Acts 4:19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

But {G1161} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} John {G2491} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Whether {G1487} it be {G2076} right {G1342} in the sight {G1799} of God {G2316} to hearken {G191} unto you {G5216} more than {G3123}{G2228} unto God {G2316}, judge ye {G2919}.

But Kefa and Yochanan answered, “You must judge whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God.

But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

Acts 4:19 KJV Commentary

Context

Acts 4:19 captures a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, demonstrating the apostles' unwavering commitment to God's will. Following the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate, Peter and John were arrested by the Jewish religious authorities, the Sanhedrin. These leaders, disturbed by the apostles' teaching about Jesus and the resurrection, commanded them to stop speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. This verse records Peter and John's bold and principled response to that command, setting a precedent for Christian obedience.

Key Themes

  • Divine vs. Human Authority: The central conflict presented in this verse is the clash between human decrees and God's divine command. Peter and John assert that God's authority inherently supersedes any human authority when the two are in opposition. This is a foundational principle articulated again later in Acts 5:29: "We ought to obey God rather than men."
  • Courage and Conviction: In the face of intimidation from powerful religious leaders, Peter and John display remarkable courage and unwavering conviction. Their rhetorical question, "judge ye," challenges the Sanhedrin to consider the moral implications of their own command, highlighting the apostles' deep-seated belief in their divine mandate.
  • Conscience and Obedience: The verse underscores the importance of a conscience guided by God's truth. Peter and John's response indicates that their conscience, informed by their experience with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, compelled them to prioritize obedience to God above all else, even at personal risk.
  • Apostolic Witness: Having "seen and heard" the resurrected Christ, the apostles felt an undeniable compulsion to share their testimony. Their refusal to be silenced is a powerful affirmation of their role as witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, a theme introduced in Acts 1:8.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hearken unto you more than unto God" is a direct challenge, using a rhetorical question to force the Sanhedrin to confront their own understanding of righteousness. The Greek word for "hearken" (akouō) implies not just hearing, but also listening with intent to obey. By asking "Whether it be right in the sight of God," Peter and John appeal to a higher court – the ultimate judgment of God – rather than merely the legal or social judgment of the Sanhedrin. This phrase emphasizes accountability to divine standards.

Practical Application

Acts 4:19 continues to resonate deeply with believers today. It provides a timeless principle for navigating situations where human laws or societal pressures conflict with biblical commands. Christians are called to be good citizens and obey governing authorities, but this verse clarifies that such obedience is conditional upon it not requiring disobedience to God. It encourages believers to:

  • Discern God's Will: Prayerfully seek God's guidance through Scripture and the Holy Spirit when faced with moral dilemmas.
  • Stand Firm in Conviction: Cultivate the courage to uphold biblical truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging.
  • Be a Faithful Witness: Recognize that our primary allegiance is to God, and our ultimate calling is to bear witness to His truth in all circumstances.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 5:29

    Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

  • Exodus 1:17

    But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:15

    ¶ I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

  • 1 Timothy 2:3

    For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

  • John 7:24

    Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

  • 1 Kings 22:14

    And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

  • Daniel 3:18

    But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

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