Acts 5:17
What does Acts 5:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:17 means
The high priest and those with him, identified as the Sadducees, are filled with jealousy. Their reaction reveals that opposition is not based on truth but on threatened status and influence. The Sadducees, who denied resurrection, are especially provoked by a movement centered on Jesus’ rising and ongoing power. Jealousy is a dangerous motive, leading religious leaders to oppose God’s work rather than examine their hearts. The verse signals a shift from popular response to institutional resistance. The church’s growth and miracles become grounds for envy instead of repentance among those who should have shepherded Israel into the truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the high priest and those who were with him (the Sadducees) were full of envy,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And having risen, the chief priest, and all those with him--being the sect of the Sadducees--were filled with zeal,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then the high priest rising up, and all they that were with him (which is the heresy of the Sadducees) were filled with envy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the high priest rising up, and all they that were with him, which is the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with wrath,
Context
After describing extraordinary growth and healing, Luke turns to the reaction of the ruling elite. The mention of the Sadducees recalls earlier confrontations in Acts and explains the theological and political roots of their hostility. The next verse will show them acting on this jealousy by arresting the apostles and placing them in public custody. This sets up a trial-like scene that will be dramatically interrupted by divine intervention. The narrative prepares the reader to see God vindicate His messengers in the face of human power and to hear again the central message about Jesus’ resurrection.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 14:30
A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; But envy is the rottenness of the bones.
- John 11:47
The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.
- Psalms 2:1
Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?
- Acts 23:6
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
- James 3:14
But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth.
- Ecclesiastes 4:4
Then I saw all labor and every skilful work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
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