29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. (Acts 5:29-33 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
To the foregoing charge of obstinacy brought in against the apostles, St. Peter answers in the name, and as the mouth of the rest; owning that they had not obeyed them in their injunction, because they had commanded that which was contrary to the command of God.
Where observe, How the apostles assert the prerogative of Christ as their apology for disobedience to human commands: We ought to obey God rather than men.
The second part of the charge was sedition; as if the apostles endeavoured to stir up the people to revenge the blood of Christ upon the chief priests and rulers.
Thence note, That it is no new thing to tax the ministers of Christ for preaching sedition, when rulers design to stop their mouths, and not suffer them to preach at all. But to remove this part of the charge, the apostle tells them, that this Jesus whom they ignominiously slew on earth, is now an exalted Prince in heaven, able to give repentance and remission of sins to the worst of his murderers, if they unfeignedly desire it: Him hath God exalted to give repentance and remission of sins &c.
Whence learn, 1. That Jesus will be a Saviour to none to whom he is not a Prince. We must submit ourselves to his ruling power, as well as commit ourselves to his saving mercy. For it is in vain to expect salvation by him, if we do not yield subjection to him.
2. That repentance and remission of sins are the special fruits and advantages of Christ’s exaltation: Him hath God exalted to repentance and remission of sins.
Learn, 3. That it is the sole prerogative of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give repentance and remission of sins.
Where note, The encouragement which the apostle’s ministry gave to the murderers of Christ to hope for pardon; he preaches the duty of repentance, and the privilege of remission of sins, but assureth them, for their comfort, that Christ stands ready to dispense both. But observe the sad effects which this sermon had upon these hearers; it was for substance the same which St. Peter preached, Acts 2 . when so many thousands were pricked at the heart by sorrow and compunction; whereas these men were cut to the heart with anger and indignation.
Whence learn, 1. That the most sound and sacred doctrine, is an intolerable torment to an unsound and unholy heart; That the word of God dispensed by the same minister, and in the same manner, has not always the same success. The substance of both these sermons was the same, (Jesus and the resurrection,) and the preacher (St. Peter) was the same, but the success was not the same; to let the apostle know, that the excellency of the power was of God, and not of himself, as St. Paul speaks, 2 Corinthians 4:7.