Dear Friends,
We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk. We give thanks to Rev. Dr Linda Stargel, Academic Dean and Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Biblical Language, for writing this devotional.
You are welcome to share this and include it in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
Acts 5: 27-32
27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “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!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 31 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. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.”
Devotional
Scripture is complex. All those who wish to read, interpret, and share it faithfully must humbly recognize and respect this. Peter’s words in the passage above is one example of this. He says, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” To read this out of context could be dangerous. But understanding it in context is powerful and meaningful.
Paul teaches us in Romans 13:1-7 that we are subject to governing authorities. He and the other followers of Jesus are never described as resisting arrest or being particularly rebellious toward the authorities. Jesus himself instructed Peter on this matter in the Garden when Peter struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. So, although Peter speaks these words, “We must obey God rather than any human authority,” Peter has just complied with the authorities in his recent arrest.
So, when exactly is his statement true and reliable?
Only in the context of proclamation, as we see in this narrative. When the apostles are miraculously freed from prison, they are instructed by God to proclaim the whole message of new life (Acts 5:20). No authority other than God can silence the proclamation that Christ has died, Christ has risen, and salvation is found in him. It is this proclamation that cannot be silenced by other authorities. This proclamation bursts forth from the hearts, lips, and lifestyles of post-Resurrection Christ followers. It is this proclamation than cannot be muzzled or restrained. Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.
Prayer
Lord God, fill us and empower us also to humbly proclaim the Gospel of Life to our world without hesitation or restraint, in our words and with our lives.
Shalom,
Linda M. Stargel
Academic Dean
Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Biblical Language