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Act 5:32. Καὶ, and) and in consequence.-δὲ, indeed) This particle amplifies. The testimony of the Holy Spirit is weightier than that of the apostles.-τοῖς πειθαρχοῦσιν, who obey) God, saith Peter, hath given us the Holy Spirit: it is He who impels us to give testimony; and we obey; Act 5:29. We should note the difference between the two words, comparing Act 5:36-37; Act 5:40, where πείθεσθαι occurs: it is this, according to Ammonius; πείθεσθαι is said of one who voluntarily assents to another (τὸ ἑκουσίως συγκατατίθεσθαι: so also ὑποτάσσεσθαι), but πειθαρχεῖν of one who obeys the command of another (τὸ κελεύοντι πεισθῆναι).[42] Comp. Act 27:11; Act 27:21, “The centurion believed (ἘΠΕΊΘΕΤΟ) the master of the ship:” “Ye should have hearkened (complied with my counsel, ΠΕΙΘΑΡΧΉΣΑΝΤΆς) unto me.”
[42] Πειθαρχεῖν, from ἀρχὴ, implies some degree of constraint or obedience to authority and command. Πείθεσθαι and ὑποτάσσεσθαι are more spontaneous. See Tittm. Syn. N. T.-E. and T.