Good morning,
Civil disobedience seems to be in contradiction to different parts of God’s word. However, as we will see, it was the disciples of Christ that continued to preach God’s word after being told to cease.
Lest you think this is inappropriate, please remember that you and I are in the United States of America and not a British colony, because of civil disobedience.
The High Priest and the Sadducees were very upset that the preaching of Christ was having such an impact on the people. They forbid the disciples from preaching Jesus.
“27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.” (Acts 5:27-33)
The High Priest and the Sadducees now discuss this and decided to beat them, command them not to speak in Jesus name, and let them go.
“40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42)
Although they were told to disobey God, they did not. They kept preaching God’s word. Did their actions have consequences? YES. Thousands received Christ. Many became missionaries for the cause of Christ. Also, many were killed for their faith. But ALL obeyed God.
The question for us today is, do we have the faith, trust, and obedient spirit to follow and tell others about Jesus?
Think about that.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
Leave a Reply