Acts 5:28
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων,
Saying
G3004
λέγων,
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 29
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
παρηγγείλαμεν
Did
G3853
παρηγγείλαμεν
Did
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
4 of 29
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 29
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐφ'
in
G1909
ἐφ'
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 29
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
name
G3686
ὀνόματι
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
10 of 29
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πεπληρώκατε
ye have filled
G4137
πεπληρώκατε
ye have filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
14 of 29
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
16 of 29
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπαγαγεῖν
to bring
G1863
ἐπαγαγεῖν
to bring
Strong's:
G1863
Word #:
22 of 29
to superinduce, i.e., inflict (an evil), charge (a crime)
ἐφ'
in
G1909
ἐφ'
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
23 of 29
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἷμα
blood
G129
αἷμα
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
26 of 29
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
Cross References
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin, Judaism's supreme religious council of 71 members, held significant authority under Roman occupation. Their 'strict command' referred to the earlier prohibition in Acts 4:18. The phrase 'bring this man's blood upon us' reflects Jewish legal concern about bloodguilt for executing an innocent person.
Questions for Reflection
- When human authorities command us to disobey God, how should we respond, and what consequences should we expect?
- How does the leaders' fear of bloodguilt reveal an unacknowledged awareness of wrongdoing in crucifying Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The high priest's question reveals the religious establishment's fear of losing authority ('Did not we straitly command you'). Their concern about 'this man's blood' being upon them ironically recalls their own acceptance of responsibility (Matt. 27:25). The apostles' disobedience to human authority in order to obey God demonstrates the hierarchy of authority: God's commands supersede human commands when they conflict. The growth of Christianity despite official prohibition testifies to divine sovereignty.