HIGHER AUTHORITY 

The basic principle is: "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). 

When man's and God's will differ, follow higher authority. 

1. God's Law takes precedence over all human laws (Acts 5:29). 

2. No one has a right to command you to act contrary to God's Word (Acts 4:19–20). 

3. Do everything you can to resolve the conflict before you disobey (Dan. 1:8–16). 

4. State your innocence (Dan. 6:22) and give an explanation for your disobedience (3:16–18). 

5. Be willing to suffer the consequences of your disobedience (Dan. 3:17–18). 

6. God may protect you (Dan. 3:17–18, 28–29; 6:19–24). 

7. God may bless you (Exod. 1:20–21; Dan. 3:28–30). 

8. The following are some Biblical examples of disobeying authority: 

a. Political Authority (Civil Disobedience) 

(1) The midwives disobeyed Pharaoh's command to murder Hebrew babies (Exod. 1:15–21). 

(2) Moses' parents disobeyed Pharaoh's command to murder their own baby
(Exod. 1:22–2:3; Heb. 11:23).

(3) Daniel refused to eat King Nebuchadnezzar's choice food and wine (Dan. 1:8–16). 
The issue was keeping the dietary laws of Leviticus (11:1–47) and Deuteronomy (14:3–21). 

(4) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image 
(Dan. 3:4–30). The issue was idolatry: "We are not going to serve your gods 
or worship the golden image" (3:18). 

(5) Daniel disobeyed King Darius' injunction to cease praying for thirty days (Dan. 6:6–13). 
Concerning his disobedience Daniel later told Darius, "I was found innocent before Him; 
and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime" (6:22). 

(6) The Magi disobeyed Herod the Great's command to report back (comp. Matt. 2:8 with 2:12). 
The angelic message from God was higher authority. 

b. Religious Authority 

(1) Peter and John disobeyed the Sanhedrin's order to stop teaching about Jesus (Acts 4:17–20). 

(2) Peter and the apostles disobeyed the Sanhedrin's order to stop teaching about Jesus
(Acts 5:27–29; cf. 5:42).

c. Parental Authority 

(1) Jesus ignored the time of departure to stay for the half-holydays of Passover (Luke 2:41–51). 
It seems Mary and Joseph left on the third day of the Feast as permitted by the rabbis 
but not by the Law. 

d. Marital Authority 

(1) Abigail ignored her husband Nabal's wishes and took supplies to David and his men
(compare 1 Sam. 25:10–12 with 25:18–19, 25, 27, 37). The issue was almsgiving.