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Acts 5:29
We generally think of this verse only in terms of a state of persecution, but its principle applies all the time. Life is a series of compulsions which lead us to choices. These compulsions come in two varieties: 1) forced, as by a gun to our temple which says, "Do this or else," and 2) unforced, just as each dawn comes regardless, gently persuading us to rise and meet our duties. Each pushes us to choose, and the only real difference in them is their strength.
We are surrounded by various elements that, forced or unforced, exert pressure to compel us to submit to them out of loyalty. Both good and evil are compulsions pressuring us to follow them. Our culture urges us to "go along." Family ties influence us to blend in. Our peers, friends in business, school, or neighborhood buddies, entice us to conform. These compulsions sweep us along, and all too frequently we go right into idolatry to satisfy our desires to be accepted and feel secure. But Peter and the other apostles said, "We ought to obey God rather than men."
John W. Ritenbaugh
The First Commandment (1997)Related Topics: Choice,Power of | Compulsion | Conforming | Conforming to God's Will | Idolatry | Loyalty | Obedience | Peer pressure
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What Does Acts 5:29 Mean?
Life presents constant compulsions, forced and unforced, pressuring submission and loyalty, often sweeping people into idolatry to satisfy desires for acceptance and security. Against these, God's priority must guide every choice. Submission to government is itself obedience to God, yet ultimate loyalty belongs to Christ, not Caesar. God's people pay taxes, obey civil laws, and honor leaders (Romans 13), but never compromise faith when man's law contradicts God's. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel obeyed God despite expecting death. When authority opposes God, it becomes anti-Christ, demonic. Even while obeying God, one must still submit to man's laws by accepting their penalties, whether fine, imprisonment, or death. This priority of divine over human authority demands discernment in a troubled world.