Acts 5:26 At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles--but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.

◄ Acts 5:26 ►

New International Version
At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

New Living Translation
The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them.

English Standard Version
Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Berean Standard Bible
At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.

Berean Literal Bible
Then the captain, having gone with the officers, was bringing them, not with force, for they were afraid of the people lest they might be stoned.

King James Bible
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

New King James Version
Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

New American Standard Bible
Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

NASB 1995
Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

NASB 1977
Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned).

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

Amplified Bible
Then the captain went with the officers and brought them back, without hurting them (because they were afraid of the people, worried that they might be stoned).

Christian Standard Bible
Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.

American Standard Version
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

Contemporary English Version
The captain went with some of the temple police and brought the apostles back. But they did not use force. They were afraid that the people might start throwing stones at them.

English Revised Version
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the officer of the temple guards went with some of his men to bring back the apostles without using force. After all, the officer and his guards were afraid that the people would stone them to death for using force.

Good News Translation
So the officer went off with his men and brought the apostles back. They did not use force, however, because they were afraid that the people might stone them.

International Standard Version
So the commander of the Temple guards went with his men to bring them back without force, because they were afraid of being stoned to death by the people.

Majority Standard Bible
At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.

NET Bible
Then the commander of the temple guard went with the officers and brought the apostles without the use of force (for they were afraid of being stoned by the people).

New Heart English Bible
Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

Weymouth New Testament
Upon this the Commander went with the officers, and brought the Apostles; but without using violence; for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

World English Bible
Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
then the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned;

Berean Literal Bible
Then the captain, having gone with the officers, was bringing them, not with force, for they were afraid of the people lest they might be stoned.

Young's Literal Translation
then the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned;

Smith's Literal Translation
Then the commander having gone with attendants, brought them, not with force: for they feared the people, lest they might be stoned.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then went the officer with the ministers, and brought them without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the magistrate, with the attendants, went and brought them without force. For they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned.

New American Bible
Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them in, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then the leaders went with the soldiers to bring them, not by force, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Leaders went with the attendants to bring them, not with force, for they were afraid lest the people would stone them.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Then went the captain with the attendants, and brought them without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

Godbey New Testament
Then the captain along with the officers, having gone away, led them, not with violence, for they feared the people lest they might be stoned.

Haweis New Testament
Then went the captain, with the officers, and brought them; not forcibly, for they were afraid of the people, lest they should stone them.

Mace New Testament
upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people.

Weymouth New Testament
Upon this the Commander went with the officers, and brought the Apostles; but without using violence; for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Worrell New Testament
Then the captain, having gone away with the officers, brought them, not with violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned;

Worsley New Testament
Then the captain went with the officers and brought them, but not with violence; for they were afraid of the people least they should be stoned:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Apostles Before the Council
…25Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!” 26At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles— but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. 27They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 26:55
At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.

Mark 14:48-49
Jesus asked the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? / Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. But this has happened that the Scriptures would be fulfilled.”

Luke 22:52-53
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple officers, and elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against an outlaw? / Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you and to the power of darkness.”

John 18:12
Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him.

John 7:30
So they tried to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.

John 7:44
Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him.

John 8:20
He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts, near the treasury. Yet no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.

John 18:6
When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

Acts 4:21
After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened.

Acts 12:4
He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

Acts 16:23-24
And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Acts 21:30-32
The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. / While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. / Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

Acts 23:10
The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

Acts 23:27
This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,

Acts 24:7
but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands,

Treasury of Scripture

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

they.

Acts 5:13
And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

Matthew 14:5
And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Matthew 21:26
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

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Acts 5

1. After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife,
3. at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;
12. and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;
14. to the increase of the faith;
17. the apostles are again imprisoned;
19. but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;
21. when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,
29. and before the council,
33. they are in danger to be killed;
34. but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;
41. for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching.

