Acts 5:40
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπείσθησαν
they agreed
G3982
ἐπείσθησαν
they agreed
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
1 of 19
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσκαλεσάμενοι
when they had called
G4341
προσκαλεσάμενοι
when they had called
Strong's:
G4341
Word #:
5 of 19
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλους
the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλους
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
7 of 19
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
δείραντες
and beaten
G1194
δείραντες
and beaten
Strong's:
G1194
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to flay, i.e., (by implication) to scourge, or (by analogy) to thrash
παρήγγειλαν
them they commanded
G3853
παρήγγειλαν
them they commanded
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
9 of 19
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 19
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 #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
14 of 19
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
16 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 10:17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;Acts 5:28Saying, 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.Proverbs 12:10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.Mark 13:9But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.2 Corinthians 11:24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Historical Context
Beating with rods (flagellation) was standard Jewish punishment for religious offenses, limited to 39 lashes by rabbinic tradition (cf. 2 Cor. 11:24). This was less than the death penalty but still severe, designed to intimidate. The Sanhedrin's compromise shows political reality: they wanted to punish but feared consequences of execution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Sanhedrin's compromise show the impossibility of partially obeying God's will?
- Why is Satan's strategy consistently focused on silencing the proclamation of Jesus' name?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The council's agreement with Gamaliel demonstrates God's providential protection of the apostles through human wisdom. Yet their beating the apostles shows partial obedience—they refrained from killing but still punished. This reveals the contradiction of trying to oppose God's work while claiming prudence. The prohibition against speaking in Jesus' name attempts to silence gospel proclamation, showing Satan's consistent strategy: prevent the preaching of Christ's name.