The Acts of the Apostles is the story of the disciples following in the footsteps and in the ways of Jesus. Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Thy Kingdom come; Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus taught this prayer, prayed this prayer, and lived this prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; 26:39). Jesus taught and showed that God’s will and way comes before the will of civil and religious authorities and even his own will: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26.39).
In today’s first reading from Acts we see the apostles following this teaching of Jesus. The religious authorities have ordered them to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. They reply: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” The apostles and disciples follow in Jesus’ footsteps and obey God rather than any human authority. For some disciples this even led to their own martyrdom and death. Even in death they continue to do God’s will, following the way of Jesus. When Jesus dies, he preaches forgiveness and faith: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do…Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:34, 46). So too when Stephen, the first martyr dies, he preaches forgiveness and faith: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit…Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59-60).
How do we know God’s will and what enables us to do God’s will? Jesus shows us in many concrete ways God’s will and way. God’s way is one of mercy, compassion, and healing. God’s way is one of forgiveness. As we hear in today’s Gospel, Jesus is the “one who comes from above is above all…testifies to what he has seen and heard.” Jesus teaches and shows us God’s will. Let us take to heart the words of the first disciples: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”