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Acts 5:38 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.

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Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />&#8220;So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And now I say to you, withdraw from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this work is from men, it will be overthrown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And 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 come to nought:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And <i>so</i> in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8220;And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action should be of men, it will be overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So in the present case, I also say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men [merely human in origin], it will fail <i>and</i> be destroyed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And 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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And 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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/5.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />"We should keep away from these men for now. We should leave them alone. I can guarantee that if the plan they put into action is of human origin, it will fail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And so in this case, I tell you, do not take any action against these men. Leave them alone! If what they have planned and done is of human origin, it will disappear, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"I'm telling you to keep away from these men for now. Leave them alone, because if this plan or movement is of human origin, it will fail. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of human origin, it will be overthrown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work is from men, it will come to naught:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And now I tell you to hold aloof from these men and leave them alone--for if this scheme or work is of human origin, it will come to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now I tell you, withdraw from these men and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and now I say to you, refrain from these men, and leave them alone, because if this counsel or this work may be of men, it will be overthrown,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And now I say to you, withdraw from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this work is from men, it will be overthrown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone, because if this counsel or this work may be of men, it will be overthrown,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And now say I to you, Depart from these men, and leave them; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it shall be destroyed:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And now, therefore, I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this council or this work be of men, it will come to nought; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And now therefore, I say to you, withdraw from these men and leave them alone. For if this counsel or work is of men, it will be broken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So now I tell you, Keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this thought and this work is of men, it will fail and pass away.<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 />&#8220;And I say to you, separate yourselves from these men and leave them, for if this counsel and work is from men, they will dissolve and pass away.&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And now I say to you, keep away from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to an end;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And I now say this to you: Stand aloof from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And as to the matters now before you, I say unto you, Abstain from these men, and leave them to themselves: for if this design or this work be of men, it will come to nothing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self, but if it be from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And now I tell you to hold aloof from these men and leave them alone--for if this scheme or work is of human origin, it will come to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And now I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for, if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And <i>therefore</i> as to the present affair I advise you <i>to</i> refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/5-38.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=1565" 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>&#8230;<span class="reftext">37</span>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. <span class="reftext">38</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">in the present case</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: leg&#333; (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I advise</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you:</a> <a href="/greek/868.htm" title="868: apost&#275;te (V-AMA-2P) -- From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc.">Leave</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tout&#333;n (DPro-GMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#333;n (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthr&#333;p&#333;n (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men alone.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphete (V-AMA-2P) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">Let them go!</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."></a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: haut&#275; (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">their</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: h&#275; (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1012.htm" title="1012: boul&#275; (N-NFS) -- Counsel, deliberate wisdom, decree. From boulomai; volition, i.e. advice, or purpose.">purpose</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: &#275; (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergon (N-NNS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">endeavor</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: &#275; (V-PSA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthr&#333;p&#333;n (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">human origin,</a> <a href="/greek/2647.htm" title="2647: katalyth&#275;setai (V-FIP-3S) -- From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night.">it will fail.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">39</span>But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.&#8221;&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-13.htm">Matthew 15:13</a></span><br />But Jesus replied, &#8220;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="/job/5-12.htm">Job 5:12-13</a></span><br />He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. / He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10</a></span><br />The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.<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, &#8216;My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.&#8217;<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="/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, &#8216;What have You done?&#8217;&#8221;<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:14</a></span><br />I know that everything God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that they should fear Him.<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="/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="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God&#8217;s sight. As it is written: &#8220;He catches the wise in their craftiness.&#8221; / And again, &#8220;The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-15.htm">James 4:15</a></span><br />Instead, you ought to say, &#8220;If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man&#8217;s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing:</p><p class="hdg">Refrain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-35.htm">Acts 5:35</a></b></br> And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/11-48.htm">John 11:48</a></b></br> If we let him thus alone, all <i>men</i> will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.</p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/4-15.htm">Nehemiah 4:15</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-12.htm">Job 5:12-14</a></b></br> He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform <i>their</i> enterprise&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10,11</a></b></br> The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Action</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-9.htm">Advise</a> <a href="/john/17-20.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-11.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/acts/4-2.htm">Case</a> <a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/acts/3-23.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/john/1-20.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/acts/4-3.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Human</a> <a href="/acts/4-15.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/acts/5-36.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/acts/5-36.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/john/19-9.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/acts/4-28.htm">Plan</a> <a href="/acts/5-5.htm">Present</a> <a href="/acts/5-28.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/micah/2-1.htm">Scheme</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-15.htm">Undertaking</a> <a href="/acts/4-15.htm">Withdraw</a> <a href="/acts/4-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Action</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Activity</a> <a href="/acts/27-34.htm">Advise</a> <a href="/acts/11-19.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-10.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/acts/8-7.htm">Case</a> <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/acts/8-33.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/romans/10-19.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/acts/7-48.htm">Human</a> <a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Naught</a> <a href="/acts/19-27.htm">Nought</a> <a href="/romans/11-36.