Acts 5:38
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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
G3568
νῦν
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
3 of 26
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 26
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀπόστητε
Refrain
G868
ἀπόστητε
Refrain
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
6 of 26
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 26
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτούς·
them
G846
αὐτούς·
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 26
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
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
15 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
16 of 26
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βουλὴ
counsel
G1012
βουλὴ
counsel
Strong's:
G1012
Word #:
20 of 26
volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
21 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 15:13But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.Lamentations 3:37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Isaiah 14:25That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.Nehemiah 4:15And 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.1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.John 11:48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin's receptiveness to Gamaliel's counsel reflects his immense authority. Roman oversight limited the Sanhedrin's ability to execute perceived threats without cause, making prudence politically wise. Gamaliel's moderation contrasts with Sadducean extremism and prefigures his student Paul's eventual conversion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 2,000 years of church history vindicate Gamaliel's test for discerning God's work versus human movements?
- What does God's use of an unconverted Pharisee to protect the early church teach us about divine providence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gamaliel's famous counsel—'Refrain from these men, and let them alone'—expresses confidence that false movements self-destruct. His conditional reasoning ('if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought') proves prophetically true for the church's survival. Though Gamaliel likely remained unconvinced, his prudential advice allowed Christianity to grow under divine protection, demonstrating God's sovereignty over even unbelieving authorities.