Acts 5:13
What does Acts 5:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:13 means
Outsiders dare not casually align themselves with the apostles, yet the people hold them in high esteem. The church’s integrity and the evident power of God create a holy boundary: this community is not to be treated lightly. Fear and respect mingle—no false joiners, but widespread admiration. This atmosphere guards against nominal affiliation and prepares the ground for sincere faith. God’s presence makes the difference between mere movement and holy fellowship. The verse shows how divine holiness can both attract and sober onlookers. It is better for a church to be revered and examined than popularized without discernment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The others, in fear, kept back from joining them: but the people made much of them;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and of the rest no one was daring to join himself to them, but the people were magnifying them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But of the rest no man durst join himself unto them: but the people magnified them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but of the rest durst no man join them, but the people magnified them;
Context
After describing signs, wonders, and unity, Luke records the public reaction. This verse captures the tension created by God’s evident presence: people hesitate to join lightly, yet they magnify the apostles. The next verse will resolve the tension by noting that authentic believers are being added in multitudes, showing that reverence does not hinder true conversion. The scene is one of rising influence and careful consideration among the populace. This combination of respect and restraint sets the stage for the renewed influx of the needy seeking healing, as well as the authorities’ growing jealousy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 9:22
These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
- Acts 4:21
And they, when they had further threatened them, let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done.
- Luke 14:26
If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
- 1 Kings 17:18
And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? thou art come unto me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son!
- Acts 2:47
praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.
- 2 Peter 2:20
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.
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