Berean Study Bible

At that point
This phrase indicates a specific moment in time, suggesting urgency and immediacy. In the context of Acts 5, the apostles had been preaching boldly in the temple courts, despite previous warnings from the Jewish authorities. The phrase underscores the tension and the pivotal nature of the events unfolding. Historically, this was a period of significant growth and challenge for the early church, as the apostles were spreading the message of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish religious life.

the captain
The Greek word used here is "στρατηγός" (strategos), referring to a high-ranking officer in charge of the temple guard. This position was one of authority and respect within the Jewish temple hierarchy. The captain's involvement highlights the seriousness with which the Jewish leaders viewed the apostles' activities. It also reflects the organized structure of temple security, which was tasked with maintaining order and protecting the sanctity of the temple.

went with the officers
The term "officers" translates from the Greek "ὑπηρέτης" (hypēretēs), meaning servants or attendants. These were likely members of the temple guard, responsible for enforcing the Sanhedrin's orders. Their role was to ensure compliance with religious laws and directives. This phrase illustrates the coordinated effort by the Jewish authorities to address what they perceived as a threat to their religious and social order.

and brought them
The act of bringing the apostles indicates a non-violent approach, as opposed to arresting them with force. This suggests a level of respect or caution, possibly due to the apostles' growing popularity among the people. The authorities were aware of the potential for public unrest if they acted too harshly. This reflects the delicate balance the Jewish leaders had to maintain between enforcing their authority and avoiding public backlash.

without violence
This phrase is significant, as it highlights the restraint exercised by the temple authorities. The Greek word "βίας" (bias) means force or violence. The decision to avoid violence was likely influenced by the apostles' favor with the people, as well as the leaders' fear of inciting a riot. This restraint underscores the apostles' influence and the growing impact of their message, which was challenging the established religious norms.

for they feared
The fear mentioned here is a crucial element in understanding the dynamics between the apostles and the Jewish authorities. The Greek word "φοβέω" (phobeo) implies a deep concern or apprehension. The authorities were not only concerned about maintaining order but also about their own positions and the potential repercussions from the Roman authorities if a disturbance occurred. This fear reflects the power of the apostles' message and the divine authority with which they spoke.

that the people
The people, or "λαός" (laos) in Greek, refers to the general populace of Jerusalem. The apostles had gained significant support among the people due to their teachings and miraculous signs. This popular support was a source of concern for the Jewish leaders, as it threatened their control and influence. The people's favor towards the apostles is a testament to the compelling nature of the Gospel message and the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing individuals to the truth.

might stone them
Stoning was a traditional Jewish form of capital punishment for blasphemy or other serious offenses. The fear of being stoned by the people indicates the high level of support the apostles had garnered. It also reflects the volatile nature of public opinion and the potential for mob justice. This phrase highlights the precarious position of the Jewish leaders, who were caught between their desire to suppress the apostles and the risk of inciting the wrath of the people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(26) Without violence . . .--The scene recalls that of John 7:45. Here, however, the Apostles set the example of unresisting acquiescence, even though the tide of feeling in their favour was so strong that they might have easily raised a tumult in their favour. The signs that had been recently wrought, perhaps also the lavish distribution of alms, the ideal communism of the disciples, were all likely, till counteracted by stronger influences, to secure popular favour.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 26. - But without for without, A.V.; lest they should be, omitting ἵνα, for lest they should have been, with ἵνα, A.V. and T.R. Lest they should be, etc. The best way of construing the words, whether ἵνα is re-rained or not, is to make the clause "lest they should be stoned" depend upon "not with violence;" putting "for they feared the people" into a parenthesis; thus explaining why they thought it dangerous to use violence.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

At that point,
Τότε (Tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

captain
στρατηγὸς (stratēgos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4755: From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens.

went
ἀπελθὼν (apelthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

with
σὺν (syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

officers
ὑπηρέταις (hypēretais)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5257: From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate.

[and] brought
ἦγεν (ēgen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

[the apostles]—
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[but] not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

by
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

force,
βίας (bias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 970: Force, violence, strength. Probably akin to bia; force.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

fear
ἐφοβοῦντο (ephobounto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people
λαόν (laon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

would stone [them].
λιθασθῶσιν (lithasthōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3034: To stone, pelt with stones. From lithos; to lapidate.

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NT Apostles: Acts 5:26 Then the captain went with the officers (Acts of the Apostles Ac)