Scripture
27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Reflection
“We must obey God rather than humans” has been a statement used to justify many things, not all them were obeying God. However, in this case it is clear. Jesus had said to them, “You will be my witnesses . . .” Now a “council of humans” had told them to stop. They must do what Jesus told them to do because they WERE witnesses. Don’t miss the last thing they said, “And so also is the Holy Spirit” We may not have literally witnessed the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit did and He is in us to speak through us (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- Do you listen more to the voice of the Holy Spirit or of men?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Reflect on a promise from the Bible. For example: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.
