Acts 4:19
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 22
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκριθέντες
answered
G611
ἀποκριθέντες
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
6 of 22
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δίκαιόν
right
G1342
δίκαιόν
right
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
11 of 22
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μᾶλλον
more than
G3123
μᾶλλον
more than
Strong's:
G3123
Word #:
18 of 22
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.Exodus 1:17But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.1 Corinthians 10:15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.1 Timothy 2:3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;Daniel 3:18But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.Matthew 22:21They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.1 Kings 22:14And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.
Historical Context
This statement echoes Socrates' declaration that he must obey the divine voice despite Athenian prohibition. Peter's argument followed Jewish tradition prioritizing divine over human authority (Daniel 3:16-18, 6:10). The apostles modeled principled civil disobedience that would characterize church history when gospel and state conflict.
Questions for Reflection
- How does appealing to opponents' conscience ('judge ye') serve gospel witness even when they reject it?
- What principles guide Christian civil disobedience - when is it required, when prohibited?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter and John's response - 'Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye' - appeals to the council's own conscience while asserting divine authority's supremacy. The Greek 'akouo' (hearken) implies obedient listening. This rhetorical question forces them to acknowledge their command's unrighteousness. The phrase 'in the sight of God' invokes ultimate judgment, before which their earthly authority means nothing.