Acts 5:29

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Cross-references

Acts 5:32 Parallel

Acts 5:32 immediately follows, grounding the command in the apostles' Spirit-empowered witness to Jesus' resurrection.

Acts 4:19 Historical context

Acts 4:7 is the earlier question by the Sanhedrin; Acts 5:29 is Peter's answer 'we must obey God' — a stronger repetition of the same defiance.

Acts 4:10 Parallel

Acts 4:10 declares Jesus as the resurrected cornerstone — the foundation for why the apostles must obey God rather than the Sanhedrin.

Acts 10:42 Parallel

Acts 10:42 shows Peter again obeying God's command to preach and testify about Jesus, a consistent apostolic priority.

In 1 Samuel 15:24, Saul confesses he disobeyed God because he feared the people — a direct contrast to Peter's fearless obedience.

In Mark 7:7-9, Jesus condemns prioritizing human traditions over God's commands — the same conflict Peter faces.

In Numbers 23:26, Balaam insists on speaking only what God says, not what Balak wants — same principle of obeying God over man.

1 Peter 3:15 calls believers to honor Christ and be ready to defend their hope — a practical outworking of obeying God rather than men.

Galatians 1:10 echoes the same conviction — Paul chooses God's approval over human approval, aligning with Peter's stance.

Luke 20:25 Allusion

Luke 20:25 establishes Jesus' principle: give God what is God's — the basis for Peter's priority of divine obedience over human commands.

Matthew 2:12 shows the Magi obeying God's warning rather than Herod — a clear example of obeying God over human authority.

Daniel 6:13 Parallel

Daniel 6:13 records the accusation that Daniel disobeys the king's decree to obey God — mirroring the apostles' stand.

Daniel 6:10 Parallel

Daniel 6:10 shows Daniel praying despite the king's decree — a clear example of obeying God over human authority.

Daniel 3:18 Parallel

In Daniel 3:18, the three Jews declare they will not serve the king's gods—a direct parallel to the apostles' statement of obeying God over human rulers.

Exodus 1:17 Parallel

In Exodus 1:17, the midwives fear God and disobey Pharaoh — a perfect parallel to Peter's refusal to obey human authorities.

Matthew 22:21 teaches giving to both Caesar and God — a different scenario from Acts 5:29 where human command directly opposes God's.

In Jeremiah 26:12, Jeremiah defends his prophetic message as coming from God, similar to the apostles' claim that they must obey God rather than men.

Amos 3:8 Parallel

Amos 3:8 declares that when God speaks, one must prophesy — echoing the necessity of obeying God's command over human prohibition.

Amos 7:15 Parallel

Amos 7:15 recounts God's direct call to Amos to prophesy — illustrating divine commission that overrides human authority.

Matthew 10:19 Related theme

Matthew 10:19 promises divine help when facing authorities — supporting the apostles' confidence to obey God despite threats.

In 1 Chronicles 21:4, Joab again obeys David's command to number Israel despite its sin, contrasting with the apostles' priority.

In 2 Kings 16:16, Uriah obeys Ahaz's command to alter temple worship, placing human authority above God's instructions.

In 1 Kings 21:11, leaders obey Jezebel's order to kill Naboth—an example of obeying human authority to violate God's law.

In 2 Samuel 24:4, Joab obeys David's sinful command to number Israel, contrasting with the apostles' refusal to obey men over God.

Ephesians 6:20 shows Paul as an ambassador in chains, boldly proclaiming the gospel despite opposition — similar allegiance to God over men.