Acts 5:29

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} the other apostles {G652} answered {G611} and said {G2036}, We ought {G1163} to obey {G3980} God {G2316} rather {G3123} than {G2228} men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa and the other emissaries answered, “We must obey God, not men.

Berean Standard Bible

But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

American Standard Version

But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:29 presents a pivotal declaration by the Apostle Peter and the other apostles, articulating a foundational principle for all believers: when human commands directly conflict with divine mandates, allegiance and obedience must unequivocally be given to God. This bold statement, delivered in the face of severe persecution and a direct prohibition from the Sanhedrin, encapsulates the unwavering resolve of the early Church to prioritize their divine commission to proclaim the Gospel above all earthly authority. It serves as an enduring testament to the supremacy of God's will and the moral imperative for His followers to obey Him above all else.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is situated within a dramatic narrative of escalating conflict between the nascent Christian community and the Jewish religious establishment in Jerusalem. Following their miraculous release from prison by an angel and their immediate return to preaching in the Temple courts, Peter and the apostles are re-arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. The high priest sternly reminds them of the previous command to cease teaching in Jesus' name, a prohibition they had already defied (cf. [Acts 4:18](/acts/4-18 "Acts 4:18 - The Sanhedrin's Prohibition")). Acts 5:29 is their direct, unyielding response to this accusation, setting the stage for Gamaliel's wise counsel and the subsequent release of the apostles, who continue their mission with renewed boldness (cf. [Acts 5:33-42](/acts/5-33-42 "Acts 5:33-42 - Gamaliel's Counsel and Apostolic Perseverance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin, comprised of leading priests, elders, and scribes, represented the highest religious and judicial authority for the Jewish people under Roman rule. Their command to the apostles was not merely a suggestion but a binding legal and religious injunction, backed by the power to imprison, flog, and even execute. For the apostles, who were devout Jews, defying such an authority was a profound act of civil and religious disobedience, carrying immense personal risk. This period was also marked by a strong Jewish expectation of messianic fulfillment, yet the Sanhedrin largely rejected Jesus as the Messiah, viewing the apostles' preaching as a dangerous heresy that threatened their religious order and their delicate relationship with Rome. The apostles’ stance was thus not only theological but also a radical cultural challenge to established norms of submission to authority.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:29 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute supremacy of God's authority** over all human institutions. The apostles' unwavering conviction demonstrates that divine commands supersede any earthly decree that contradicts them. Secondly, it highlights the **boldness and courage of the early believers**, particularly when empowered by the Holy Spirit, as seen when they were [filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word with boldness](/acts/4-31 "Acts 4:31 - Spirit-Filled Boldness"). This boldness is a direct result of their profound faith and their experience of God's miraculous intervention, such as their [supernatural release from prison](/acts/5-17-20 "Acts 5:17-20 - Angelic Deliverance from Prison"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the theme of **unwavering obedience to God's commission**. The apostles understood their mandate to preach the Gospel as a divine imperative that could not be compromised, even under threat of suffering or death, echoing the divine command to [go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life](/acts/5-20 "Acts 5:20 - The Angel's Command").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ought (Greek, _deî'_):** This word conveys a strong sense of divine necessity or obligation. It is not merely a suggestion or a preference, but a binding duty that stems from God's will and purpose. Peter is asserting that their obedience to God is not optional but an absolute, non-negotiable requirement.
* **obey (Greek, _peitharchéō'_):** Derived from two roots meaning "to persuade" and "to rule," this term specifically denotes submission to authority, particularly a ruler or a governing power. In this context, it signifies a conscious and deliberate act of compliance and submission to the divine authority of God, contrasting it sharply with submission to human rulers.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This term refers to the supreme Divinity, emphasizing His ultimate sovereignty and authority. The apostles' choice to obey "God" rather than "men" highlights the infinite qualitative difference between the Creator and His creation, asserting God's rightful place as the ultimate object of worship and obedience.
* **men (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This general term for human beings stands in direct contrast to "God." By juxtaposing "God" and "men," the verse underscores the finite, fallible, and ultimately subordinate nature of human authority when it stands in opposition to the infinite and infallible authority of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said":** This clause sets the scene, identifying the speakers and their collective response. Peter, as the prominent spokesperson, articulates the unified stance of the apostolic group. The phrase "answered and said" (ἀποκριθέντες εἶπαν) implies a formal, deliberate, and authoritative declaration, not a casual remark.
* **"We ought to obey God":** This is the core declaration, a statement of moral and theological imperative. The use of "we ought" (ἡμᾶς δεῖ) signifies a divine necessity and an inescapable obligation. It asserts that their primary allegiance and duty are to God, from whom their mission and authority ultimately derive.
* **"rather than men":** This phrase establishes the clear antithesis and hierarchy of authority. "Rather than" (μᾶλλον ἤ) indicates a choice where one option is decisively preferred over the other. The apostles are not advocating anarchy, but establishing a principle: when human commands contradict God's commands, God's will takes absolute precedence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "God" with "men" to highlight the fundamental choice and hierarchy of authority. This stark juxtaposition clarifies the absolute priority of divine commands over human ones. The statement itself functions as a **Declaration** or **Proclamation**, a bold and unwavering assertion of truth delivered in a confrontational setting. It is not a question or a plea, but a definitive statement of conviction. Furthermore, the phrase "We ought to obey God" carries the weight of a **Moral Imperative**, conveying a sense of divine necessity and non-negotiable duty, reinforcing the absolute nature of their commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:29 articulates a timeless theological principle: God's authority is supreme, and His commands hold ultimate sway over all human decrees. This principle does not advocate for lawlessness but establishes a hierarchy of loyalties, where the believer's conscience, informed by divine revelation, must always prioritize God's will when it conflicts with human authority. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical theology, affirming God as the sovereign Creator and ultimate Lawgiver, to whom all creation owes allegiance. The apostles' unwavering stance exemplifies a faith that recognizes God as the highest authority, even when it means facing persecution or death.

