Acts 5:38

38 And now I tell you, keep away from these men, and leave them alone, because if this plan or this matter is from people, 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 For before these days, Theudas rose up saying he was somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined {him}. {He} was executed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and {caused people to follow him in revolt}. And that one perished, and all who followed him were scattered.

38 And now I tell you, keep away from these men, and leave them alone, because if this plan or this matter is from people, it will be overthrown.

39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them, lest you even be found fighting against God." So they were persuaded by him.

40 And they summoned the apostles, beat [them], commanded [them] not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released [them].

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "it will fail"