Acts 4:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 4:19 records the courageous and principled response of Peter and John to the Jewish Sanhedrin, who had commanded them to cease speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus. Faced with the choice between obeying human authority and divine mandate, the apostles boldly challenged their interrogators to consider what was truly "right in the sight of God," asserting that their allegiance to God superseded any earthly command that contradicted His will. This verse encapsulates a foundational principle of Christian discipleship: the ultimate priority of obedience to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal declaration by Peter and John occurs immediately after their arrest and interrogation by the Sanhedrin, following the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, as recounted in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - The Healing of the Lame Man"). The healing led to a large crowd gathering, prompting Peter to preach a powerful sermon identifying Jesus as the resurrected Messiah and calling for repentance ([Acts 3:11-26](/acts/3-11-26 "Acts 3:11-26 - Peter's Second Sermon")). The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, and the temple guard were greatly disturbed by the apostles' teaching, especially their proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, which challenged their theological and political authority. Consequently, Peter and John were apprehended and held overnight, setting the stage for the confrontation described in [Acts 4:1-18](/acts/4-1-18 "Acts 4:1-18 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin"), culminating in the Sanhedrin's command to stop speaking in Jesus' name, to which Acts 4:19 is their defiant reply.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish legislative and judicial council in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, comprising seventy-one members, including chief priests, elders, and scribes. They held significant religious and civil authority under Roman rule, particularly over matters of Jewish law and tradition. Their primary concern regarding Peter and John was not merely a theological dispute but a perceived threat to their established order and a potential disturbance that could invite further Roman intervention. The apostles, on the other hand, were uneducated Galilean fishermen, yet they spoke with remarkable boldness, attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 4:13](/acts/4-13 "Acts 4:13 - Boldness of Peter and John")). This encounter highlights the clash between the entrenched religious establishment, seeking to maintain control and tradition, and the nascent Christian movement, empowered by the Spirit and committed to proclaiming a revolutionary message of resurrection and salvation through Jesus Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 4:19 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Acts. Foremost is the **Supremacy of Divine Authority**, asserting that God's commands override human decrees when they conflict, a principle explicitly restated in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"). This verse also showcases the **Courage and Boldness of the Apostles**, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, fearlessly declared the truth despite intimidation and threats from powerful religious leaders, fulfilling the promise of empowerment for witness found in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Faithful Witness**, as Peter and John, having "seen and heard" the resurrected Christ, felt an undeniable compulsion to share their testimony, recognizing their primary calling to bear witness to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, regardless of the cost ([Acts 2:32](/acts/2-32 "Acts 2:32 - God Raised Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From G1342, meaning "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, right(-eous)." Peter and John are not asking if it is legally permissible by human standards, but if it aligns with God's inherent righteousness and justice. Their question appeals to a higher, divine standard of what is morally proper and acceptable in God's eyes.
* **Hearken (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, meaning "to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand." In this context, "hearken" implies not merely physical hearing, but attentive listening with the intent to obey. It signifies a submission of will and action. The apostles are contrasting submission to human authority with submission to God's authority.
* **Judge ye (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, meaning "properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:--avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think." Peter and John throw the burden of decision back onto the Sanhedrin, forcing them to make a moral and spiritual judgment based on their own understanding of God's will, rather than simply enforcing their human decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Peter and John answered and said unto them,"**: This introduces the apostles' direct and unified response to the Sanhedrin's command. Their joint statement signifies a shared conviction and unwavering resolve.
* **"Whether it be right in the sight of God"**: This rhetorical question immediately elevates the discussion from a legal or political dispute to a theological and moral one. The phrase "in the sight of God" (Greek, _enṓpion theós'_) emphasizes accountability to divine standards, appealing to God as the ultimate judge and arbiter of truth and righteousness.
* **"to hearken unto you more than unto God,"**: This is the core of their challenge, presenting a stark dichotomy. The apostles frame the Sanhedrin's command as a direct contradiction to God's will, forcing a choice between two mutually exclusive allegiances. "More than" (Greek, _mâllon ḗ'_) highlights the comparative and superior nature of God's authority.
