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Acts 5:39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 5:39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/5-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/44_Act_05_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 5:39 - Gamaliel's Advice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. 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You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow it, lest ever also you would be found fighting against God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or you may even be found fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />but if it is of God [and it appears that it is], you will not be able to stop them; or else you may even be found fighting against God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God. The council members agreed with what he said, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />However, if it's from God, you won't be able to stop them. You may even discover that you're fighting against God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />but if it comes from God, you cannot possibly defeat them. You could find yourselves fighting against God!" The Council followed Gamaliel's advice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />However, if it's from God, you won't be able to stop them, and you may even discover that you are fighting against God!" So they were convinced by him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God." He convinced them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, and you would be found even to be fighting against God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But if it is from God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But if it is really from God, you will be powerless to put them down--lest perhaps you find yourselves to be actually fighting against God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and if it be of God, you are not able to overthrow it, lest perhaps you are also found fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow it, lest ever also you would be found fighting against God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and if it be of God, ye are not able to overthrow it, lest perhaps also ye be found fighting against God.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if it is of God, ye cannot destroy it; lest ye also be found contenders against God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest perhaps you be found even to fight against God. And they consented to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, if it is of God, you will not be able to break it, and perhaps you might be found to have fought against God.” And they agreed with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” They were convinced by him,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if it be of God, you cannot suppress it, lest perchance you find yourself standing in opposition to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“But if it is from God, you have no power to destroy it, lest you be found opposing God.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />but if it is of God, you can not bring it to an end: and take heed, lest you be found fighting also against God.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />but if it be of God, you will not be able to destroy them, lest perchance you may also be found fighting against God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; and in that case would be found fighters against God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But if it is really from God, you will be powerless to put them down--lest perhaps you find yourselves to be actually fighting against God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />but, if it be of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest perhaps ye be found even fighting against God."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />but if it be of God, ye cannot defeat it, least ye be found fighting even against God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/5-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=1576" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/5.htm">Gamaliel's Advice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">38</span>So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. <span class="reftext">39</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynēsesthe (V-FIM-2P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">you will not be able</a> <a href="/greek/2647.htm" title="2647: katalysai (V-ANA) -- From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night.">to stop</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them.</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4219.htm" title="4219: pote (Conj) -- When, at what time. From the base of pou and te; interrogative adverb, at what time."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heurethēte (V-ASP-2P) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">You may even find yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/2314.htm" title="2314: theomachoi (Adj-NMP) -- Fighting against God. From theos and machomai; an opponent of deity.">fighting against God.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">40</span>At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a></span><br />There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-10.htm">Isaiah 8:10</a></span><br />Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a></span><br />And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-12.htm">Job 9:12</a></span><br />If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></span><br />All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-27.htm">Isaiah 14:27</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10-11</a></span><br />The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. / The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-4.htm">Psalm 2:4</a></span><br />The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a></span><br />I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-13.htm">Matthew 15:13</a></span><br />But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-37.htm">Lamentations 3:37</a></span><br />Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-6.htm">2 Chronicles 20:6</a></span><br />and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God.</p><p class="hdg">if.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/6-10.htm">Acts 6:10</a></b></br> And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Genesis 24:50</a></b></br> Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a></b></br> Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.</p><p class="hdg">to fight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Acts 7:51</a></b></br> Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers <i>did</i>, so <i>do</i> ye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5</a></b></br> And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: <i>it is</i> hard for thee to kick against the pricks.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Acts 23:9</a></b></br> And there arose a great cry: and the scribes <i>that were</i> of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/4-14.htm">Able</a> <a href="/acts/5-25.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/luke/8-23.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/john/18-36.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-14.htm">Fighters</a> <a href="/john/18-36.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/acts/5-22.htm">Find</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Found</a> <a href="/acts/2-11.htm">God</a> <a href="/luke/14-29.htm">Haply</a> <a href="/psalms/71-13.htm">Opposing</a> <a href="/acts/2-24.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Overthrow</a> <a href="/luke/20-13.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Powerless</a> <a href="/john/14-7.htm">Really</a> <a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/acts/5-35.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/6-10.htm">Able</a> <a href="/acts/9-11.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/acts/19-27.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/acts/7-26.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Fighters</a> <a href="/acts/7-26.