.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Second Arrest of the Apostles
The apostles are arrested again, this time including Peter and the others, for continuing to teach about Jesus despite the earlier threats.
c. AD 30-33
Divine Rescue and Angelic Message
An angel miraculously frees the apostles from prison overnight, instructing them to return to the temple and boldly preach the message of life.
While this passage acknowledges the God-ordained authority of governing institutions, Peter's declaration in Acts clarifies the ultimate hierarchy. It shows that when human authority directly conflicts with God's clear commands, obedience to God takes precedence, not as rebellion against the state, but as faithfulness to a higher King.
"But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men." — This isn't just a restatement of their earlier defiance; Peter uses a stronger word for "obey" here, one that signifies owing allegiance to authority. It highlights that their silence wasn't a matter…