Who is telling whom what to do?
Scripture reading: Acts of Apostles 5:17-33. Text: “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!'” Acts of Apostles 5:29. Summer is here and several Protestant denominations will have their annual or biennial meeting soon to deal with major issues and decide their policies. Life has taught us that when one major problem is solved (or put on the back burner because we are tired of it), a new one will emerge. The world constantly changes thus challenges the believers to adapt or to resist. The question is: what should be the primary role and ministry of the churches? Should the church be a prophet to warn about the future, a counselor to help to solve the problems, a friend who offers fellowship and sympathy, a shield who tries to protect its members, a teacher who instructs its members how to pray and interpret the Bible, a charitable institution to help the needy or a link to connect the people with the Almighty? Let a miracle, as recorded in the Bible, offer us some insight.
THE STORY OF OUR SCRIPTURE READING IN A NUTSHELL.
The success and popularity of Apostle Peter and the other apostles (Acts of Apostles 5:12-16) were not welcomed by the officials. The tension resulted in a showdown and the apostles were put into jail. Through a miraculous divine intervention the apostles became free, 19th verse, and had resumed preaching the gospel boldly.
The apostles were arrested again and charged with inciting the people. In response to the indictment, Apostle Peter presented these well-known words: “We must obey God rather than men.”
The theological explanation of this statement, verses 30-32, angered the officials even more so, “When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death,” that is the apostles, verse 33.
THE EXCEPTIONAL ELEMENTS OF THIS EPISODE NEVER TO OCCUR AGAIN.
The good news will never be as new as it had been when Apostle Peter and his friends started to preach and the spiritual power will not be as readily available as it had been after Pentecost. To expect a miraculous escape today with the help of a divine messenger defies any rationale.
There is no fear any more that the authorities will be blamed for Jesus’ crucifixion. We are more knowledgeable about our Master’s life, mission, teaching and atonement than the scribes, priests and Pharisees had been shortly after Christ’s resurrection.
Our judicial system would not permit the leaders to incarcerate anyone without due legal process.
THE REOCCURRING MOTIVES IN THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF THE CHURCH.
The conflicts between the teaching of the church and the policies of the world have changed but never ceased. Today the reason for disagreement might be completely different from that of the first century, like the prohibitive statements of the Ten Commandments and the liberal views of the situational ethics.
Nowadays, the clergy should not be afraid of brutal force, rather of financial and psychological pressure. The world, instead of offering cooperation, criticizes and blames the church (leaders and members equally), expects to control God and use him for our benefit, and the followers of Christ are supposed to be perfect saints. Who is telling whom what to do, the church the world or the world the church? Can we listen to each other? (Do the political parties agree on everything all the time?)
The basic principle by which every church should serve has remained the same: “We must obey God rather than men,” however, who can say with absolute certainty that in this complex society coping with so many controversial issues what is the exact will of God? The public is divided, the people are demanding and the clergy is under pressure. It is true that the officials had been jealous of and angry at the apostles but neither Apostle Peter nor Apostle Paul had to worry how the parish council (board) will vote.
“We must obey God rather than men” is still true today. If you agree then your primary concern should be how YOU follow God’s commandments and not how others – especially the church leaders – should meet God’s expectations. Each group, with different views, wants the other one to interpret the Bible according to its own conviction. When the “I” will be integrated into the “WE” and God’s wish will become clear in a given predicament then we can say with Apostle John: “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.