Acts 5:36

Translations

Modern

Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

Traditional

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

Literal

For before these days, Theudas rose up, affirming himself to be somebody—to whom a number of men, about four hundred, were joined—who was put to death, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were dispersed; and it came to nothing.

Latin

Ante hos enim dies extitit Theodas, dicens se esse aliquem, cui consensit numerus virorum circiter quadringentorum: qui occisus est, et omnes qui credebant ei, dissipati sunt, et redacti ad nihilum.

Original

Greek

English

Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

Notes

Acts 5:36–37

This Theudas is otherwise unknown, although the Jewish historian Josephus mentions a different man with the same name who led a revolution some years later (see Josephus, Antiquities 20.5.1). Theudas was a common Jewish name.
Judas of Galilee appears in Josephus as a rebel who opposed paying taxes to Caesar around AD 6 or 7, following the census of Quirinius (see Josephus, Antiquities 20.5.2; compare Luke 2:2). His resistance was stopped by the Roman authorities, who used force to end the revolt

Acts 5:33–40

God once again stopped the plans of the Jewish leaders to silence the apostles. This time, he did so through the advice of Gamaliel.

Acts 5:17–40

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 The Jewish High Council The Pharisees Persecution Preaching to a Tough Crowd

Events

Gamaliel advises the counsel and Apostles freedc. AD 30

Related verses

Acts 8:9
Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great,
2 Peter 2:2
Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
2 Thessalonians 2:3–7
Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.
Galatians 6:3
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Revelation 17:5
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Jude 1:16
These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
Acts 21:38
“Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand members of the Assassins into the wilderness?”
Revelation 17:3
And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.
Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
Galatians 2:6
But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.
Matthew 24:26
So if they tell you, ‘There He is, in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Here He is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
2 Peter 2:18
With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.

People

Theudas: Jewish rebel leader killed by Roman authorities

Glossary

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

Topics

Christian Minister: Persecution: The Apostles Citizens: Wicked: Theudas and Four-Hundred Seditious Persons Courts of Justice: Judges of Conferred Together Before Giving Judgment Gamaliel: A Celebrated Teacher: Speech of, Before the Sanhedrin Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated with Moses and Subsequent Leaders Jesus, the Christ: Revelations by: Antichrist Persecution of the Apostles Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Presumption: Theudas Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Reprove and Threaten Peter and John Prisoners: The Apostles Prudence: Gamaliel Punishment: Death Penalty for Sedition Sedition: How Punished Theudas: A Jewish Insurrectionist

Acts 5:36

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