“Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:28-29 HCSB
I firmly believe that a person should obey police and others who are in authority as long as what is being asked of the person is not illegal, immoral, or against what God tells us to do in His Word. Respect for authority seems to be a problem in today’s world. Children frequently disobey their parents and teachers, people no longer obey the police, and even soldiers are known to disobey a direct order from those in charge. The world’s order is dependent upon people respecting each other and obeying those in positions of authority.
The religious leaders instructed Peter and the apostles to stop teaching about Jesus, but they had a higher authority than the religious leaders – God. It is more important to obey God than to obey men. It is inevitable that Christians will face conflict with others if they are going to live their lives for God and take a stand for what it right (see John 15:18). There will be situations when a person cannot obey both God and men.
Challenge: Are you obeying God’s Word and His instructions? You must trust His Word and do what it says. Are you ready to be ridiculed and rejected because of your beliefs? Be encouraged to know that God blesses those who are hated, excluded, and mocked because of His name (see Luke 6:22).