Acts 5:29

29 Peter and the other apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than people.

Acts 5:29 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 5:29

Then Peter, and the other apostles, answered and said
Peter began, as the mouth of the apostles, being the eldest man, and very bold and zealous; and the rest followed, or joined, with him in what he said:

we ought to obey God rather than men;
this is said in answer to the charge of disobedience to the orders and commands of the council: men, civil magistrates, and ecclesiastical rulers, are to be obeyed in things which are not repugnant to the will of God; but in things that are, God is to be obeyed, and not men. God had commanded by an angel, that the apostles should go to the temple, and there preach the doctrines of the Gospel; the sanhedrim had forbid them to speak and teach in the name of Christ; who were now to be obeyed? God, and not men: from whence it appears that the apostles were to be justified in disregarding the council, and neglecting its orders; and which is no ways contrary to that obedience and submission, that is to be yielded to those that are in authority, in things civil and lawful.

Acts 5:29 In-Context

27 When they brought back the apostles, they made them stand in front of the council. The chief priest questioned them.

28 He said, "We gave you strict orders not to mention Jesus' name when you teach. Yet, you've filled Jerusalem with your teachings. You want to take revenge on us for putting that man to death."

29 Peter and the other apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than people.

30 You murdered Jesus by hanging him on a cross. But the God of our ancestors brought him back to life.

31 God used his power to give Jesus the highest position as leader and savior. He did this to lead the people of Israel to him, to change the way they think and act, and to forgive their sins.