28“We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
Someday it will boil down to this decision, and a true Christian can reply no differently than Peter and the rest of the apostles. It is important to note that Peter did not speak for the twelve, but they all answered.
30“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31“He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
We either feebly attempt to save our own skins, or cast our lot with the “Prince” (of life, Acts 3:15) and Savior who can grant repentance and forgiveness.
32“And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
When we obey God rather than man, we are granted the Holy Spirit to deal with the consequences. We are not alone, and we’re given the right words to say.
I can say from personal experience I’ve been at this juncture before, not at the risk of my life, but an executive position in a large bank. It felt as if I was released by an angel when my one-on-one reply to the directive of the senior vice president to “leave my faith at the door,” went unchallenged. My reply, “If I do, I can’t come in.” This was not a glib retort, but an unplanned, unrehearsed, involuntary response.
The apostles were ultimately released, but not without a flogging. But they rejoiced that they were found worthy to suffer “shame” for the cause of Christ.
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41
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