Acts 4:19

19 But Peter and John answered them, "You decide what God would want. Should we obey you or God?

Acts 4:19 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 4:19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them
With great boldness and courage, and without any fear of man, but in the true fear of God whether it be right in the sight of God;
who is omniscient, and sees, and knows all things, all the actions of men, and the springs of them; who is holy, just, and true, and sits and judges among the gods, that which is right: to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye:
it is not denied that magistrates are to be hearkened to, and obeyed: but not more than God, or in things that are contrary to his nature, will, law, honour, and glory: whatever is agreeable to the law and will of God, commanded by magistrates, should be attended to, and cheerfully obeyed; but what is not should be disregarded, whatever follows upon it: and this was so just and reasonable, that the apostles appeal to the sanhedrim, or council itself, to determine.

Acts 4:19 In-Context

17 But to keep it from spreading among the people, we must warn them not to talk to people anymore using that name."

18 So they called Peter and John in again and told them not to speak or to teach at all in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered them, "You decide what God would want. Should we obey you or God?

20 We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard."

21 The Jewish leaders warned the apostles again and let them go free. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had been done.