* [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 Men")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities") (with the understanding that this submission is always subordinate to God's ultimate authority)

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:29 serves as a profound call to examine the ultimate allegiance of our hearts. In a world where various authorities—governmental, societal, cultural, and even personal—vie for our obedience, this verse compels us to discern where our primary loyalty lies. For the believer, it is a reminder that while we are called to respect and submit to governing authorities (as long as they do not compel us to violate God's law), our ultimate and non-negotiable obedience belongs to God alone. This principle is not an excuse for rebellion, but a guide for conscientious living, urging us to cultivate a robust biblical worldview that informs our decisions in ethical dilemmas, professional choices, and public witness. It challenges us to develop a holy boldness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to stand for truth and righteousness, even when it is unpopular, costly, or puts us at odds with prevailing norms. Our faithfulness to God may sometimes lead to discomfort or opposition, but Acts 5:29 assures us that prioritizing His will is always the righteous and ultimately victorious path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to obey human expectations or societal norms rather than God's clear commands?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's will so that I am better equipped to discern conflicts between divine and human authority?**
* **What steps can I take to develop the courage and conviction necessary to obey God, even when it is difficult or costly?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate my ultimate allegiance to God rather than to worldly systems or personal desires?**

### FAQ
**Does "obey God rather than men" mean Christians should always defy human laws?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for indiscriminate defiance of all human laws. The broader biblical teaching, particularly in passages like [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13 "Romans 13 - Submission to Authorities") and [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority"), instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God for order and justice. Acts 5:29 applies specifically when human laws or commands directly contradict God's revealed will or His explicit commands. In such cases, the principle is clear: divine authority takes precedence. The apostles were commanded by God to preach the Gospel (e.g., [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")), and the Sanhedrin commanded them not to. This was a direct conflict, necessitating obedience to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:29 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied obedience to God rather than men. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently prioritized the will of His Father, even when it led to direct confrontation with religious authorities and ultimately to the cross. He declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Purpose")). His entire life was a living demonstration of this principle, culminating in His submission to the Father's will in Gethsemane, praying, "Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). As believers, our call to obey God rather than men is a call to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who is our supreme example of perfect obedience. We are empowered to live this truth because Christ, through His death and resurrection, has triumphed over all earthly powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Our allegiance to God is thus rooted in our allegiance to Christ, the Lord of all, who calls us to live lives of uncompromising faithfulness to the Father's will, just as He did.

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

1 Samuel 15:24

¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

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.

Mark 7:7

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:9

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Genesis 3:17

¶ And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life;

Revelation 14:8

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Revelation 14:12

Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.