27When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
We can imagine the overnight stay in jail had led the apostles to reflect on Jesus’ preparation of them for just such a situation:
“But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matt. 10:19–20)
The apostles had been under the Lord’s personal tutelage for three years, learning how to deal with opposition, and it was time to apply their training. Having been released from jail, affirming the Lord was at work in them, they marched right back to the temple to continue preaching. The “authorities” summoned them once again before the Sanhedrin, as if they could somehow increase their threats. This time they charged them with insubordination; clearly the Sanhedrin was on a power trip to maintain control. But further, the authorities charged that the apostles were spreading sedition, that is, turning the whole city to believe that the Sanhedrin was responsible for Jesus’ death.
While it was true that the apostles did not shrink back from blaming the authorities, they also laid the guilt on all of the Jews for Jesus’ death. In fact, by their own proclamation, “All the people said, ‘His blood shall be on us and on our children!’” (Matt. 27:25). Guilty as charged, but the authorities would have none of that. They were incensed, like cornered animals, fighting for their ecclesiastical and political lives, as well as their pride! Answering the question they threw at the authorities earlier (Acts 4:19), the apostles now give their own answer: “We must obey God rather than men.” We are reminded of men of God throughout history who take a stand, like Joshua, who told the Israelites as they were entering the Promised Land:
“Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
Every believer in God must answer this question, “Whom will I serve?” Jesus warned against serving money, our personal pleasures, others, and false teachings. The only answer is, “As for me, I will serve and obey the Lord.”
Lord, I recommit right now to serving and obeying You only!
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