Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 14
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 14
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
the other apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
the other apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
7 of 14
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
Πειθαρχεῖν
to obey
G3980
Πειθαρχεῖν
to obey
Strong's:
G3980
Word #:
9 of 14
to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e., (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice
δεῖ
We ought
G1163
δεῖ
We ought
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
10 of 14
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.Acts 4:19But 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.Genesis 3:17And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Historical Context
Peter's response to the Sanhedrin's second prohibition against preaching (v.28). The high priest's accusation—'you intend to bring this man's blood upon us' (v.28)—shows the leaders' fear of being held accountable for Jesus' death. The apostles had been imprisoned, miraculously freed by an angel (v.19), and resumed teaching in the temple despite orders.
Questions for Reflection
- Where is the line between submitting to governing authorities and obeying God's higher law?
- What contemporary issues might require Christians to say 'we ought to obey God rather than men'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
We ought to obey God rather than men—Peter states the principle of civil disobedience when human authority contradicts divine command. The Greek 'peitharchein' (obey) denotes submission to authority; 'dei' (ought) indicates moral necessity, not mere preference. This doesn't advocate anarchism but establishes God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. The apostles' defiance was specific and limited: they continued preaching Christ despite orders to stop, but didn't resist arrest or sentence. This principle later guided Christian martyrs refusing emperor worship while otherwise submitting to Roman law. Daniel 3 and 6 provide Old Testament parallels.