Acts 5:35
And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
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
Ἰσραηλῖται
of Israel
G2475
Ἰσραηλῖται
of Israel
Strong's:
G2475
Word #:
6 of 15
an "israelite", i.e., descendant of israel (literally or figuratively)
προσέχετε
take heed
G4337
προσέχετε
take heed
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
7 of 15
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
ἑαυτοῖς
to yourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
to yourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
8 of 15
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἐπὶ
as touching
G1909
ἐπὶ
as touching
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
13 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Historical Context
Gamaliel I was a leading Pharisee and grandson of Hillel, heading a major rabbinic school. His title 'Rabban' indicated supreme authority. His influence was such that the Mishnah states, 'When Rabban Gamaliel the Elder died, regard for the Torah ceased.' He represented the more moderate Pharisaic approach versus the Sadducees' harshness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use even unbelievers like Gamaliel to accomplish His purposes in protecting the church?
- What can we learn from Gamaliel's cautious approach about not presuming to fight against what may be God's work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and Paul's former teacher (Acts 22:3), urges caution with the Sanhedrin. His call to 'take heed' demonstrates wisdom in not acting rashly against what might be God's work. Though speaking as an unbeliever, God uses Gamaliel's counsel to protect the infant church, showing divine sovereignty in directing even pagan rulers' decisions for His purposes.