“Civil Disobedience”
“We gave
you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead,
you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to
make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We
must obey God rather than any human authority.” (v.28-29)
Civil
disobedience was not uncommon in the Scriptures. The midwives in Egypt were
commanded by the king to destroy all Jewish male children. They refused and God
honored them (Ex.1:17). Against the King of Babylon’s command, Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abed-nego did not bow their knees to the image of Nebuchadnezzar
(Daniel 3:18). God blessed them and stood with them in the fiery furnace
(Daniel 3:25). Daniel refused to stop praying three times a day, even though
doing so was against the law. God honored him and saved him from the lion’s den
(Daniel 6:10-22).
Here in
chapter 5 we see another case of civil disobedience in the Bible. However
regarding biblical civil disobedience, Jon Courson reminds us, “It must be
carried out with scriptural authority and with humility.” In this chapter, the
Angel of the Lord said to the apostles, “Go and speak in the temple” (v.20). In
addition Jesus had told them (in Matthew), “Go into all the world and preach
the gospel” (Matthew 28:19). Thus the disciples were following the Word of God
but going against the orders of the high priest.
Even
though God has placed men in positions of authority in order to maintain peace
(Romans 13), if those authorities act contrary to Him, we must submit to God rather than man and take our lumps
willingly. This the apostles did as they were beaten, commanded not to speak in
the name of Jesus, and let go (v.40-42)
Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most courageous leaders in
recent American history, faced threats and opposition, eventually giving his
life in the fight for civil rights. Fear, however, would not dissuade him. Being
a minster of God, he knew civil disobedience must be carried out with humility
and based in scripture. He was arrested over 30 times and took each arrest with
humility while trusting God for his protection and dream.
Trusting God in the face of risk requires us to see His protection
over us even in the midst of danger.
The Truth
“Even
when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close
beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
