Acts 5:38

38 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;

Acts 5:38 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 5:38

And now I say unto you
This is the sum of my advice upon the observation of these and other instances:

refrain from these men, and let them alone;
keep your hands off of them, do not attempt to take away their lives, but dismiss them quietly, nor go about to hinder them, in what they are concerned:

for if this counsel, or this work be of men;
if the doctrine these men preach is an human device; or this business they are engaged in is only an human affair, projected by men, and carried on upon selfish principles, and worldly views, seeking only themselves, and their secular interests, and not the glory of God:

it will come to nought;
as did the designs of Theudas and Judas.

Acts 5:38 In-Context

36 Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered.

38 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;

39 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.

40 After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.