Monday, July 1: Acts 5:27–32 (5th Sunday A. Trinity)
Th e Apostles were placed in a difficult situation. Th e council which was censuring them was chaired by religious and political authorities, including Pharisees, Sadducees, and the high priest. Th e authorities were appointed by God and thus were owed honor and obedience. Jesus declared on one occasion: “Th e scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat” (Matt. 23:2). Also, St. Paul writes: “whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God” (Rom. 13:2). When the council commanded the Apostles to cease teaching the name of Jesus, they were causing the Apostles to make a choice between two ordinances of God. Th e Apostles were not disturbed by this conflict. They knew that when the decrees of men contradict the decrees of God, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
If our political authorities make laws contrary to God’s Word, we can be assured that these laws are invalid. When we disobey them we are not “resisting the ordinance of God,” since such laws were not made according to God’s authority. God has given the government authority to punish evil and minister to us for good. He has not given them authority to annul His Word or persecute Christians.
If we are ever placed into a difficult situation like the one the Apostles faced, may God give us strength to obey Him rather than men. “Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word” (Acts 4:29).
Collect: O God, who hast prepared for them that love Thee such good things as pass man’s understanding: Pour into our hearts such love toward Thee that we, loving Thee above all things, may obtain Th y promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ, Th y Son, our Lord. Amen.
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