Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Acts 4:19►

New International Version
But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!

New Living Translation
But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?

English Standard Version
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,

Berean Standard Bible
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

Berean Literal Bible
But Peter and John answering, said to them, "Whether it is right before God to listen to you, rather than God, you must judge.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

New American Standard Bible
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make yourown judgment;

NASB 1995
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;

NASB 1977
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;

Legacy Standard Bible
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to hear you rather than God, you be the judge;

Amplified Bible
But Peter and John replied to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to youand obey you rather than God, you must judge [for yourselves];

Christian Standard Bible
Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;

American Standard Version
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

Contemporary English Version
Peter and John answered, "Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him?

English Revised Version
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Peter and John answered them, "Decide for yourselves whether God wants people to listen to you rather than to him.

Good News Translation
But Peter and John answered them, "You yourselves judge which is right in God's sight--to obey you or to obey God.

International Standard Version
But Peter and John answered them, "You must decide whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God,

NET Bible
But Peter and John replied, "Whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God, you decide,

New Heart English Bible
But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,

Webster's Bible Translation
But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken to you rather than to God, judge ye.

Weymouth New Testament
But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to God.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

World English Bible
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and Peter and John answering to them said, “Whether it is righteous before God to listen to you rather than to God, judge;

Berean Literal Bible
But Peter and John answering, said to them, "Whether it is right before God to listen to you, rather than God, you must judge.

Young's Literal Translation
and Peter and John answering unto them said, 'Whether it is righteous before God to hearken to you rather than to God, judge ye;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Peter and John having answered to them, said, If it is just before God to hear you rather than God, judge ye.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But Peter and John answering, said to them: If it be just in the sight of God, to hear you rather than God, judge ye.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet truly, Peter and John said in response to them: “Judge whether it is just in the sight of God to listen to you, rather than to God.

New American Bible
Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges.

New Revised Standard Version
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But Simon Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right before God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Shimeon Kaypha and Yohannan answered and they said to them, “If it is right before God that one should listen to you rather than to God, you judge.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But Peter and John answering them, said: Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, judge you.

Godbey New Testament
And Peter and John responding said to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than God, judge ye;

Haweis New Testament
But Peter and John, answering them, said, If it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, be yourselves the judges.

Mace New Testament
but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God.

Weymouth New Testament
But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to God.

Worrell New Testament
But Peter and John, answering, said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken to you, rather than to God, judge ye;

Worsley New Testament
But Peter and John answered them, and said, Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, judgeye:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Name Forbidden
…18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.19But Peter and John replied,“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.20For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Matthew 22:21
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Daniel 3:16-18
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Exodus 1:17
The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.

Exodus 23:2
You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.

1 Samuel 15:24
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

Isaiah 8:12-13
“Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread. / The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.

Jeremiah 1:17-19
Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. / Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 2:6-7
But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. / But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:32-33
Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. / But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.

Luke 12:4-5
I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

John 12:43
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Treasury of Scripture

But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you.

Whether.

2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

1 Timothy 2:3
For thisis good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

to hearken.

Acts 5:29
Then Peter and theother apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Exodus 1:17
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

1 Kings 12:30
And this thing became a sin: for the people wentto worship before the one,even unto Dan.

judge.

Psalm 58:1
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

John 7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

1 Corinthians 10:15
I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

Jump to Previous

Attention Eyes God God's Hearken Heed Instead John Judge Listening Peter Rather Right Righteous Sight Whether Yourselves

Jump to Next

Attention Eyes God God's Hearken Heed Instead John Judge Listening Peter Rather Right Righteous Sight Whether Yourselves

Acts 4

1.The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,
3.imprison him and John.
5.After, upon examination
8.Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus,
11.and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved,
13.they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name,
23.whereupon the church flees to prayer.
31.And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer;
34.confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

But Peter and John replied
Peter and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples, are speaking here. They are addressing the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, after being arrested for preaching about Jesus and healing a man. This moment is significant as it shows the boldness and courage of the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to stand firm in their faith despite facing persecution. Their response is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the mission given by Christ.

Judge for yourselves
This phrase indicates an appeal to the conscience and reason of the Sanhedrin. Peter and John are challenging the council to consider the moral and spiritual implications of their demand. It reflects a common rhetorical strategy in Jewish teaching, where the audience is invited to reflect on the righteousness of an action. This approach is reminiscent of Jesus' own method of teaching, where He often posed questions to provoke thought and self-examination.

whether it is right in God’s sight
The apostles are emphasizing the importance of divine authority over human authority. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that God's commands take precedence over human laws when the two are in conflict. It reflects the early Christian understanding that obedience to God is paramount, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as inDaniel 3:16-18, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's idol.

to listen to you rather than God
Here, Peter and John are drawing a clear line between human authority and divine command. The apostles are asserting that their allegiance is to God, even if it means defying the Sanhedrin. This statement is a powerful declaration of faith and conviction, illustrating the early church's commitment to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It also foreshadows the continued persecution the apostles and early Christians would face, as seen throughout the book of Acts and in the letters of Paul.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his boldness and leadership in the early church. He plays a central role in the events ofActs 4.

2.John
Another of Jesus' apostles, often associated with Peter in the early chapters of Acts. He is known for his close relationship with Jesus and his role in the early church.

3.Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council, composed of religious leaders who held authority over Jewish religious matters. They were responsible for questioning Peter and John.

4.Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the early Christian church.

5.Healing of the Lame Man
The miraculous healing performed by Peter and John at the temple gate, which led to their arrest and questioning by the Sanhedrin.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God Over Man
As believers, our ultimate allegiance is to God. When human authorities conflict with God's commands, we must choose to obey God.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Peter and John's boldness serves as an example for us to stand firm in our faith, even when facing opposition or persecution.

