But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!

Acts 4:18-21



18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.



"God or Man?”





God created heaven and earth. Then He rules over them. He is constantly involved in the history of mankind. That is what the bible tells us. I know that there are some people who argue that God only created the world, then He left it alone. But that’s not what the Bible says. According to the Bible, God called Abraham and told him to go to the land that He chose for him. God visited Moses and commanded him to lead His people out of Egypt. In the same way, God interacts with individuals and nations constantly. God eventually sent His son to save the world. On the other hand, there were people who constantly attempted to separate God from man. They deny God’s authority over men to keep their own selfish gains. The tension between men and God was at its peak when Jesus was on earth. Jesus declared the kingdom of God. He manifested the genuine power and authority of God through His ministry. On the other hand, the religious leaders denied Jesus and the kingdom of God. They eventually crucified Jesus. But the kingdom of God that Jesus declared continued and demonstrated its power and authority through the disciples. Peter and two other disciples miraculously healed the lame from birth at the gate of the temple. The religious leaders tried to silence them again. But the disciples who now were filled with the Holy Spirit could not be put down. They boldly asked before the Sanhedrin,

“Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judge?”

How courageous and how triumphant they were before the enemy! How could they do it? Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit. They firmly knew that they live in God’s kingdom, and they are always in God’s eyes no matter where they are.

The tension between God and men still exists in our time, individually and collectively. We are often threatened and cornered to deny God to protect human pride and selfish gains. How are you making your choices? Are you confident as Peter and John were? Can you say it like Peter? You can do it too when you become filled with the Holy Spirit as they were. Nothing can silence you. Amen!