CWW Week 33 - Church & State - Day 3
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Devotional: Obeying God Above All
Scripture: Acts 5:29 (NIV)
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”
The words of Peter and the apostles in Acts 5:29 have echoed down through history as a powerful declaration of allegiance. They stood before the Sanhedrin, the ruling religious body of the time, facing interrogation and pressure to stop preaching about Jesus. Yet their reply was bold and clear: “We must obey God rather than human beings.” In this moment, they drew a firm line between their faith in God and the authority of the State.
This verse is crucial when considering the relationship between Church and State today. As Christians, we are called to be good citizens. Romans 13 teaches us to submit to governing authorities because they are instituted by God. Respect for government is part of a healthy Christian witness. Yet, Acts 5:29 reminds us that our ultimate loyalty must lie with God. When man’s laws conflict with God’s commands, obedience to the Lord must come first.
The apostles weren’t rebellious by nature. They weren’t stirring up civil unrest or rejecting authority for its own sake. They were simply remaining faithful to Jesus’ instruction to be His witnesses. They had seen the risen Christ, and their lives had been transformed. Nothing—no law, threat, or punishment—could deter them from obeying the One who had saved them.
This kind of courage is not born from political strategy but from spiritual conviction. It takes spiritual maturity to discern when to follow and when to stand. The apostles respected authority where they could, but not at the expense of disobeying God.
In our world today, the relationship between Church and State can be complex. In many countries, including Australia, we enjoy religious freedom. But even in free societies, pressures arise to conform to secular values, remain silent on controversial moral issues, or compromise Biblical truths to keep the peace. This is where Acts 5:29 becomes more than a history lesson—it becomes a call to faithfulness.
The Church must never become a tool of the State, nor should it seek to dominate government. Instead, the Church should influence society with the love and truth of Christ, always pointing people to the kingdom of God. Christians are to be salt and light—preserving what is good and shining light in the darkness. This may mean standing against cultural norms, policies, or legislation that contradict God’s Word. When we are asked to choose between obeying man or God, the answer must always be God.
Obedience to God may come at a cost. For the apostles, it meant flogging, imprisonment, and eventually martyrdom. Today, it might mean being misunderstood, labelled intolerant, or even facing legal consequences. But our call remains unchanged: to live out the Gospel with courage, grace, and truth.
Importantly, the way we stand matters. Our obedience should never be aggressive or hateful. The apostles were respectful, even when they disobeyed. They didn’t lash out at the authorities; they simply could not be silent about what they had seen and heard. This is a helpful model for us. We are to speak truth in love, to disagree with dignity, and to suffer well when necessary, always trusting God to vindicate us in His time.
God’s people have always had to navigate the tension between earthly authority and divine command. From Daniel in Babylon to the apostles in Jerusalem, faithful believers have chosen obedience to God above all else. And God has honoured their courage.
As we face our own challenges in modern society, may we too be found faithful. Let us be bold yet humble, respectful yet resolute, peaceful yet unyielding. Let us remember that while we live in this world, we belong to a higher kingdom—and our ultimate allegiance is to the King of kings.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where you feel pressured to compromise your faith to fit in with society or authority?
- How can you show respect for earthly authority while still staying true to God’s Word?
- What would it look like in your daily life to obey God rather than human beings, even when it’s difficult?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Papa God.
We thank You for the example of Peter and the apostles, who stood firm in their obedience to You. Help us to have the same courage and conviction in our own lives. Teach us how to honour those in authority without compromising Your truth. Give us wisdom to discern when to speak and when to be silent, when to comply and when to stand. May we always be guided by Your Spirit and Your Word. Strengthen us to be faithful witnesses of Jesus, no matter the cost. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood
