Acts 4:18-20

The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles not to speak or teach at all as Jesus’ spokesmen. This order provided a legal basis for further action should that be necessary (cf. Acts 5:28). Peter and John saw the command of the Sanhedrin as contradicting the command that Christ had given them (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20). They could not obey both, so they had to obey God (cf. Jeremiah 20:9). This is the only basis for civil disobedience that Scripture permits. In all other matters we must obey those in authority over us (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). [Note: See Charles C. Ryrie, "The Christian and Civil Disobedience," Bibliotheca Sacra 127:506 (April-June 1970):153-62. This article was reprinted with minor changes in idem, You Mean the Bible Teaches That . . ., pp. 11-22.] Speaking what one has seen and heard (Acts 4:20) is the essence of witnessing (Acts 1:8). Contempt and threats have silenced many witnesses, but these tactics did not stop the Spirit-filled apostles. [Note: See Barrett, p. 238.]