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 5:37 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:37 refers to an incident that occurred during a period of taxation in Judea, involving a figure named Judas of Galilee. This Judas is reported to have led a revolt against Roman authority, which attracted a following.

However, the verse notes that he perished, and his movement ultimately dissipated, as those who followed him were scattered.

The verse serves as an example within the broader context of Acts 5, wherein Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, advises caution to the Sanhedrin against punishing the apostles.

He cites the example of Judas of Galilee to illustrate that movements not ordained by God would ultimately fail.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The "taxing" mentioned refers to the Roman census and taxation that took place in Judea.

Such events were often deeply resented by the Jewish population, as they symbolized Roman oppression.

Judas of Galilee is believed to have led a revolt around AD 6 when Quirinius was governing Syria and conducting a census in Judea.

This revolt was aimed at resisting Roman taxes and authority.

Judas argued that God was the only rightful ruler of Israel and that paying taxes to Rome was equivalent to enslavement.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse can be viewed from several perspectives:

Divine Providence: Some interpret Gamaliel's argument as an acknowledgment of divine providence.

If a movement is part of God's plan, it will succeed despite opposition; if it is not, it will fail regardless of human support.

Humility: Others view this as a call for humility among leaders and followers alike, suggesting that ultimate success is not guaranteed by human endeavor but is dependent on the will of God.
Obedience and Idolatry: The verse may also imply a warning against idolatrous obedience to human leaders which contrasts with obedience to God.

Practical Applications

In a practical context, this verse can be seen as an admonition to be discerning about the causes and leaders one chooses to follow.

It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and confirmation that an undertaking is aligned with divine will.

It also serves as a reminder that earthly movements and ambitions are transient and that one should prioritize spiritual discernment and faithfulness to God's commandments.

Cross-References

Luke 2:1-3: Describes the census or taxing under Cyrenius (Quirinius) which brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
Romans 13:1-2: Paul writes about the obligation to submit to governing authorities, suggesting a different approach from that of Judas of Galilee.
1 Samuel 8:7: Republication of Israel's desire for a human king as rejection of God's kingship, paralleling Judas's stance against Roman rulership.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

"ἀνέστη" (anestē): Translated as "rose up", meaning to arise or stand up, often associated with insurrection.
"Ἰούδας" (Ioudas): The Greek form of "Judas", the name of the person.
"ἀπώλετο" (apōleto): Translated as "perished", denoting destruction or death, indicating that Judas's rebellion ended in failure.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Judas of Galilee's revolt can be compared to other ancient rebellions against imperial powers.

His assertion of divine rulership has parallels in other cultures where kings were often seen as gods or divinely appointed.

Judas's claim that paying taxes to Rome was unacceptable can be compared to religious movements that oppose secular authorities on spiritual grounds.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings but might indirectly relate to the field of archaeology, where evidence from the era of Roman taxation might shed light on the historical background of such revolts.

Furthermore, concepts of group dynamics and the lifecycle of movements are studied within social sciences, offering insights into why certain movements fail or succeed.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries interpret Acts 5:37 as a historical reference providing insight into the sociopolitical climate of first-century Judea.

They often point out that Luke, the author of Acts, uses Gamaliel's speech to validate the apostolic mission by contrasting it with failed movements.

Commentators like Matthew Henry note that Judas is mentioned as a warning that even zealous endeavors fail without God's blessing.

Contemporary scholars may also focus on the authenticity of Gamaliel's speech and the historicity of Luke's account, debating whether Gamaliel's attitude reflects a real sentiment or serves a didactic purpose for Luke's audience.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:37 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 5:37 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?