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Find</a> <a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Found</a> <a href="/acts/6-11.htm">God</a> <a href="/acts/17-27.htm">Haply</a> <a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Opposing</a> <a href="/acts/19-16.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Overthrow</a> <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/romans/5-6.htm">Powerless</a> <a href="/acts/9-26.htm">Really</a> <a href="/acts/8-38.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-1.htm">After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-3.htm">at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-12.htm">and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-14.htm">to the increase of the faith;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-17.htm">the apostles are again imprisoned;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-19.htm">but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-21.htm">when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">and before the council,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-33.htm">they are in danger to be killed; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-34.htm">but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/5-41.htm">for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But if it is from God</b><br>This phrase introduces the possibility that the apostles' work and message are divinely inspired. In the context of <a href="/acts/5.htm">Acts 5</a>, the apostles are spreading the message of Jesus Christ, which has caused concern among the Jewish leaders. The speaker, Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, suggests that if the apostles' mission is truly from God, it will succeed regardless of human opposition. This reflects a broader biblical theme that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human efforts, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/14-27.htm">Isaiah 14:27</a>, where it states that God's plans will stand.<p><b>you will not be able to stop them.</b><br>Here, the inevitability of God's will is emphasized. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are carrying out the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), and their success is assured if their mission is divinely ordained. This echoes the unstoppable nature of God's plans, as seen in the story of Joseph in <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a>, where what was meant for harm, God used for good. The early church's growth, despite persecution, is a testament to this principle.<p><b>You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”</b><br>This warning highlights the danger of opposing God's work. Gamaliel cautions the Sanhedrin that resisting the apostles could mean opposing God Himself. This reflects the biblical understanding that God is sovereign and His purposes will prevail, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a>, which states that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against the Lord. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the futility of resisting God's will, as illustrated in the story of Jonah, who initially fled from God's command but ultimately fulfilled it.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gamaliel.htm">Gamaliel</a></b><br>A respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, who was a member of the Sanhedrin. He advised caution in dealing with the apostles, suggesting that if their movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, it could not be stopped.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin</a></b><br>The Jewish ruling council, composed of Pharisees and Sadducees, which held authority over religious matters in Jerusalem. They were deliberating on how to deal with the apostles who were spreading the message of Jesus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostles.htm">Apostles</a></b><br>The early followers of Jesus, particularly Peter and John, who were preaching the gospel and performing miracles in Jerusalem, leading to their arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, where the apostles were teaching and where the events of <a href="/bsb/acts/5.htm">Acts 5</a> take place.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The community of believers in Jesus Christ, growing rapidly in numbers and influence, despite facing persecution from Jewish authorities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_opposition.htm">Discernment in Opposition</a></b><br>When facing opposition, discern whether it is against human plans or God's purposes. Opposition to God's work is ultimately futile.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes, regardless of human resistance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wise_counsel.htm">Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Seek wise and godly counsel when making decisions, especially in matters of faith and ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_ministry.htm">Courage in Ministry</a></b><br>Be encouraged that if your work is aligned with God's will, it will endure despite challenges and opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders should exercise humility, recognizing that they may be opposing God's work if they act out of self-interest or fear.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_gamaliel_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Gamaliel in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_theudas_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Theudas mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gamaliel's_support_for_christians_noted.htm">Acts 5:34-39: Is there any external historical mention of Gamaliel backing the early Christians, or is this account potentially biased?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_39_7_dismiss_science.htm">Psalm 39:7 - When David looks only to God for hope, does this dismiss practical or scientific solutions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(39) <span class= "bld">Fighters against God.</span>--It is interesting to note the recurrence of the same phrase in the reasoning of the Pharisees who took St. Paul's part in <a href="/acts/23-9.htm" title="And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.">Acts 23:9</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 39.</span> <span class="accented">- Is</span> for <span class="accented">be</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">will not be able</span> to for <span class="accented">cannot</span>, A.V.; them for <span class="accented">it</span>, A.V. and T.R.; to <span class="accented">be fighting</span> for <span class="accented">to fight</span>, A.V. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/5-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will not be able</span><br /><span class="grk">δυνήσεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(dynēsesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to stop</span><br /><span class="grk">καταλῦσαι</span> <span class="translit">(katalysai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2647.htm">Strong's 2647: </a> </span><span class="str2">From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them.</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτούς</span> <span class="translit">(autous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You may even find yourselves</span><br /><span class="grk">εὑρεθῆτε</span> <span class="translit">(heurethēte)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fighting against God.”</span><br /><span class="grk">θεομάχοι</span> <span class="translit">(theomachoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2314.htm">Strong's 2314: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fighting against God. From theos and machomai; an opponent of deity.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/5-39.htm">Acts 5:39 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/5-39.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 5:39 But if it is of God you (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/5-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 5:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 5:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/5-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 5:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 5:40" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>