* **"judge ye."**: This powerful imperative places the responsibility for discernment squarely on the Sanhedrin. It is not a request for their opinion, but a challenge for them to acknowledge the obvious truth: no human authority can legitimately supersede God's authority. It underscores the apostles' unshakeable conviction and their refusal to compromise.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Acts 4:19 is a **Rhetorical Question**. Peter and John do not expect a literal answer from the Sanhedrin; rather, their question, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye," is designed to make an obvious point and to challenge the moral and spiritual authority of their interrogators. It serves to emphasize the self-evident truth that God's authority is supreme and to expose the inherent unrighteousness of the Sanhedrin's command. This device powerfully conveys the apostles' unwavering conviction and shifts the moral burden back onto their accusers, highlighting the absurdity of prioritizing human decrees over divine commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 4:19 stands as a timeless theological declaration, asserting the absolute sovereignty of God over all human institutions and commands. It establishes a fundamental principle for believers: when human law or authority directly conflicts with God's revealed will, obedience to God must take precedence. This is not a call to anarchy, but a recognition that ultimate allegiance belongs to the Creator, not the created. The apostles, having been eyewitnesses to Christ's resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit, understood their divine mandate to proclaim the Gospel as non-negotiable, even in the face of persecution. Their response underscores the Christian's dual citizenship—in an earthly kingdom and in the heavenly kingdom—and the necessity of prioritizing the latter when the two come into conflict.

* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - We Ought to Obey God Rather Than Men")
* [Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16-18 "Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Refusal to Bow")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 4:19 provides a profound blueprint for navigating moral and ethical dilemmas in a world often at odds with biblical truth. It challenges believers to cultivate a conscience so deeply rooted in God's Word and Spirit that they can discern when human commands cross the line into disobedience to God. This requires not only a thorough knowledge of Scripture but also a vibrant, prayerful relationship with the Holy Spirit who empowers such conviction. While Christians are called to be law-abiding citizens and respect governing authorities ([Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")), this verse clarifies that such obedience is conditional: our ultimate allegiance is to Christ. When faced with situations where societal pressures, professional demands, or even governmental decrees compel us to violate biblical principles, we are called to stand firm, demonstrating courage and conviction, trusting that God will uphold those who prioritize His will. This may involve personal cost, but it is the path of true discipleship and faithful witness to the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to prioritize human approval or societal norms over God's clear commands?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's will to discern when human authority conflicts with divine authority?**
* **What steps can I take to strengthen my courage and conviction to obey God, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Does Acts 4:19 mean Christians should always disobey the government?**

Answer: No, Acts 4:19 does not advocate for indiscriminate disobedience to governing authorities. Instead, it establishes a critical principle: when human laws or commands directly contradict God's revealed will, a Christian's ultimate allegiance must be to God. The Bible consistently teaches respect for governing authorities, as they are instituted by God for order and justice ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities") and [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority")). However, Acts 4:19, along with other passages like [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace") (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to worship an idol) and [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Peter's Declaration to the Sanhedrin"), clarifies that this obedience is conditional. If a human authority commands something that would require a believer to sin against God or cease proclaiming His truth, then the higher call to obey God takes precedence. It is a matter of discerning when a command moves from being a legitimate exercise of authority to an illegitimate demand for disobedience to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 4:19, while a powerful declaration by Peter and John, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very life and ministry of Jesus Himself. Jesus consistently demonstrated perfect obedience to His Father's will, even when it meant confronting religious authorities or facing immense suffering. His entire earthly mission, from His baptism to His crucifixion, was an act of "hearkening unto God" above all else, culminating in His submission to the cross as the Father's plan for salvation ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). When Jesus stood before Pilate, He declared His kingdom was "not of this world," subtly asserting a higher authority than Rome's ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). His teaching, such as rendering "unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" ([Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render Unto Caesar")), implicitly sets the boundary for human authority, placing God's claim as supreme. The apostles' courage in Acts 4:19 is a direct outflow of their discipleship to Christ, who modeled unwavering faithfulness to God's will, even unto death, thereby empowering and calling His followers to a similar radical obedience that ultimately glorifies the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.