4:13-20 What do we learn from what Peter and John said here?
4:13-20 What do we learn from what Peter and John said here?
(CP also 5:17-29). We learn from what Peter and John said here that although Christians are to obey their governments, it can only be when government laws do not contravene God's law (CP Lu 20:21-25; Ro 13:1-7; 1Ti 2:1-2; 1Pe 2:13-17 with Ex 1:15-20; Dan 6:4-10).
Christians are commanded to preach the gospel, and they are obligated to do so regardless of how it conflicts with the laws of the land (CP Mt 28:19-20; Ac 10:42-43 with Mk 8:34-38; Ac 5:40-42).
The cross in Mk 8:34 is a symbol of suffering, ridicule, self-denial and rejection, and Christians must be prepared to suffer the reproach, hatred, and ridicule of the world for the sake of the gospel, exactly as Jesus Himself suffered (CP He 13:11-14; 1Pe 4:12-19).
See also comments on Mt 10:37-38; 10:39, and Ro 13:1-2 and author's studies, The Cost of Discipleship: Forsaking all for Jesus and Christian - beware of Failing God's Grace and Forfeiting your Salvation in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).