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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down  /  Chapter 12, Life Under Two Kingdoms  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
The apostles’ refusal to stop preaching (“We ought to obey God rather than men”) is presented as the model for conflict situations—even when the authorities involved had real, recognized authority; what kinds of commands today would qualify as that level of conflict, and what fears (social, legal, financial, reputational) most commonly keep Christians from apostolic-style obedience?
Another way to ask: What kinds of government commands today would force a choice between obeying God and obeying people? What fears usually stop Christians from obeying God in that kind of moment?

Direct Answer The transcript gives one clear category: commands that forbid obedience to Jesus’ direct instructions, like proclaiming the gospel or living out his teachings. Bercot doesn’t list modern fears, but his examples imply that pressure from recognized authorities can tempt believers to hesitate, even when the right response is to obey God rather than men.

Support from Transcript:

  • Jesus “commanded them to preach the good news of the kingdom,” but authorities ordered them “not to preach about Jesus anymore.”
  • The authorities had legitimate standing: they included “the high priest,” a role “directly established by God,” and Rome accepted their authority in Jewish religious matters.
  • Despite this, the apostles answered, “we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard,” and kept preaching.
  • When commanded again, they replied, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
  • Bercot draws the lesson: “There can be no hesitation” when God’s commands conflict with rulers; “the answer is always the same.”
Discussion Follow-ups What present-day commands or workplace policies could function like “do not speak/act in this name”? What forms of cost—job loss, legal trouble, public shame—would most test whether you truly have “no hesitation”?

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