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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 4:19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/4-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/44_Act_04_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 4:19 - The Name Forbidden" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Peter and John replied, Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/4-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/4-19.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 19</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/4-18.htm" title="Acts 4:18">◄</a> Acts 4:19 <a href="/acts/4-20.htm" title="Acts 4:20">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/4.htm">New International Version</a> But Peter and John replied, &#8220Which is right in God&#8217s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! <a href="/nlt/acts/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? <a href="/esv/acts/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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, <a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. <a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But Peter and John answering, said to them, "Whether it is right before God to listen to you, rather than God, you must judge. <a href="/kjv/acts/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/4.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/acts/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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 your own judgment; <a href="/nasb/acts/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Peter and John answered and said to them, &#8220Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; <a href="/nasb77/acts/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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; <a href="/lsb/acts/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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; <a href="/amp/acts/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Peter and John replied to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must judge [for yourselves]; <a href="/csb/acts/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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; <a href="/hcsb/acts/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Peter and John answered them, &#8220Whether it&#8217s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; <a href="/asv/acts/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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: <a href="/cev/acts/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Peter and John answered, "Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? <a href="/erv/acts/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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: <a href="/gwt/acts/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Peter and John answered them, "Decide for yourselves whether God wants people to listen to you rather than to him. <a href="/gnt/acts/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Peter and John answered them, "You yourselves judge which is right in God's sight--to obey you or to obey God. <a href="/isv/acts/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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, <a href="/msb/acts/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Peter and John replied, ?Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God?s sight to listen to you rather than God. <a href="/net/acts/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But Peter and John replied, "Whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God, you decide, <a href="/nheb/acts/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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, <a href="/wbt/acts/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to God. <a href="/web/acts/4.htm">World English Bible</a> 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, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Peter and John answering to them said, “Whether it is righteous before God to listen to you rather than to God, judge; <a href="/blb/acts/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But Peter and John answering, said to them, "Whether it is right before God to listen to you, rather than God, you must judge. <a href="/ylt/acts/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Peter and John answering unto them said, 'Whether it is righteous before God to hearken to you rather than to God, judge ye; <a href="/slt/acts/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Peter and John having answered to them, said, If it is just before God to hear you rather than God, judge ye.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/acts/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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. <a href="/nabre/acts/4.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> 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.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But Peter and John answering them, said: Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, judge you. <a href="/godbey/acts/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> 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; <a href="/haweis/acts/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/mace/acts/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/wey/acts/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you instead of listening to God. <a href="/worrell/acts/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> 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; <a href="/worsley/acts/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But Peter and John answered them, and said, Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, judge ye: <a href="/parallel/acts/4-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=1052" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">The Name Forbidden</a> …18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4074.htm" title="4074: Petros (N-NMS) -- Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.">Peter</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannēs (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: apokrithentes (V-APP-NMP) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">replied,</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipon (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2919.htm" title="2919: krinate (V-AMA-2P) -- Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.">“Judge for yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">whether</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/1342.htm" title="1342: dikaion (Adj-NNS) -- From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.">right</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">in God’s sight</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very."></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouein (V-PNA) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">to listen</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">rather</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> 20For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a> “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a> 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.” <a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10</a> 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. <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17</a> The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2</a> You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">1 Samuel 15:24</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/8-12.htm">Isaiah 8:12-13</a> “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. <a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17-19</a> 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. <a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Ezekiel 2:6-7</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/10-32.htm">Matthew 10:32-33</a> 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. <a href="/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4-5</a> 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! <a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a> For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a> 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.<a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Ephesians 6:1</a> Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.<a href="/1_timothy/2-3.htm">1 Timothy 2:3</a> For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;to hearken.<a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.<a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17</a> But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.<a href="/1_kings/12-30.htm">1 Kings 12:30</a> And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.judge.<a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?<a href="/john/7-24.htm">John 7:24</a> Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.<a href="/1_corinthians/10-15.htm">1 Corinthians 10:15</a> I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/3-23.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/acts/3-12.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/2-36.htm">God</a> <a href="/acts/2-23.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/3-23.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/acts/3-23.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/john/20-17.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">John</a> <a href="/john/18-31.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Listening</a> <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/john/19-8.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/acts/3-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/acts/3-14.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/acts/2-40.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/6-4.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/acts/6-15.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/4-24.htm">God</a> <a href="/acts/4-31.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/acts/5-35.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/acts/7-39.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/acts/4-23.htm">John</a> <a href="/acts/7-7.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/acts/8-6.htm">Listening</a> <a href="/acts/4-23.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/acts/5-31.htm">Right</a> <a href="/acts/7-52.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/acts/5-8.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/acts/5-35.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 4</div>1. <a href="/acts/4-1.htm">The rulers of the Jews, offended with Peter's sermon,</a> 3. <a href="/acts/4-3.htm">imprison him and John.</a> 5. <a href="/acts/4-5.htm">After, upon examination </a> 8. <a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Peter boldly avouching the lame man to be healed by the name of Jesus, </a> 11. <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">and that only by the same Jesus we must be eternally saved,</a> 13. <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">they threaten him and John to preach no more in that name,</a> 23. <a href="/acts/4-23.htm">whereupon the church flees to prayer.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/4-31.htm">And God, by moving the place where they were assembled, testifies that he heard their prayer; </a> 34. <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">confirming the church with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with mutual love and charity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>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 in <a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a>, 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 (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> One of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his boldness and leadership in the early church. He plays a central role in the events of <a href="/bsb/acts/4.htm">Acts 4</a>. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john.htm">John</a> 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. <a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin</a> The Jewish ruling council, composed of religious leaders who held authority over Jewish religious matters. They were responsible for questioning Peter and John. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the early Christian church. 5. <a href="/topical/h/healing_of_the_lame_man.htm">Healing of the Lame Man</a> The miraculous healing performed by Peter and John at the temple gate, which led to their arrest and questioning by the Sanhedrin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god_over_man.htm">Obedience to God Over Man</a> As believers, our ultimate allegiance is to God. When human authorities conflict with God's commands, we must choose to obey God. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_opposition.htm">Courage in the Face of Opposition</a> Peter and John's boldness serves as an example for us to stand firm in our faith, even when facing opposition or persecution. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_decision-making.htm">Discernment in Decision-Making</a> We are called to discern what is right in God's sight, using Scripture and prayer to guide our decisions. <a href="/topical/w/witness_through_actions.htm">Witness Through Actions</a> The apostles' actions and words were a powerful testimony to their faith. Our lives should similarly reflect our commitment to Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak and act boldly for the Gospel, as seen in Peter and John's response.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 4</a> <a href="/q/who_is_jesus_christ.htm">Who is Jesus Christ?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_character_show_your_faith.htm">How does your character reflect your faith?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_christian_comfort_zone.htm">What defines a Christian comfort zone?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_respond_to_faith_persecution.htm">How should we respond to persecution for our faith?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 (<a href="/amos/3-8.htm" title="The lion has roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD has spoken, who can but prophesy?">Amos 3:8</a>). 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 the onus 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 is ipso 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - Rather for more, A.V. <a href="/commentaries/acts/4-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. Peter Πέτρος (Petros) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. John Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. replied, ἀποκριθέντες (apokrithentes) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. whether Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. it is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy. in God’s sight ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. to listen ἀκούειν (akouein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. rather μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered them Whether (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/4-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 4:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 4:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/4-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 4:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 4:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>