Acts 5:21
What does Acts 5:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:21 means
The apostles promptly obey, entering the temple at daybreak to teach. Meanwhile, the high priest and his associates convene the council and the full senate of Israel, sending for the prisoners. The irony is stark: the leaders assemble in formal power, but the supposed prisoners are already freely preaching under God’s orders. This split-screen view shows two authorities at work—human and divine—and prepares for their collision. The apostles’ early start demonstrates eagerness and boldness. The leaders’ confidence in their procedures will soon be shaken by the report that the prison is secure but empty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, 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-house to have them brought.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, 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-house to have them brought.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And hearing this, they went into the Temple at dawn, and were teaching. But the high priest and those who were with him got together the Sanhedrin and the representatives of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to get them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having heard, they did enter at the dawn into the temple, and were teaching. And the chief priest having come, and those with him, they called together the sanhedrim and all the senate of the sons of Israel, and they sent to the prison to have them brought,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who having heard this, early in the morning, entered into the temple and taught. And the high priest coming, and they that were with him, called together the council and all the ancients of the children of Israel: and they sent to the prison to have them brought.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when they heard it, they entered very early into the temple and taught. And when the high priest was come, and they that were with him, they called together the council and all the elderhood of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
Context
This verse juxtaposes obedience and bureaucracy. The apostles waste no time fulfilling the angel’s command, while the council follows its usual processes. The narrative sets up the discovery of the empty prison in the next verses, which will perplex the authorities. The contrast heightens the sense that God is directing events behind the scenes. Soon, messengers will announce that the apostles are teaching in the temple, forcing the authorities to confront the reality that they cannot contain the gospel. This prepares for another arrest, now cautious, because of the people’s support.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 5:22
but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.
- Luke 22:66
And as soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying,
- Luke 21:37
And every day he was teaching in the temple; and every night he went out, and lodged in the mount that is called Olivet.
- Acts 5:24
Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them whereunto this would grow.
- John 8:2
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
- John 18:35
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
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