Acts 5:20

The Apostles Arrested and Freed · Acts 5:17–23
Read Acts 5

Translations

Modern
“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
Traditional
Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Literal
“Go, and having stood in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life.”
Latin
Ite, et stantes loquimini in templo plebi omnia verba vitæ hujus.

Original

Greek
English
“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

Notes

The irony is that the Sadducees denied the existence of angels (23:8). However, angels appear many times in the book of Acts (see also 10:3, 7, 22; 11:13; 12:6–11, 23; 27:23–24). Luke shows God guiding his people in their ministry, using angels to carry out his purpose.

The apostles' successful ministry caused strong opposition (compare 4:1–3). The wealthy and powerful Sadducees controlled the temple and had a temple police force. They opposed belief in the resurrection and were determined to challenge and, if possible, prevent the apostles from sharing their message about the resurrection of Jesus. They felt their influence over the Jewish people weakening. Jealousy and bitterness led them to attack the apostles.

Theme notes and profiles

John, Son of Zebedee Simon Peter Angels Persecution

Events

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Paul the Apostle Persecution Peter, the Apostle Temple

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Ministrant to the Righteous Angels: Communicate the Will of God and Christ Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: Persecution: The Apostles Court: Civil: Composition of, and Mode of Procedure Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Ministers: should Preach: Fully, and Without Reserve Miracles of the Disciples of Jesus: Peter and Other Apostles Were Delivered from Prison Persecution of the Apostles Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Reprove and Threaten Peter and John Prisoners: The Apostles Sadducees: Persecute the Apostles Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Disciples Preach In