Acts Chapter 5 · Verse 26
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 19
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἀπελθὼν
went
G565
ἀπελθὼν
went
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
2 of 19
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατηγὸς
the captain
G4755
στρατηγὸς
the captain
Strong's:
G4755
Word #:
4 of 19
a general, i.e., (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (praetor), the chief (praefect) of the (levitical) temple-wardens
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
5 of 19
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπηρέταις
the officers
G5257
ὑπηρέταις
the officers
Strong's:
G5257
Word #:
7 of 19
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
ἦγαγεν
and brought
G71
ἦγαγεν
and brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μετὰ
G3326
μετὰ
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἐφοβοῦντο
they feared
G5399
ἐφοβοῦντο
they feared
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
13 of 19
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαόν
the people
G2992
λαόν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
16 of 19
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
Historical Context
Stoning was Jewish execution method for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16), but here common people would stone authorities for touching apostles. This popularity inversion parallels Jesus' ministry when leaders 'feared the people' (Matthew 21:46). The gospel's traction among masses threatened elite control.
Questions for Reflection
- How does popular support for gospel truth restrain hostile authorities?
- What does fear of stoning by the people teach about social revolution gospel produces?
Analysis & Commentary
The careful rearrest - 'Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned' - shows forced restraint. The Greek 'ou meta bias' (without violence) indicates gentle approach contrary to their authority and anger. Fear of popular stoning reversed normal power dynamics - religious leaders fearing crowd, not apostles. This demonstrates gospel's power to transform social structures, with common people defending God's messengers against corrupt authorities.