Acts 4:19

19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to 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 prevent the matter spreading any further among the people, let us stop them by threats from speaking in the future in this name to any one whatever."

18 So they recalled the Apostles, and ordered them altogether to give up speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to God.

20 As for us, what we have seen and heard we cannot help speaking about."

21 The Court added further threats and then let them go, being quite unable to find any way of punishing them on account of the people, because all gave God the glory for the thing that had happened.