Acts 4:19

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

Acts 4:19 in Other Translations

19 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.

19 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,

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

19 But Peter and John spoke right back, "Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide.

19 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:

19 Peter and John answered them, "Decide for yourselves whether God wants people to listen to you rather than to him.

19 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;

19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves. Which is right from God's point of view? Should we obey you? Or God?

Acts 4:19 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 4:19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them
With great boldness and courage, and without any fear of man, but in the true fear of God whether it be right in the sight of God;
who is omniscient, and sees, and knows all things, all the actions of men, and the springs of them; who is holy, just, and true, and sits and judges among the gods, that which is right: to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye:
it is not denied that magistrates are to be hearkened to, and obeyed: but not more than God, or in things that are contrary to his nature, will, law, honour, and glory: whatever is agreeable to the law and will of God, commanded by magistrates, should be attended to, and cheerfully obeyed; but what is not should be disregarded, whatever follows upon it: and this was so just and reasonable, that the apostles appeal to the sanhedrim, or council itself, to determine.

Acts 4:19 In-Context

17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

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

20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.

Cross References

• 1. Acts 5:29