Acts 4:19

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, etc.] With great boldness and courage, and without any fear of man, but in the true fear of God whether it be right in the sight of God; who is omniscient, and sees, and knows all things, all the actions of men, and the springs of them; who is holy, just, and true, and sits and judges among the gods, that which is right: to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye: it is not denied that magistrates are to be hearkened to, and obeyed: but not more than God, or in things that are contrary to his nature, will, law, honour, and glory: whatever is agreeable to the law and will of God, commanded by magistrates, should be attended to, and…”

“Whether it be right ... - The apostles abated nothing of their boldness when threatened. They openly appealed to their judges whether their command could be right. And in doing this, they expressed their full conviction of the truth of what they had said, and their deliberate purpose not to regard their command, but still to proclaim to the people the truth that Jesus was the Messiah. In the sight of God - That is, whether God will judge this to be right. The grand question was how God would regard it. If he disapproved it, it was wrong. It was not merely a question pertaining to their reputation, safety, or life; it was a question of conscience before God. We have here a striking instance…”

“Whether it be just to obey you rather than God, judge ye - Was it not by the same spirit, that Socrates, when they were condemning him to death, for teaching the people, said, "O ye Athenians, I embrace and love you; but I will obey God rather than you. And if you would spare my life on condition I should cease to teach my fellow citizens, I would die a thousand times rather than accept the proposal." Acts 4:21”

“4:19-20 The apostles stated a principle that can guide God’s people in dealing with hostile authorities (see also 5:40; cp. 1 Sam 15:22; Jer 7:23; Luke 20:20-26; Rom 13:1-7). Jesus had predicted that his disciples would encounter hostility and persecution (Luke 21:12-19).”

“Whether: Co2 4:2; Eph 6:1; Ti1 2:3 to hearken: Act 5:29; Exo 1:17; Kg1 12:30, Kg1 14:16, Kg1 21:11, Kg1 22:14; Kg2 16:15; Ch2 26:16-20; Dan 3:18, Dan 6:10; Hos 5:11; Amo 7:16; Mic 6:16; Mat 22:21; Heb 11:23; Rev 13:3-10, Rev 14:9-12 judge: Psa 58:1; Joh 7:24; Co1 10:15; Jam 2:4 Acts 4:20”