By Andrew Williams
“Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. ‘We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!’ he said. ‘Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!’ But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.’” Acts 5:27-32 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this passage, Peter and the apostles show us what it means to walk in bold obedience, even when faced with fierce opposition. The high priest and council ordered them to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, but Peter and his companions stood firm, declaring, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” Despite threats and the possibility of severe punishment, they prioritized their commitment to God’s mission over the commands of men. They were not afraid to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even when it implicated their accusers in Jesus’ death. Their courage wasn’t fueled by pride or rebellion but by their unwavering conviction that God’s authority supersedes all earthly powers.
This passage also reveals the apostles’ understanding of their role as witnesses. They recognized that their testimony about Jesus’ resurrection and His offer of forgiveness was not just a duty but a response to the Holy Spirit’s work within them. Their focus was clear: glorify Christ and call others to repentance, no matter the cost.
Peter’s boldness inspires us to reflect on our priorities as disciples. Are we allowing fear of opposition, rejection, or discomfort to silence our witness? Or are we, like Peter, committed to obeying God above all else? This account reminds us that discipleship calls for courage and a willingness to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. The Holy Spirit empowers us, just as He empowered Peter and the apostles, to speak the truth in love and to remain steadfast in our mission. Discipleship requires redirecting our focus from seeking human approval to seeking God’s approval.
Today, take time to evaluate where you may be hesitating to obey God’s call because of fear of what others might think or say. Is there a situation in your life where you need to boldly proclaim your faith or take a stand for what is right? Redirect your focus from human opposition to God’s authority. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and courage to be obedient, no matter the cost. Share your faith with at least one person this week, trusting God to use your testimony for His glory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Peter and the apostles, who stood firm in their obedience to You despite opposition. I confess that I often hesitate to share my faith or stand up for Your truth because of fear of rejection or discomfort. Lord, redirect my focus from seeking human approval to seeking Your will above all else. Fill me with the courage and boldness of Your Holy Spirit so that I can be a faithful witness of Your love and truth. Help me to trust You completely and to obey without hesitation, knowing that You are always with me. I commit to being a disciple who follows You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
