Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. New Living Translation “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. English Standard Version 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; Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible 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. King James Bible 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: New King James Version 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; New American Standard Bible And so 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; NASB 1995 “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, it will be overthrown; NASB 1977 “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; Legacy Standard Bible 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; Amplified Bible 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 and be destroyed; Christian Standard Bible 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; Holman Christian Standard Bible 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; American Standard Version 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: Contemporary English Version 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. English Revised Version 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: GOD'S WORD® Translation "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. Good News Translation 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, International Standard Version "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. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible 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, New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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: Weymouth New Testament 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand 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, Berean Literal Bible 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. Young's Literal Translation 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, Smith's Literal Translation 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: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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; Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible 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. New Revised Standard Version 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; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo 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. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “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.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd 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; Godbey New Testament 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; Haweis New Testament 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: Mace New Testament 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, Weymouth New Testament 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. Worrell New Testament 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; Worsley New Testament And therefore as to the present affair I advise you to refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gamaliel's Advice…37After 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. 38So 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. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”… Cross References Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. Isaiah 8:10 Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.” Matthew 15:13 But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. Job 5:12-13 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. Psalm 33:10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. Isaiah 46:10 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.’ Lamentations 3:37 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? Daniel 4:35 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?’” Psalm 127:1 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. Ecclesiastes 3:14 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. Matthew 16:18 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. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” James 4:15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. Treasury of Scripture 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: Refrain. Acts 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. for. Nehemiah 4:15 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. Job 5:12-14 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise… Psalm 33:10,11 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect… Jump to Previous Action Activity Advise Alone Aloof Case Counsel Destroyed Fail Hold Human Leave Naught Nought Origin Overthrown Plan Present Purpose Refrain Scheme Undertaking Withdraw WorkJump to Next Action Activity Advise Alone Aloof Case Counsel Destroyed Fail Hold Human Leave Naught Nought Origin Overthrown Plan Present Purpose Refrain Scheme Undertaking Withdraw WorkActs 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. So in the present case I advise you: 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 Acts 22:3 as the teacher of Paul. Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. Persons / Places / Events 1. GamalielA 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. 2. The Sanhedrin The Jewish ruling council, composed of Pharisees and Sadducees, which was responsible for religious and legal matters in Jerusalem. 3. The Apostles The early followers of Jesus Christ, who were spreading the message of the Gospel and performing miracles in His name. 4. Jerusalem The central city of Jewish worship and the location where the apostles were preaching and where the Sanhedrin convened. 5. The Early Church The community of believers in Jesus Christ, growing rapidly in numbers and influence despite opposition. Teaching Points Discernment in OppositionGamaliel'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. Trust in God's Sovereignty 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. The Futility of Human Plans Against God 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. Wisdom in Leadership Gamaliel's approach demonstrates the value of wisdom and calmness in leadership, especially when dealing with potentially divisive issues. Encouragement for the Faithful 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.(38) Refrain from these men.--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 1Thessalonians 2:13, 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. It will come to nought.--Better, it will be overthrown, so as to preserve the emphasis of the repetition of the same verb in the next clause of the dilemma. Verse 38. - Be overthrown for come to nought, A.V.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek SoΚαὶ (Kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. in the present [case] νῦν (nyn) Adverb Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. I advise λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you: ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Leave ἀπόστητε (apostēte) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 868: From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc. these τούτων (toutōn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. men {alone}. ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. Let them go! ἄφετε (aphete) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. [their] αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. purpose βουλὴ (boulē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1012: Counsel, deliberate wisdom, decree. From boulomai; volition, i.e. advice, or purpose. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. endeavor ἔργον (ergon) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. is ᾖ (ē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. of ἐξ (ex) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. human origin, ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. it will fail. καταλυθήσεται (katalythēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2647: From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night. Links Acts 5:38 NIVActs 5:38 NLT Acts 5:38 ESV Acts 5:38 NASB Acts 5:38 KJV Acts 5:38 BibleApps.com Acts 5:38 Biblia Paralela Acts 5:38 Chinese Bible Acts 5:38 French Bible Acts 5:38 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 5:38 Now I tell you withdraw from these (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
    |