John Gill Commentary Acts 4:19

"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:" — Acts 4:19 (ASV)

But Peter and John answered and said to them With great boldness and courage, and without any fear of man, but in the true fear of God.

Whether it is right in the sight of God; who is omniscient, and sees, and knows all things, all the actions of men, and the springs of them; who is holy, just, and true, and sits and judges among the gods, that which is right.

To listen to you more than to God, you judge: it is not denied that magistrates are to be listened to, and obeyed: but not more than God, or in things that are contrary to his nature, will, law, honour, and glory: whatever is agreeable to the law and will of God, commanded by magistrates, should be attended to, and cheerfully obeyed; but what is not should be disregarded, whatever follows upon it: and this was so just and reasonable, that the apostles appeal to the sanhedrim, or council itself, to determine.