The Christian & Civil Disobedience
Acts 4:14-22
Acts 4:13-22, (ESV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name." So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 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, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Acts 4:17-20,
But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
1. As Christians we are first and foremost citizens of Heaven
Philippians 3:20-21, (NLT)
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
2. As Christians we are to submit to governmental authority
Romans 13:1, (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Titus 3:1,
Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
1 Peter 2:13-14a, (NIV)
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors...
1 Peter 2:17, (NIV)
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Romans 13:1,
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.
Acts 4:18, (NIV)
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.
3. As a Christian we understand God has established
Romans 13:1, (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Romans 13:2, (NIV)
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:4,
The authorities are God's servants, sent for your good.
4. As Christians we respect those in positions of authority
1 Peter 2:13-14a,
For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority— whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.
Romans 13:7, (NLT)
Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
1 Peter 2:13-16, (MSG)
Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules.
Titus 3:12, (NASB)
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
1 Timothy 2:1, (NLT)
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
