Skip to main content
acts 5:33-40

Explore the Bible Online

Acts 5:33-40

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”

— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

33. When they heard [that], they were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them. 34. 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; 35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36. 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. 37. 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. 38. 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: 39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 40. 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.

Acts 5:33-40 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 5:33

Theological / Devotional

Cut to the heart. Gr. diarid, “to saw asunder,” that is, with rage, as in ch. 7:54, the only other place in the NT where this verb is found. Their rage bore eloquent testimony to the truth of the apostles’ bold accusations.

Took counsel. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between this and the reading “wished.” Already responsible for the blood of Jesus, they now wished to take the lives of His twelve chief followers.

To slay. They wished to put the apostles to death for disobeying the Sanhedrin and for accusing it of Christ’s death.

By SdaBc