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/romans/11-3.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Plan</a> <a href="/acts/10-21.htm">Present</a> <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/esther/9-25.htm">Scheme</a> <a href="/acts/7-5.htm">Undertaking</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Withdraw</a> <a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Work</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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/acts/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>So in the present case I advise you:</b><br>This phrase is spoken by Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, who was a member of the Sanhedrin. His advice is given during a critical moment when the apostles are being persecuted for preaching about Jesus. Gamaliel's counsel reflects a cautious and pragmatic approach, emphasizing discernment and patience. His role as a Pharisee is significant, as Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law and often opposed the early Christian movement. Gamaliel's wisdom is acknowledged in Jewish tradition, and he is mentioned in <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3</a> as the teacher of Paul.<p><b>Leave these men alone. Let them go!</b><br>Gamaliel's recommendation to release the apostles without punishment is a strategic move to avoid unnecessary conflict. This reflects a broader principle found in <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a>, which states that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against the Lord. By suggesting that the apostles be left alone, Gamaliel implies that if their mission is not from God, it will naturally come to nothing. This approach also aligns with the Jewish legal principle of not punishing without clear evidence of wrongdoing.<p><b>For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin,</b><br>Gamaliel distinguishes between human and divine origins, a theme prevalent throughout scripture. Human endeavors, when not aligned with God's will, are often depicted as fleeting and ultimately unsuccessful. This echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/psalms/127.htm">Psalm 127:1</a>, which states that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. The early Christian movement faced skepticism, and Gamaliel's words suggest that time will reveal the true nature of their mission.<p><b>it will fail.</b><br>The assertion that human-originated plans will fail underscores the biblical principle of divine sovereignty. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as the ultimate authority whose plans cannot be thwarted (<a href="/job/42-2.htm">Job 42:2</a>). This phrase also serves as a prophetic insight into the enduring nature of the Christian faith, which, despite human opposition, has persisted and grown over centuries. Gamaliel's statement is a reminder of the futility of opposing God's purposes, as seen in the eventual spread of Christianity despite early persecution.<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 is known for his wise counsel in this passage, advising caution in dealing with the apostles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanhedrin.htm">The Sanhedrin</a></b><br>The Jewish ruling council, composed of Pharisees and Sadducees, which was responsible for religious and legal matters in Jerusalem.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_apostles.htm">The Apostles</a></b><br>The early followers of Jesus Christ, who were spreading the message of the Gospel and performing miracles in His name.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central city of Jewish worship and the location where the apostles were preaching and where the Sanhedrin convened.<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 opposition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_opposition.htm">Discernment in Opposition</a></b><br>Gamaliel's advice teaches us the importance of discernment when facing opposition. Not every challenge requires immediate action; sometimes, patience and observation are necessary to see if something is truly of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>This passage reminds believers to trust in God's sovereignty. If a movement or purpose is from God, it will endure despite human efforts to stop it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_plans_against_god.htm">The Futility of Human Plans Against God</a></b><br>Human plans that oppose God's will are ultimately futile. This encourages believers to align their purposes with God's will to ensure lasting impact.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_leadership.htm">Wisdom in Leadership</a></b><br>Gamaliel's approach demonstrates the value of wisdom and calmness in leadership, especially when dealing with potentially divisive issues.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_faithful.htm">Encouragement for the Faithful</a></b><br>For those working in ministry or spreading the Gospel, this passage offers encouragement that their labor is not in vain if it is aligned with God's purpose.<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/who_is_friedrich_nietzsche.htm">What is the origin of angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'kiss_the_son'_mean_in_ps._2_12.htm">What does "kiss the Son" mean in Psalm 2:12?</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>(38) <span class= "bld">Refrain from these men.</span>--The advice implies something like a suppressed conviction not bold enough to utter itself. Gamaliel takes his place in the class, at all times numerous, of waiters upon Providence, who are neutral till a cause is successful, and then come forward with a tardy sympathy, but who, above all, shrink from committing themselves while there seems any possibility of failure. In <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm" title="For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe.">1Thessalonians 2:13</a>, St. Paul seems almost to contrast the readiness of his disciples in receiving his gospel, not as "of man," but as "of God," with the timid caution of his Master. As a prudential dilemma, the argument was forcible enough. Resistance was either needless or it was hopeless. If needless, it was a waste of energy; if hopeless, it involved a fatal risk besides that of mere failure. We may legitimately think of the fiery disciple as listening impatiently to this temporising counsel, and as stirred by it to greater vehemence.<p><span class= "bld">It will come to nought.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">it will be overthrown, </span>so as to preserve the emphasis of the repetition of the same verb in the next clause of the dilemma.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 38.</span> <span class="accented">- Be overthrown</span> for come to <span class="accented">nought</span>, A.V. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/5-38.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">So</span><br /><span class="grk">&#922;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(Kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the present [case]</span><br /><span class="grk">&#957;&#8166;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(nyn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I advise</span><br /><span class="grk">&#955;&#941;&#947;&#969;</span> <span class="translit">(leg&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you:</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8017;&#956;&#8150;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Leave</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#960;&#972;&#963;&#964;&#951;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(apost&#275;te)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_868.htm">Strong's 868: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#959;&#973;&#964;&#969;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(tout&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">men {alone}.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#957;&#952;&#961;&#974;&#960;&#969;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(anthr&#333;p&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Let them go!</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7940;&#966;&#949;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(aphete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8005;&#964;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#8048;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(ean)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[their]</span><br /><span class="grk">&#945;&#8021;&#964;&#951;</span> <span class="translit">(haut&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">purpose</span><br /><span class="grk">&#946;&#959;&#965;&#955;&#8052;</span> <span class="translit">(boul&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1012.htm">Strong's 1012: </a> </span><span class="str2">Counsel, deliberate wisdom, decree. From boulomai; volition, i.e. advice, or purpose.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7970;</span> <span class="translit">(&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">endeavor</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7956;&#961;&#947;&#959;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(ergon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8086;</span> <span class="translit">(&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive 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">of</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#958;</span> <span class="translit">(ex)</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">human origin,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#957;&#952;&#961;&#974;&#960;&#969;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(anthr&#333;p&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it will fail.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#964;&#945;&#955;&#965;&#952;&#942;&#963;&#949;&#964;&#945;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(katalyth&#275;setai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/5-38.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 5:38 Now I tell you withdraw from these (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/5-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 5:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 5:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/5-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 5:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 5:39" /></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>

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