Acts 5

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.

But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

What does Acts 5:36 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:36 discusses an event concerning a man named Theudas who claimed to be an important figure and managed to gather around four hundred followers.

The verse indicates that his movement ended in failure: Theudas was killed, and his followers were dispersed.

In the broader context of the chapter, this example is brought up by Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, during a counsel about what to do with the apostles of Jesus.

He advises caution, arguing that if what the apostles are doing is of human origin, it will fail on its own, as did the rebellion of Theudas.

However, if it is from God, then opposing the apostles might be equivalent to fighting against God Himself.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The speech by Gamaliel takes place in the context of early Christian preaching in Jerusalem after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The religious authorities were concerned about the apostles' influence and their teachings about Jesus.

The reference to Theudas is challenging for historians because it does not align perfectly with the known historical figure of Theudas mentioned by the historian Josephus, whose uprising happened around a decade after Gamaliel's speech.

It is possible that Acts refers to a different, lesser-known Theudas, or this might be a case of historical compression or error.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Gamaliel's argument is seen as a defense of divine sovereignty and an appeal to a measured response to new religious movements.

His wisdom here is often cited by theologians to suggest that human efforts against God's will are ultimately futile, and it can be seen as an admonition to religious humility.

Gamaliel's test of time regarding religious movements (“if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it”) remains a powerful theological assertion about the resilience of divine truth over human designs.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a lesson in discernment and patience.

In a practical sense, it suggests that not all movements or leaders who claim authority or divine backing should be immediately trusted.

Time and the unfolding of events often reveal the true nature of such movements.

The implication for daily life is a call for caution against being swept up by charismatic figures or hasty judgments in matters where the stakes are high, especially regarding faith and commitment.

Cross-References

Acts 5:38-39: "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."
Luke 13:1-5: Jesus warns against assuming that victims of tragedies were worse sinners than others, implying that the success or failure of individuals is not always a clear indicator of divine favor or judgment.
Acts 21:38: "Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?" This reference to another leader might be seen in parallel to Theudas, exemplifying failed revolutionary movements.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse are:

"Theudas" (Θευδᾶς): a Greek name possibly meaning "gift of God."
"Boasting" (λέγων): can mean "saying," but in this context implies a claim to a title or to significance.
"Slain" (ἀναιρέω): means "to take away," "kill," or "destroy."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Theudas is not a uniquely Christian figure; emergent leaders claiming spiritual or political authority were not uncommon in the tumultuous historical setting of Judea in the 1st century.

Movements like these could be compared to other prophetic or messianic figures in Jewish history, such as the Maccabees.

Such comparisons show a pattern of popular resistance against established authority, often with religious undertones.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern sociological and psychological research might look at movements like Theudas as a phenomenon of group dynamics and the effects of charismatic leadership.

The rapid gathering and then dispersion of his followers could be studied through the lens of social identity and group cohesion theories, showing how leadership and identity can rapidly change.

Commentaries

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges suggests that Gamaliel's reference to Theudas could be to a different person than the one Josephus writes about.

Similarly, the Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the frequency of uprisings during that time, suggesting that Theudas's revolt might have been too insignificant for Josephus to mention.

Most commentaries agree that Gamaliel's point is about the futility of opposing a movement that is truly divine in origin, while differing in their views on the historical precision of the account concerning Theudas.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 5:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?