1 Samual 31:
3 The fighting grew very fierce around Saul, and the Philistine archers caught up with him and wounded him severely.
4 Saul groaned to his armor bearer, “Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me.” But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
3 The fighting grew very fierce around Saul, and the Philistine archers caught up with him and wounded him severely.
4 Saul groaned to his armor bearer, “Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me.” But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
Acts 5:
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (New Living Translation)
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (New Living Translation)
The Philistines had well-earned reputation for torturing their captives.Saul no doubt knew about Samson’s fate and did not want to risk physical mutilation or other abuse.
When his armor bearer refused to kill him, he took his own life.
The apostles knew their priorities.
While we should try and keep peace with everyone, conflict with the world and its authorities is sometimes inevitable for a Christian. There will be situations where you cannot obey both God and man.
Then you must obey God and trust his Word.
Let Jesus’ words encourage you: “What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For you will have a great reward awaiting you in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23)
sharin His love 