“Whether It Be Right in the Sight of God to Hearken unto You More than unto God, Judge Ye”
Acts 4:18–19
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
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.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton said:
“Peter, a lowly, rough fisherman, took that first step and straightway followed Jesus. Strength upon strength was added to him. He grew from the disciple who denied his Master thrice, to the man who could be intimidated by no man. When he and John were set in the midst of ‘Annas the high priest, . . . and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kingdom of the high priest’ (Acts 4:6), Peter boldly declared that salvation comes because of Christ.
“‘Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus’ (Acts 4:13).
“The high priest could have brought great harm to these brethren, but he only dared to command them ‘not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
“‘But Peter and John answered and said . . . , Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye’ (Acts 4:18–19). In the face of threats, these Apostles were given added courage: ‘And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all’ (Acts 4:33).
“By taking that first step straightway, Peter learned to be a fisher of men. He identified his goals, and as he moved towards them, he grew in strength, power, and conviction.
“How wise and blessed we would be if we eliminated procrastination and made a decision to serve the Lord and accept His invitation to ‘Come, follow me’ (Luke 18:22). Then when we have identified our goal, may we have the courage to act upon our decision, confident that added strength and power will be given according to our needs as we follow the Good Shepherd.”
(“Straightway,” Ensign, May 1983, 31.)
