When is it right to disobey authority? (Acts 4:19)
Context, Acts 4:18-20 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:19
ESV - 19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.
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Asked October 03 2019
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Shirley H
I want to share a piece of a letter from Rabbi Jonathan Cahn.
"When I was ministering in Cuba, it was illegal to spread the Gospel in public...public gatherings , especially for Jesus were illegal. We were told not to do anything to cause a gathering. ...We had to go to the store...I had a shofar that I left in the van...someone came in and told us there was a gathering beginning outside. Cubans were gathering around the van. To gaze at the shofar in the van. They were trying to figure out what it was. So we emerged from the store to find an illegal gathering...around the van, and around the shofar. I explained...the shofar was the trumpet from the Bible. Then...they pretty much demanded, that I sound the shofar -so I did.
As I sounded the shofar, one of the men in the crowd started jumping up and down and screaming. We asked, 'What happened?' They told us, 'That man is deaf, but he was now shouting because he heard the sound of the shofar.'
What happened was illegal. We broke a number of laws...sharing the Gospel. We also broke the law of deafness and infirmity in the power of Messiah.
If you are a follower of Messiah, then you too must learn how to become a law breaker....There are many different kinds of laws in this world...many are not from God.
When Messiah rose from the grave, He broke many laws at once...So don't be bound by the laws of this world, but become a holy law breaker."
As we respect authority, we are first citizens of heaven.
Jack Gutknecht
This is a good closing statement of yours, Shirley: "As we respect authority, we are first citizens of heaven.
We do what is right (in God's eyes) and we will be commended (by God).
I would vote up your answer by this time there was no button for me to do that.:-(
Shirley H
If forced to choose between Bible and law authority, I choose God's word. He is the ultimate. After all, eternity is a long time. Plus, I want to personally meet Jesus! I love it every once in a while, when someone says no to authority and stands firm on Bible truth! I feel that you are such a person yourself. We are to be immovable in the Word.
How many times did Jesus walk right through a crowd and authorities could not touch Him? We, in Him, have the same protection! Look at Jonathan! AMEN!