Obeying God Over Men
Acts 5:29–32 (NASB95)
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Acts 5:29-32 records Peter's bold response to the high priest's accusations, reaffirming the apostles' commitment to obeying God above all else. Peter declares, "We must obey God rather than human beings!" This statement echoes a sentiment attributed to Socrates at his trial, emphasizing the apostles' willingness to prioritize divine authority over the demands of human rulers. This principle of obeying God over human authority is central to the Christian faith and has profound implications for how we live our lives. This declaration would have resonated with Luke's audience, who were familiar with both Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions that valued obedience to a higher power.
Peter then reminds the council of their role in Jesus' death, stating that God raised Jesus from the dead after they had killed Him by hanging Him on a cross. The phrase "hanging him on a tree" alludes to Deuteronomy 21:22-23, associating Jesus' crucifixion with a shameful form of execution under Jewish law. This further indicts the council for their rejection and execution of Jesus. The apostles' willingness to publicly accuse the council of this crime demonstrates their courage and conviction that they speak God's truth.
Peter continues by declaring that God exalted Jesus to His right hand as Prince and Savior, echoing Psalm 110:1. This exaltation signifies Jesus' supreme authority and His role as the mediator of salvation. Jesus' exaltation is directly connected to His resurrection, further highlighting the significance of this event for the Christian message. Peter's use of the titles "Prince" and "Savior" would have resonated with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, associating Jesus with figures of authority and deliverance.
Peter then emphasizes the purpose of Jesus' exaltation: to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. This offer of forgiveness is central to the apostles' message and consistent with the message of John the Baptist and Jesus himself. It also reminds the council of their own need for repentance, given their role in Jesus' death.
Take note of a few things:
Notice all the ties to the Old Testament in the Book of Acts. What we see happening in Jesus and the Church is not a new plan of God. It is a continuation of God’s plan revealed in the Old Testament.
Notice how Peter calls God “the God of our Fathers” (vs. 30). Notice the connection to Israel, the forefathers of Peter, and the apostles. The Church begins with Israel; they are the core of the Church. Contrary to popular dispensational beliefs of modern Christians, Israel’s place and purpose in God’s plan have not ended.
Like the apostles, we must remain respectful and courteous, even in the face of hostility. We should also be prepared to defend our faith and explain the reasons for our hope, always doing so with gentleness and respect. While we should not be afraid to speak the truth, we should do so with wisdom and discernment, seeking to build bridges rather than create unnecessary conflict. By following the apostles' example of courageous yet respectful engagement, we can effectively navigate challenging situations and continue to share the message of salvation with a world in need.
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight