Obeying God Rather Than Men
In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles declared with conviction: "We ought to obey God rather than men.”
This powerful statement arose when they were commanded by religious authorities to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. Yet their allegiance to God’s authority outweighed fear of man. This declaration is a cornerstone of Christian courage, conscience, and conviction. The entire Bible affirms the supremacy of God’s commands over human institutions.
Deuteronomy 10:12 asks, “What does the Lord your God require of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul?” Obedience to God is not optional—it is the essence of loving Him (John 14:15).
Jesus modeled this perfectly. He said in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.”
Even unto death, Christ obeyed the Father (Philippians 2:8), teaching us that obedience is the highest expression of faith.
When faced with threats, the apostles prayed not for safety, but for boldness (Acts 4:29–31). James 4:4 reminds us, “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.”
The fear of man brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25), but those who trust in the Lord are kept safe.
However, such steadfast obedience to God is only possible for those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep the commands of Jesus, and do the will of the Father.
Romans 12:2 calls believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so they can discern God’s perfect will.
Obedience to God above men may invite rejection or suffering (2 Timothy 3:12), but it also brings divine favor, eternal reward, and joy in God’s presence.
Like the disciples of Jesus, may we boldly live in the truth that we must obey God rather than men—no matter the cost.
