Acts 5:26
What does Acts 5:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:26 means
The captain and officers bring the apostles back, but gently, out of fear of being stoned by the people. This shows the apostles’ favor among the populace and the authorities’ political caution. The leaders must maintain order without provoking a riot. The apostles offer no resistance, consistent with their pattern of respectful boldness. The verse displays a reversal of power dynamics: officials possess formal authority, but the moral authority appears to rest with those who are blessing the people. This delicate retrieval sets the scene for a hearing focused on the core issue of the apostles’ message rather than on public disorder.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then the captain and some of the police went and took them, but not violently, for fear that they might be stoned by the people.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862then the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then went the officer with the ministers and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then the captain, having gone with the officers, brought them, not with violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
Context
After learning where the apostles are, the authorities act carefully. Their concern for public reaction underscores the apostles’ standing and the popularity of their ministry. The next verses move the drama into the council chamber, where the high priest will highlight the previous prohibition and the apostles’ citywide impact. The narrative shifts from crowd dynamics to theological confrontation, preparing for Peter’s declaration that God must be obeyed over men and for his concise gospel proclamation centered on Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 21:26
But if we shall say, From men; we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet.
- 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 22:2
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people.
- Acts 5:13
But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them;
- Luke 20:6
But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
- Matthew 14:5
And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
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