Saturday Reflection – 04 September 2021

Saturday Reflection – 04 September 2021

“We must obey God rather than any human authority.” Acts 5:29

The Apostles had been arrested and brought before the chief priests for disobeying the strict orders that were given to them, not to preach the name of Jesus. You see, the gospel message had spread like wildfire all over Jerusalem, and in jealousy the chief priests along with a sect of the Sadducees arrested the apostles and had them thrown in a public prison. However, an angel had set the apostles free that night, and instructed them to go to the temple and continue preaching. Lo and behold, when the chief priests met, and sent for the apostles, they were not in the prison, and perplexed as to what happened, they spotted them in the temple faithfully teaching about Christ, and took them to the chief priests.

It was here that in verse 27-28, the high priest says to the Apostles “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” And in response, Peter and the Apostles say today’s doctrinal text “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” In fact, they go on to say “The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” (verses 30-32)

The teaching of Christ had been rejected by the chief priests and they had tried to snuff out any preaching of this gospel. There was also jealousy added to the mix, as many people had been drawn to the teaching of this Messiah, and had converted to the church. You can imagine that the Apostles held on to Jesus’ commission to them, and continued faithfully to execute that mission. And here came the instruction that finds itself contrary to Jesus’ instruction. How would they respond? As they did in the doctrinal text. They were convinced by the teaching and example of Christ, that he was indeed the Messiah, that came from heaven, and that he has by his death and resurrection, and by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, offered to us abundant and eternal life. And that anyone who would hear and accept this gospel, would be saved. Therein was the duty to faithfully preach and teach the gospel regardless.

Their answer demonstrated the higher authority that they held as Christians, and importantly the fulfilling of Jesus’ promise, that should be taken before the rulers, that the Holy Spirit would give them the answer and empower them to speak. Whether they were examined together, or individually, their answer exemplifies this promise. They were even frank to the chief priests, not begging for pardon, or giving excuses, but spoke as those given authority by God. Even in their answer, they told the chief priests of their own role in the crucifixion of Jesus. What do we learn from their example? The Apostle Paul reminds us that as Christians, we must be obedient to our leaders and rulers, and observant of the laws that are laid down. However, where those rules contradict, our obligation is first to Almighty God. To his rulership, and therein the principles laid out for us in scripture and in line with the character and heart of God. We must never be disrespectful, instead, be faithful and loving witnesses of the truth, that in God’s time, and by God’s grace, others may see the truth. And God will reward our faithfulness.

For the Apostles, there came Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, who pleaded with his fellow chief priests not to have them killed, but to leave them alone, for if their message is from man, it will fail, but if from God, then nothing we do will stop it, and worse we would be defying God. And instead, the Apostles were flogged (to which they rejoiced for bearing dishonour for the sake of Christ) and let go. The chapter ending by telling us that they did not cease to preach the gospel of Christ. As Christians, it is a call for discernment and wisdom, as we are led by the Holy Spirit and encouraged by our brothers and sisters of the faith. And as they were led by the Holy Spirit, so will we be empowered. For if we deny Christ on earth, so will Christ deny us in heaven. We must be committed to the mission of Christ, just as we are to our secular engagements. When it comes to the test, let us never deny the name that we bear, instead, may we be faithful to God, and there we will find God faithful.

Until next week, let us commit to the cause of Christ, spreading the gospel message, shining the light and love of Christ, in a world filled with darkness and hate. When tested, remember, we are faithful first to God. However, knowing that God has ordered the one in authority over us, let us be respectful, observant, and obedient of the law that guides us. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair