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 5:38 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 5:38 is part of a speech by a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who addresses the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, about how to deal with the apostles of Jesus Christ.

The apostles had been arrested for preaching about Jesus but had miraculously escaped from prison and continued to teach in the Temple.

The Sanhedrin wanted to punish them, but Gamaliel cautioned restraint.

He suggested that if the apostles' work were of human origin, it would fail on its own.

However, if it was from God, then opposing the apostles would be equivalent to fighting against God.

This verse contains a direct quote of Gamaliel's advice to "refrain from these men, and let them alone."

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

During the time of Acts 5, the early Christian movement was just beginning to grow.

The apostles were actively preaching the teachings and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was seen as a threat to the Jewish traditional beliefs and authority of the Sanhedrin.

In this context, Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law who was known for his wisdom, presented his argument.

His words reflect a careful and strategic approach to the new movement, which had the potential to significantly disrupt Jewish society and religion.

Theological Insights

Gamaliel’s advice is often viewed as a testimony to the sovereignty of God in matters of faith and the spread of the Gospel.

From a Christian theological perspective, his statement can be interpreted as prophetic, considering the fact that Christianity did continue to grow, suggesting that it was indeed God’s work.

Some theologians may also see this as an example of God using a non-believer to fulfill His purpose.

Practical Applications

Acts 5:38 can serve as a lesson in discernment and patience.

It suggests that individuals should be cautious when dealing with new movements or doctrines, giving time to see whether they are truly of lasting consequence. This might apply to religious beliefs, social movements, or even personal relationships.

Cross-References

Acts 5:34-39 – This passage includes Gamaliel's full speech and provides context for verse 38.
Proverbs 21:30 – “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.”
Isaiah 46:10 – Declaring that God’s purposes will stand, supporting the idea of divine sovereignty.

Language Study

The key phrase within the verse, "it will come to nought," translates from the Greek word "καταλυθήσεται" (kataluthēsetai), which means "it will be overthrown" or "destroyed." This reflects Gamaliel's belief in the natural demise of human-led endeavors that are not aligned with God's will.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Gamaliel’s counsel to let the apostles be has parallels in other ancient texts and stories, where characters advocate for a wait-and-see approach to determining the validity of a person’s actions or a movement.

For example, in some ancient mythologies, gods would intervene if a human action displeased them, thus determining the ultimate outcome.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Gamaliel's advice could be likened to the process of natural selection, the idea that time will naturally eliminate what is not viable.

While Gamaliel is talking about divine judgment, rather than natural processes, both concepts address the likelihood of an endeavor’s sustainability over time.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this passage.

Some, like John Calvin, commend Gamaliel for his wisdom and moderation in handling potentially volatile situations.

Others point out that his advice, while politically shrewd, may suggest a somewhat passive approach to spiritual discernment.

There is also debate among scholars about whether Gamaliel's words should be interpreted as an indication of secret faith in Christ or simply political savvy.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:38 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 5:38 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?