Acts 5:39
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οὐ
ye cannot
G3756
οὐ
ye cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
6 of 13
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
καταλῦσαι
overthrow
G2647
καταλῦσαι
overthrow
Strong's:
G2647
Word #:
8 of 13
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
αὐτὸ,
it
G846
αὐτὸ,
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
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
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Isaiah 46:10Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Acts 7:51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.Acts 11:17Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?1 Corinthians 1:25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.Acts 6:10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.Acts 9:5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.Job 34:29When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Historical Context
The concept of fighting God appeared in Greek literature describing Titans' futile war against Zeus. Jewish theology understood opposing God's prophets as opposing God Himself. Gamaliel's warning carried weight because Pharisees believed in divine providence governing history, unlike materialistic Sadducees.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the impossibility of successfully fighting God encourage believers facing powerful opposition?
- In what areas might we unwittingly fight against God by opposing what we fail to recognize as His work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gamaliel's warning climaxes with the sobering possibility of fighting 'against God' (Greek: theomachoi). This phrase captures the futility and danger of opposing divine purposes. While Gamaliel spoke better than he knew, his logic is sound: human power cannot overthrow what God establishes. This principle comforts persecuted believers—our vindication is certain because God's purposes cannot fail. No weapon formed against God's work shall prosper.