We Must Obey God”
Ananias sold a piece of land,
Brought the money in his hand,
But kept back part while claiming all,
Seeking honor before the hall.
With Sapphira standing near,
They agreed to hide it here.
Peter said, “Why test the Lord?
Why lie against the Spirit’s word?
The land was yours, the choice was free —
You have not lied to men, but God.”
At once he fell and breathed no more,
Great fear spread from door to door.
Three hours later came his wife,
Unaware he’d lost his life.
“Tell me, was this all you gave?”
“Yes,” she said — the lie she made.
“You have agreed the Lord to test.”
She fell down dead beside the rest.
Great fear came on all who heard —
Holy was the Church of God.
Through the apostles’ hands were done
Many signs before everyone.
They met at Solomon’s Portico,
Believers joined as faith would grow.
The sick were healed, the crowds increased,
From every town their needs released.
But jealousy filled the high priest’s side,
Sadducees in anger cried.
They seized the apostles, locked the gate,
Public prison sealed their fate.
But in the night an angel came,
Opened doors in Jesus’ Name:
“Go stand again in temple court,
Speak all the words of life you’ve taught.”
At daybreak they were teaching there.
The council sent — but none were there.
Prison locked and guards in place,
Yet empty stood the guarded space.
They found them preaching openly,
Brought them back reluctantly.
“Did we not command you plain
Not to teach in Jesus’ Name?
You fill Jerusalem with this word
And bring His blood upon us here.”
Peter answered firm and clear:
“We must obey God — hear:
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,
Whom you killed upon a tree.
God exalted Him as Leader,
Savior granting liberty,
To give repentance now to Israel,
And forgiveness flowing free.
We are witnesses of these things,
And so is the Holy Spirit sent.”
They were enraged and planned their end,
But Gamaliel spoke again:
“If this work is born of men,
It will fade and fail within.
But if it comes from God above,
You cannot overthrow His love —
You may be fighting Him.”
They beat them and released them then,
Commanded silence once again.
But they rejoiced in suffering shame,
Counted worthy for His Name.
Daily still in house and court,
They preached the Christ without resort.
Refrain
We must obey God over men.
The risen Lord still reigns.
