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Acts 4–5

Acts 4–5

Obeying God Rather Than Man

A priest questions Peter.

Peter and John were arrested and imprisoned for healing and testifying in the name of Jesus Christ. They were later released and instructed to not speak or teach in His name. Yet Peter and John continued to testify of Jesus Christ, and they were again arrested and imprisoned. An angel delivered them from prison and told them to return and continue preaching of Christ, which they did. Jewish leaders had them arrested again and beaten. The leaders commanded them to stop preaching of Christ, but Peter and John replied that they ought to obey God rather than people. Peter and John rejoiced that they were able to suffer persecution for Jesus Christ. As you study today, think about how you can increase your desire to obey God over anyone else.

Standing up for what is right

  • What are some situations where it might be challenging for you or others to obey God because of pressures from others?

  • What makes these situations difficult?

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) said:

Official portrait of President Thomas S. Monson, 2008.

As we go about living from day to day, it is almost inevitable that our faith will be challenged. We may at times find ourselves surrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing alone concerning what is acceptable and what is not. Do we have the moral courage to stand firm for our beliefs, even if by so doing we must stand alone?

(Thomas S. Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 60)

Respond to the following questions in your study journal:

  • How would you rate your willingness to obey God rather than giving in to pressures from others?

  • What are some future situations where you may have to choose to obey God rather than others?

As you study this lesson, look for truths and examples that can help you feel an increased desire to obey God over anyone else.

Peter and John are arrested for preaching and healing in the name of Jesus Christ

Peter and John faced situations where they had to choose between obeying God or giving in to pressure from others. After healing a lame man at the temple and preaching in Jesus Christ’s name, Peter and John were arrested, imprisoned, and questioned by Jewish leaders (see Acts 3:1–11; 4:1–7).

Read Acts 4:8–21, looking for how Peter and John responded in this situation. Consider marking words or phrases in these verses that you feel are significant or that inspire you to choose to obey God above all else. You may want to watch “Peter and John Are Judged” (2:51), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, while you follow along in your scriptures.

2:51

  • What words or phrases stood out to you from these verses? Why?

Read Acts 5:12–32 and continue your study of this account. You might want to consider marking any doctrine, principles, or phrases that feel significant to you. Or you could watch “Peter and John Continue Preaching the Gospel” until time code 3:51.

5:38

  • What did you find?

  • What truths did you learn from this account?

One of the truths we can learn from this account is that if we choose to obey God rather than fearing others, then He will be with us.

Think about the situations you identified at the beginning of the lesson where it might be challenging to obey God because of pressure from others.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 1. Answer the following questions in your study journal:

  • What are some blessings that we can receive by obeying God rather than fearing others?

  • What do you know about God that gives you confidence to follow Him—even when you are pressured by others not to?

  • When have you or others seen the wisdom in obeying God rather than fearing others? (You could also identify examples from the Savior’s life.)

A modern example

Elder Thierry K. Mutombo of the Seventy shared an example of a family who chose to obey God rather than people. To listen this account, watch “Ye Shall Be Free,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 6:43 to 8:51.

9:53

  • What impressed you most about how this family responded to their challenges?

  • Why do you think the family’s faith in Jesus Christ was so important in this situation?

Peter and John are released

The Jewish leaders discussed what to do with Peter and John. A highly respected Jewish leader named Gamaliel encouraged them to let Peter and John go because he recognized that if Peter and John truly were doing the work of God, the Jewish leaders would not be able to stop it (see Acts 5:29–39).

Read Acts 5:40–42, and consider marking words or phrases that describe how Peter and John felt after experiencing what they did.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 2. Answer the following question in your study journal:

  • What did you learn today that inspires you to obey Heavenly Father rather than people?

Optional: Want to learn more?

What if I don’t fit in because I choose to obey Heavenly Father?

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum

At times you may feel lonely and misunderstood—I have—because you don’t fit in with the crowd. Be grateful that your righteous life molds you so that you don’t fit where you don’t belong. This is a temporary period of personal testing and growth. It will be replaced in time with true friends and greater happiness.

(Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Righteousness,” Ensign, Nov 1998, 68)

How should I defend my beliefs?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Be strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if others around you don’t live it at all. Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 9)

How did the Savior show He obeyed Heavenly Father over people?

The following Bible videos illustrate the Savior’s desire to serve God rather than follow the ideas of people.