The Significance of Resurrection in First-Century Judaism

From our series "Acts." In the unfolding events of Acts 3–4, we witness the first significant conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Peter and John are interrogated by the authorities for preaching the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. How they respond to their earthly authorities (and how their Church community responds to their response) reveals much about how followers of Jesus are to live in the world today. As citizens of God's kingdom first, what should our "allegiance" be to our worldly government and culture? And what should we do, practically, when those two kingdoms come into conflict? The Spirit-led Church in Acts 4 points the way forward.