Acts 4:19

Translations

Modern

But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

Traditional

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.

Literal

But Peter and John, answering, said to them, “Whether it is right before God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge.

Latin

Petrus vero et Joannes respondentes, dixerunt ad eos: Si justum est in conspectu Dei vos potius audire quam Deum, judicate.

Original

Greek

English

But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

Notes

Acts 4:19–20

The apostles shared a principle that can guide God’s people in dealing with hostile authorities (see also 5:40; compare 1 Samuel 15:22; Jeremiah 7:23; Luke 20:20–26; Romans 13:1–7). Jesus had predicted that his disciples would encounter hostility and persecution (Luke 21:12–19).

Acts 4:1–22

Throughout the Bible, God's people often experienced persecution. God's servants often encountered hostility and opposition (Deuteronomy 30:7; 1 Kings 18:13; Nehemiah 4:1–3; Jeremiah 37–38; Matthew 23:34–37; Luke 11:49–51; 1 Thessalonians 2:14–15). Jesus was also persecuted (Luke 4:29; John 5:16). He warned his disciples to expect similar treatment (Matthew 10:23; 24:9; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:12; John 16:2). However, he promised that the Holy Spirit would provide them with strength (Acts 1:8; Luke 12:11–12; 21:15).

The book of Acts records many examples of persecution (Acts 4:3; 5:17–41; 7:54–8:3; 9:1–2; 11:19; 12:2; 13:50; 14:19; 16:19–24). But it also emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers apostles to testify in such situations (4:8–13; 6:10; 7:55). The courage of Peter and John before the hostile Jewish high council shows how Christians should face persecution with courage and power (4:20).

Theme notes and profiles

John, Son of Zebedee Simon Peter Following Jesus Persecution The Servant-Leader

Events

Peter and John's Trialc. AD 30

Related verses

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
Exodus 1:17
The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.
1 Corinthians 10:15
I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say.
1 Timothy 2:3
This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
1 Kings 22:14
But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.”
John 7:24
Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”
Psalm 58:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?
Hosea 5:11
Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, for he is determined to follow worthless idols.
1 Kings 12:30
And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.
1 Kings 21:11
So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them.
1 Kings 14:16
So He will give Israel over on account of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit.”
2 Chronicles 26:16–20
But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

People

John: Apostle and son of Zebedee Peter: Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church

Glossary

Annas Book of the Acts of the Apostles Courts and Trials John, the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Ruler

Topics

Caiaphas: Peter and Other Disciples Accused Before Christian Minister: Faithful: The Apostles Civil Disobedience Conscience: Faithful of Peter, in Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Courage: Personal Bravery: Peter and Other Disciples Courage: The Courage of Conviction: Peter and John, in Refusing to Obey Men, Rather than God Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Duty of Man to God Government: Constitutes Holy Boldness: Produced by The Fear of God John: The Apostle: Imprisoned by the Rulers of the Jews Missionary Work by Ministers: Obligations to Engage In Obedience to God: Obligations To Obedience: General Scriptures Concerning Persecution of the Righteous Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Reprove and Threaten Peter and John Religious Intolerance: The Jewish Leaders in Persecuting the Disciples Religious Zeal: Exemplified Testimony: Religious, Exemplified

Acts 4:19

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?