Acts 5:29-32

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people.  The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him to his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  And we are witnesses of these events, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

The Sanhedrin is scolding Peter and the apostles for teaching in the name of Jesus. So often, obedience to God meets resistance throughout cultural, political, and social circles. All who wish to follow Jesus are faced with this same challenge: surrender and live in obedience to God in the midst of a world that does not agree with the truth of His Word. Put on trial by the ones who crucified Christ, the apostles do not lie, they do not falter, and they stand firm in their faith. They speak the truth, and communicate clearly that their allegiance is not divided. As witnesses of the grace of Jesus Christ, having been rescued from death, we too are called to stand firm in our faith as witnesses of His unfailing love and mercy. Trust in the Spirit of God to lead you, and do not fear speaking the truth.