“Obey God rather than men”

Article for Sunday April 12, 2026

Acts 5:29-32 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

The High Priest had just accused the Apostles of preaching the gospel and blaming the death of Jesus on them, the Pharisees.  Peter makes a statement that we should all not only listen to but adhere to as well.  “Obey God rather than men.”  We are just barely avoiding the next step of an evil that will engulf every Christian in our own country of the USA.  It is already taking a strong foothold on most of our continents.

We see the attacks on Christians more and more as some have even been murdered in their church they attended.  Some churches have been purposely destroyed, and persecution of Christians have even been handed down by our politicians of which some would love to close our churches down for their immoral agendas and sinful natures.  We might be able to catch our breath for a little while.  Know this breath of fresh air in our faith is short and just temporary.  Our faith will be tested as our country becomes more divided.

What is worse than persecution is that people of our country have and are turning their backs on God.  That people turn their back on God is causing our churches to shrink and even close. 

Peter said, “Obey God rather than men.”  Listen and take heed of these words, keep them in your heart, and put them into action that you prevent yourself from falling away to the world.

Acts 5:33–34 33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.

Gamaliel the wise?  I guess you would have to be a Tolkin fan.  (Gandalf the wise).  However, Gamaliel was wise as He warns and makes the rest of the priests stop and think of what they were about to do.  Gamaliel reminded them of two, Theudas and Judas the Galilean, who tried to claim they were someone they were not and though these two commanded a large group of followers, when they were killed their followers all dispersed.

The difference here is that Gamaliel realized they killed Jesus, but His followers did not disperse!  In fact, the proof is in those whom the Pharisees were putting on trial for speaking the words of Jesus.  Not only that these men who were on trial claim that Jesus was resurrected from the dead but is also being witnessed by many.

Acts 5:38–40 38So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Fear is wisdom as long as you do not let fear overwhelm you.  Gamaliel seemed to have witnessed enough to know when to be cautious.  If these men are following God, then no matter what the Pharisees do will not stop them from succeeding.  Let them alone and if this is of men it will fail. 

A lesson for all that if we keep our faith in God then God’s will, will succeed but if we make it about us then we will fail.  There have been men in our time and in the past who tried to make it about themselves and have led many astray.  Some were even led into committing suicide.  These events make it even more important to know God’s word so that we do not be led astray and down some black hole that may swallow us up, and not for good. 

There is much in our world today that distracts us from God.  Many have already fallen into these traps because “they don’t seem to be so bad.”  If the word “bad” is in the sentence well, you decern. 

Acts 5:41–42 41Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Peter and the Apostles decerned that the word of God and its importance.   The Gospel of Jesus is over everything and though they were beaten, they continued with more vigor and rejoicing to give the gospel of Jesus to all who would listen.  We too may rejoice in every suffering we face because of our faith in Jesus our Christ.

1 Peter 1:8–9 8Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

      Jesus is risen, Jesus is risen, Jesus is risen.  Jesus who suffered pain and humility and died for our sins is the risen Lord who gives all who believe and follow Him eternal life. 

Amen.

Written by Pastor Curtis A. May