Acts 5:25
What does Acts 5:25 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:25 means
A messenger arrives with striking news: the very men imprisoned are standing in the temple, teaching the people. The apostles have not hidden; they are fulfilling the angel’s command. The wording emphasizes their public posture—standing and teaching—signaling courage and clarity. This revelation turns perplexity into a pressing problem for the authorities, who must act without provoking the supportive crowds. The verse highlights the futility of opposing God’s mission: the place of supposed defeat becomes the stage for renewed proclamation. It also underscores that the apostles measure their steps by God’s commission, not by human threats.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And there came one and told them, Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And there came one and told them, Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And someone came and said to them, The men, whom you put in prison, are in the Temple teaching the people.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and coming near, a certain one told them, saying--`Lo, the men whom ye did put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But one came and told them: Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And some one coming reported to them, Lo, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.
Context
Following the authorities’ confusion, this announcement clarifies the apostles’ whereabouts and activities. It confirms the divine release’s purpose: continued public preaching. The next verse shows the captain and officers retrieving the apostles without violence, fearing the people. This delicate handling demonstrates the influence of the apostles’ ministry and prepares for the formal confrontation before the council. The scene pivots from public teaching to judicial inquiry, where the central issue—preaching in Jesus’ name—will be addressed directly, leading to Peter’s bold confession of obedience to God.
v.24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them whereunto this would grow.
v.25This passage
v.26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
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