After Pentecost, when the Apostles went about proclaiming the Word, they met with opposition, especially from the Sanhedrin. They were threatened with death if they did not stop their preaching. Peter and the Apostles responded in words which contain an important principle for us today: "Obedience to God comes before obedience to men." By their reply to the Sanhedrin, they showed their full commitment to follow God's Will rather than powerful men.

The Christianity proclaimed by the Apostles is more than a body of teaching. It is a way of life. In fact, the purpose of the teaching is to lead us to live in accord with God's Will, but in attempting to do so, we will meet with opposition and even death. Think about the countless people who stand for truth, and those exposing corruption at high places, who were imprisoned or killed. The Apostles too met with the same fate but they did not compromise or run away to save their skin. Even though they were small in numbers, through their courage and conviction, they helped to transform the world. We should never think that we can do nothing. With God's grace we can be faithful and loyal to His teachings and we can influence others. Often, we may not even be aware of how much good we are doing by witnessing our lives. In any event we must live by the words of the Apostles - to obey God rather than men.