Acts 5:29

29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

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 And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did we not strictly command you, that ye should not teach in this name? and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree:

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.