While Peter and John were prisoners, the other disciples, knowing the malignity of the Jews, had prayed unceasingly for their brethren, fearing that the cruelty shown to Christ might be repeated.As soon as the apostles were released, they sought the rest of the disciples and reported to them the result of the examination.Great was the joy of the believers."They lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ.For of a truth against Thy Holy Child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done.
"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy Holy Child Jesus."The disciples prayed that greater strength might be imparted to them in the work of the ministry; for they saw 68that they would meet the same determined opposition that Christ had encountered when upon the earth.While their united prayers were ascending in faith to heaven, the answer came.The place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were endowed anew with the Holy Spirit.Their hearts filled with courage, they again went forth to proclaim the word of God in Jerusalem."With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus," and God marvelously blessed their efforts.
The principle for which the disciples stood so fearlessly when, in answer to the command not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, they declared, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye," is the same that the adherents of the gospel struggled to maintain in the days of the Reformation.When in 1529 the German princes assembled at the Diet of Spires, there was presented the emperor's decree restricting religious liberty, and prohibiting all further dissemination of the reformed doctrines.It seemed that the hope of the world was about to be crushed out.Would the princes accept the decree? Should the light of the gospel be shut out from the multitudes still in darkness? Mighty issues for the world were at stake.Those who had accepted the reformed faith met together, and their unanimous decision was, "Let us reject this decree.In matters of conscience the majority has no power."--Merle d'Aubigne, History of the Reformation, b.13, ch.5.
This principle we in our day are firmly to maintain.The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders 69of the gospel church and by God's witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands.
The responsibility for this great gift rests with those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of His word.We are to receive this word as supreme authority.We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere.But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men.God's word must be recognized as above all human legislation.A "Thus saith the Lord" is not to be set aside for a "Thus saith the church" or a "Thus saith the state." The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates.
We are not required to defy authorities.Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order.
We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way.
We are to go forward in Christ's name, advocating the truths committed to us.If we are forbidden by men to do this work, then we may say, as did the apostles, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
