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Book of Acts - Chapter 5 - Verse 29

5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Meaning

When Peter and the other apostles proclaimed, "We ought to obey God rather than men," they were affirming their commitment to following the will of God above human authority. This statement serves as a reminder to believers that their loyalty and obedience should ultimately lie with God and His commandments, even when they are at odds with the expectations or demands of society or governing authorities. It emphasizes the importance of putting one's faith and trust in God above all else, recognizing His sovereignty and the ultimate authority He holds over every aspect of life. This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their convictions and to prioritize their obedience to God's Word, even when faced with opposition or persecution from those in positions of power. By choosing to follow God's will over the dictates of men, believers demonstrate their commitment to living out their faith authentically and boldly, regardless of the consequences.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Peter and the other apostles make a profound statement about the importance of prioritizing obedience to God over obedience to men. This underscores the central theme in the Bible of following God's will above all else. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the idea that as believers, our ultimate allegiance is to God and His commandments, even when they conflict with the expectations or demands of society. This verse highlights the apostles' unwavering commitment to God's authority, regardless of the consequences they might face for disobeying human authorities. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the nuances of the original Greek text to understand the full implications of this statement. The word for "obey" implies not just outward compliance but a deep-seated conviction and submission to God's will. By focusing on the theological interpretation and word studies of this verse, we gain a richer understanding of the apostles' resolute faith and the timeless truth it conveys for believers today.

American Standard Version

But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.
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