Acts 5:39
What does Acts 5:39 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 5:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 5:39 means
Gamaliel adds the decisive caution: if the movement is of God, you cannot overthrow it, and you might be found fighting against God. This recognizes divine sovereignty over human plans. The warning reframes the council’s actions as potentially opposing God Himself, a grave danger. The language acknowledges that they do not yet know the movement’s true source, calling for humility. Ironically, Acts will show that the apostles’ work endures, vindicating Gamaliel’s caution. His counsel restrains immediate violence and provides a space in which the gospel continues to spread, despite official hostility.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if it is of God, you will not be able to overcome them, and you are in danger of fighting against God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if it be of God, ye are not able to overthrow it, lest perhaps also ye be found fighting against God.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest perhaps you be found even to fight against God. And they consented to him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but if it be fromGod, ye will not be able to put them down, lest ye be found also fighters againstGod.
Context
This theological capstone follows Gamaliel’s pragmatic reasoning. With the warning delivered, the council will agree to his proposal. The next verse will report their compliance, coupled with punitive measures: the apostles are beaten, ordered again not to speak in Jesus’ name, and released. This outcome spares their lives but not their suffering, setting the stage for their remarkable response—rejoicing to suffer for the Name—and their unbroken commitment to teach and preach Jesus daily.
v.38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown:
v.39This passage
v.40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 1:25
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
- 2 Kings 19:22
Whom hast thou defied and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
- Acts 11:17
If then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?
- 2 Samuel 5:2
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was thou that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and Jehovah said to thee, Thou shalt be shepherd of my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over Israel.
- Revelation 17:12
And the ten horns that thou sawest are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour.
- Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
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