Together in Christ: 'We Must Obey God!' — Acts 5:27-29

Saturday, August 17, 2024

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Then [the Temple guards] brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. "We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man's name!" he said. "Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!"

But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

— Acts 5:27-29 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus promised His disciples the Spirit's help when rulers intent on harming them brought them to trial:

"And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said." [1]

As these apostles stood before the same group that condemned Christ Jesus to death and had the Romans crucify Him, the Spirit strengthened them with might and gave them the power to speak the truth and not back down. [2] Their words proclaimed a truth that the members of the high council believed as well: We must obey God and not human authorities. The members of the high council knew this truth well from Moses' warning recorded in the Torah:

"Just as the Lord has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the Lord your God." [3]

As we seek to honor the Lord Jesus in a world increasingly hostile to faith and especially hostile to Christians, we must speak the truth in love. [4] As we seek to share our hope, we speak with gentleness and respect, [5] yet also with boldness as we refuse to back down from our allegiance to Jesus and our obedience to God. [6]

[1] Luke 12:11-12.
[2] Ephesians 3:14-16; Acts 4:8-9, 31.
[3] Deuteronomy 8:20.
[4] Ephesians 4:15.
[5] 1 Peter 3:15-16.
[6] Acts 4:8-13, 8:1-8.

Today's Prayer

Almighty Father, I want to be faithful to Jesus and obedient to You as the Holy Spirit empowers me to speak to people who do not believe. I want to speak with gentleness and respect for those needing to know Jesus, but with courage, conviction, and boldness when unbelievers pressure me to renounce my faith. I need Your help to have the right words, the right emotions, and the holy intentions that You want me to display. Thank You, dear God, for Your answer to my prayer offered in the authority of Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 7:12-29
  • Deuteronomy 6:1-13

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 5:27-29 NLT — Then [the Temple guards] brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. "We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man's name!" he said. "Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!" But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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