Acts 4 19

Acts 4:19 kjv

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Acts 4:19 nkjv

But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

Acts 4:19 niv

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

Acts 4:19 esv

But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,

Acts 4:19 nlt

But Peter and John replied, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?

Acts 4 verses

h2 MeaningActs 4:19 serves as a profound declaration of allegiance to God above human authority when the two come into conflict. When commanded by the Sanhedrin to cease preaching about Jesus, Peter and John assert that it is their fundamental obligation to obey God rather than men. Their statement is a rhetorical question that challenges their accusers, forcing them to acknowledge the obvious truth: ultimate loyalty and obedience are due to God alone. This verse articulates a core principle of Christian faithfulness, asserting that God's will takes precedence over any human decree that contravenes it.

h2 Cross References

h2 ContextThis verse is embedded in the narrative immediately following Peter and John's healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple (Acts 3). This miraculous healing led to a public proclamation of Jesus' resurrection and salvation through His name, drawing a large crowd (Acts 3:11-26). The Sadducees, priests, and the captain of the temple guard, disturbed by their teaching, especially the doctrine of resurrection which they denied, arrested Peter and John (Acts 4:1-3). The apostles were then brought before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial council, including prominent figures like Annas and Caiaphas, the high priests (Acts 4:5-6). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly preached Christ, affirming that salvation comes only through Jesus' name (Acts 4:8-12). The Sanhedrin, perplexed by the apostles' courage, especially given their common, uneducated background, and unable to deny the evident miracle, commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:13-18). Acts 4:19 is Peter and John's unified and defiant response to this direct prohibition, asserting the absolute priority of God's will over human edicts.

h2 Word analysis

• But (Greek: De - δέ): This particle introduces a strong contrast or opposition. It signifies a turning point or a rebuttal, highlighting that Peter and John's response directly opposes the Sanhedrin's command.
• Peter and John: The specific naming of these two apostles underscores their unity and shared conviction. It highlights that the response is not a sole decision but a joint declaration of faith and principle from key leaders of the nascent church.
• answered and said (Greek: apokrithentes eipon - ἀποκριθέντες εἶπον): This dual verb construction emphasizes a deliberate and considered, yet immediate, response. It was not a hasty outburst but a weighty declaration born of spiritual conviction.
• unto them: This indicates the Sanhedrin, the highest religious and judicial authority among the Jews at the time. The challenge is directed precisely at those who held immense human power and expected obedience.
• Whether (Greek: ei - εἰ): This particle introduces a rhetorical question. It's not seeking information or a real judgment from them but is intended to make them realize the obviousness of the answer themselves, based on their own understanding of God.
• it be right (Greek: dikaion - δίκαιον): Meaning "just," "righteous," "equitable," or "fitting." This term elevates the question beyond mere legality to a matter of moral and divine standard. It appeals to a higher sense of justice, rooted in God's character and commandments.
• in the sight of God (Greek: enopion tou Theou - ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ): Literally "before the face of God." This phrase shifts the entire dispute from the human court (the Sanhedrin) to the ultimate divine tribunal. It implies accountability not just to men but directly to the Sovereign Creator. It evokes a sense of God's perfect omniscience and righteous judgment.
• to hearken (Greek: akouein - ἀκούειν): Meaning "to hear," but more significantly "to listen," "to pay attention," and "to obey." It denotes active submission and compliance, not merely passive hearing.
• unto you: Refers specifically to the Sanhedrin and their human, earthly authority and commands.
• more than (Greek: mallon ē - μᾶλλον ἢ): This comparative phrase clearly sets up a dichotomy. It is not possible to fully obey both when their directives conflict; a choice of priority must be made. One must supersede the other.
• unto God: The ultimate and absolute authority, the Source of all truth and righteousness. Peter and John declare their allegiance and obedience primarily to Him.
• judge ye (Greek: krinatate - κρίνατε): A powerful imperative command, effectively turning the tables on their judges. Peter and John place the burden of ethical judgment back upon the Sanhedrin, compelling them to consider their own principles and conscience regarding God's supremacy. It implies that the answer should be self-evident to any rational and God-fearing person.

h2 CommentaryActs 4:19 encapsulates the bold spirit of early Christian witness when faced with opposition. After Peter and John are explicitly commanded by the powerful Sanhedrin to stop preaching about Jesus, they issue a counter-challenge that shifts the judicial arena from a human court to the very presence of God. The rhetorical "judge ye" compels the Sanhedrin, themselves interpreters and enforcers of divine law, to acknowledge whose authority truly reigns supreme. This verse establishes a fundamental tenet for believers throughout history: while Christians are generally called to submit to governing authorities (Rom 13:1), this submission has clear boundaries. When human laws or commands directly contradict God's clear will, particularly the command to proclaim Christ, the Christian's first and highest loyalty belongs unequivocally to God. This stance transformed frightened disciples into unyielding witnesses, marking a pivotal moment where the nascent church asserted its divine mandate over human restriction, embracing the potential for persecution over compromise of truth.

h2 Bonus section

• The declaration in Acts 4:19 sets a precedent for righteous civil disobedience, emphasizing that faithfulness to God can necessitate non-compliance with human mandates that violate divine law. This principle undergirds much of the persecuted church's resolve throughout history.
• This exchange directly showcases the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to His disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them words and wisdom when they faced hostile authorities (Matt 10:19-20; Luke 12:11-12). Peter, who previously denied Christ out of fear (Matt 26:69-75), now boldly confronts the same council, demonstrating his spiritual transformation and empowerment.
• The use of "in the sight of God" is a significant theological phrase that grounds their refusal not in rebellion or defiance for its own sake, but in a profound, deep-seated reverence for God's ultimate standard of righteousness and justice. It signifies that all human actions are ultimately accountable before God.