Acts 5:20
Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Original Language Analysis
Πορεύεσθε
Go
G4198
Πορεύεσθε
Go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
1 of 15
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σταθέντες
stand
G2476
σταθέντες
stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
3 of 15
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
7 of 15
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ
to the people
G2992
λαῷ
to the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
9 of 15
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματα
the words
G4487
ῥήματα
the words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
12 of 15
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
Cross References
John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.John 6:68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.Matthew 21:23And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?Acts 11:14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.John 18:20Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Isaiah 58:1Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.Jeremiah 36:10Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people.Jeremiah 7:2Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.Jeremiah 26:2Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:
Historical Context
Temple courts, especially Solomon's porch and Court of Gentiles, housed thousands during festivals. Teaching there guaranteed maximum audience and official attention. The command's comprehensive nature ('all the words') forbade selective editing to avoid offense. Early church's conviction that gospel couldn't be moderated appears throughout Acts.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the command to speak 'all the words' teach about gospel faithfulness without compromise?
- How does returning immediately to the place of arrest demonstrate Spirit-empowered boldness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The angelic command - 'Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life' - contains crucial elements. 'Go' sends them back to danger. 'Stand' (Greek 'stathentes') implies bold visibility, not hiding. The temple location maximized publicity and risk. 'All the words' (Greek 'panta ta rhēmata') demanded complete message, no compromise. The phrase 'this life' (Greek 'tēs zōēs tautēs') encompasses eternal life through Christ - the gospel's comprehensive scope. This divine commission superseded human prohibition (Acts 4:18).