Acts 4:19

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

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 that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

20 for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.

21 And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.