Discernment in Decision-Making
We are called to discern what is right in God's sight, using Scripture and prayer to guide our decisions.

Witness Through Actions
The apostles' actions and words were a powerful testimony to their faith. Our lives should similarly reflect our commitment to Christ.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak and act boldly for the Gospel, as seen in Peter and John's response.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 4:19?

2.How does Acts 4:19 encourage boldness in sharing the Gospel today?

3.What does Acts 4:19 reveal about obeying God over human authority?

4.How can Acts 4:19 inspire us to prioritize God's will in conflicts?

5.In what ways does Acts 4:19 connect to Romans 13:1-2 on authority?

6.How can Acts 4:19 guide our response to societal pressures against faith?

7.How does Acts 4:19 challenge the authority of human institutions over divine commands?

8.What historical context influenced Peter and John's response in Acts 4:19?

9.How does Acts 4:19 reflect the theme of obedience to God over man?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 4?

11.Who is Jesus Christ?

12.How does your character reflect your faith?

13.What defines a Christian comfort zone?

14.How should we respond to persecution for our faith?

What Does Acts 4:19 Mean

But

• The conjunction turns us back to verse 18, where the council “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” The gospel is already colliding with human opposition (Acts 4:1-3).

• Scripture often uses a simple “but” to mark a pivotal shift—God’s purposes moving forward despite resistance (Genesis 50:20;Psalm 118:13).

• The clash here is not accidental; Jesus had forewarned His followers of such moments (John 15:20).

Peter and John replied

• These two men stand as eyewitnesses of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 3:15) and are now Spirit-empowered spokesmen (Acts 4:8).

• Their unified response shows the strength that comes from fellowship in truth (Ecclesiastes 4:12;Luke 10:1).

• Courage is the hallmark of those who have seen the risen Lord (Acts 1:22;2 Timothy 1:7).

Judge for yourselves

• The apostles invite the council to weigh the matter, echoing Joshua’s “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

• They appeal to the leaders’ own sense of justice, much like Jesus did inLuke 12:57, underscoring that God’s moral law is written on every heart (Romans 2:15).

• This is not defiance for its own sake; it is a gracious call to honest evaluation.

whether it is right in God’s sight

• “Right” has one standard—God’s. Human verdicts must align with divine truth (Isaiah 5:20;Proverbs 21:2).

• The phrase “in God’s sight” reminds us that every action is laid bare before Him (Hebrews 4:13).

• When earthly directives conflict with God’s commands, the believer’s course is clear (Acts 5:29;Galatians 1:10).

to listen to you rather than God

• Obedience to God supersedes all lesser authorities (Daniel 3:16-18; 6:10;Matthew 10:28).

• The apostles respect civil authority (Romans 13:1) yet recognize its limits: no human order can nullify God’s mandate to proclaim Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

• Practical takeaways:

– Speak truth even when pressured to be silent.

– Measure every command against Scripture.

– Trust God with the consequences of faithful obedience (1 Peter 4:19).

summary

Peter and John, confronted by powerful leaders, draw a clear line: when human commands collide with God’s, the Christian must follow God. Their respectful yet unwavering stance models Spirit-filled courage, invites honest judgment, appeals to God’s absolute standard of right, and affirms that listening to God always outranks listening to men.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19)Whether it be right in the sight of God . . .--The words assert the right of conscience, recognising a divine authority, to resist a human authority which opposes it. In theory, as the appeal "judge ye" showed even then, the right so claimed is of the nature of an axiom. In practice, the difficulty rises in the question, Is there the divine authority which is claimed? And the only practical answer is to be found in the rule, that men who believe they have the authority are bound to act as if they had it. If the Lord God hath spoken to them, they can but prophesy (Amos 3:8). In cases such as this, where the question is one of witness to facts, they must not tamper with the truth, if they believe themselves commissioned by God to declare the facts, for fear of offending men. When they pass from facts to doctrines inferred from facts, from doctrines to opinions, from opinions to conjectures, the duty of not saying that which they do not believe remains the same, but there is not the same obligation to proclaim what they thus hold in various stages of assent. There may be cases in which reticence is right as well as politic. And even in regard to facts, the publication--as law recognises in relation to libels--must not be gratuitous. There must be an adequate authority, or an adequate reason for disobedience to the human authority, which is binding until it is superseded by that which is higher than itself. And theonus probandi rests on the man who asserts the higher authority. Intensity of conviction may be enough for himself, but it cannot be expected that it will be so for others. In the absence of signs and wonders the question must be discussed on the wide ground of Reason and of Conscience, and the man who refuses to enter into debate on that ground because he is certain he is right isipso facto convicted of an almost insane egotism. The words have clearly no bearing on the "froward retention" of a custom which God has not enjoined and a lawful authority has forbidden.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19.- Rather formore, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Peter
Πέτρος(Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074:Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

John
Ἰωάννης(Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

replied,
ἀποκριθέντες(apokrithentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“Judge for yourselves
κρίνατε(krinate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2919:Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

whether
Εἰ(Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

it is
ἐστιν(estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

right
δίκαιόν(dikaion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1342:From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.

in God’s sight
ἐνώπιον(enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799:Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

to listen
ἀκούειν(akouein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

to you
ὑμῶν(hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

rather
μᾶλλον(mallon)
Adverb
Strong's 3123:More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.

than
ἢ(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

God.
Θεοῦ(Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

Links

Acts 4:19 NIV
Acts 4:19 NLT
Acts 4:19 ESV
Acts 4:19 NASB
Acts 4:19 KJV

Acts 4:19 BibleApps.com
Acts 4:19 Biblia Paralela
Acts 4:19 Chinese Bible
Acts 4:19 French Bible
Acts 4:19 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered them Whether (Acts of the Apostles Ac)