Respectful disobedience
Scripture reading for May 12: Acts 5
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this Name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things and so is the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to those that obey Him.” Acts 5:27-31
The apostles were brought before the council of the Jews and commanded not to preach or heal in Jesus’ Name. (Acts 4:17) However they had continued to minister and God had granted many miracles and healings. They were arrested and imprisoned, but an angel opened the doors and told them to go to the temple and preach. At daybreak, they headed out. The officials, thinking they were still in custody, asked to have them brought in. Instead they were told that the men were preaching in the Name of Jesus at the temple!
When the high priest questioned them, he asked why they did not heed his strict warning. The disciples told him that they must obey God rather than men. And then they spoke the Gospel to the high priest and religious leaders who had gathered. The told of how they had killed Jesus through crucifixion and how God the Father had raise Him up from the dead. They declared the resurrected Jesus was at God’s right hand as Leader and Savior. He was there offering salvation to all who would repent in Israel and He would also forgive their sins. With the boldness of the Holy Spirit they declared the Word of God!
Have you ever had to chose between obeying God and obeying man? Why did these religious leaders, including the high priest, forbid these men from preaching and healing in Jesus’ Name? How was the Holy Spirit a part of this event?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Good News of Jesus, the Son of God, coming into our world and disrupting religion. The rules of men, even religious ones, must never contradict Your Word. Fill me again with holy boldness and courage to obey You and not men. Open prison doors and send them out! Amen!
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