Keraia
Acts 5

Acts 5:37

Gamaliel’s Advice · Acts 5:33–42
Read Acts 5

Translations

Modern
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.
Traditional
After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
Literal
After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the registration and drew away people after him. And he perished, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were scattered.
Latin
Post hunc extitit Judas Galilæus in diebus professionis, et avertit populum post se: et ipse periit, et omnes quotquot consenserunt ei, dispersi sunt.

Original

Greek
English
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.

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.

Events

People

Judas: The Galilean, a Jewish rebel leader

Places

Galilee: Region in northern Israel; key location in Jesus' ministry

Glossary

Augustus Caesar Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Census Circumcision Gamaliel Gaulanitis Judas Judas of Galilee Paul the Apostle Persecution Peter, the Apostle Quirinius Rome (City) Temple Zealot

Topics

Christian Minister: Persecution: The Apostles Citizens: Wicked: Theudas and Four-Hundred Seditious Persons Courts of Justice: Judges of Conferred Together Before Giving Judgment Galilee: Inhabitants of Opposed the Roman Taxation Gamaliel: A Celebrated Teacher: Speech of, Before the Sanhedrin Government: Mosaic: Closely Associated with Moses and Subsequent Leaders Jesus, the Christ: Revelations by: Antichrist Judas (Jude): of Galilee, Who Stirred up a Sedition Among the Jews Soon After the Birth of Jesus 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 Prudence: Gamaliel Punishment: Death Penalty for Sedition Sedition: How Punished Tribute: Roman was Resisted by the Galilaeans Under Judas of Galilee