Acts 5:36 - For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing.
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What does "Acts 5:36" mean?
This verse from Acts 5:36 is part of a speech given by the Pharisee Gamaliel to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Gamaliel is arguing against the persecution of the apostles. He uses historical examples to illustrate his point. Let's break down what the verse means:
"For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody;": This refers to a historical figure named Theudas. He emerged sometime before the events in Acts 5. He apparently presented himself as someone important, possibly a messianic figure or a leader with a significant purpose. He made claims about himself that suggested he was someone to be followed.
"to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves:": Theudas gained a following. About 400 people believed in him and became his adherents or disciples.
"who was slain;": Theudas was killed. This likely happened through Roman intervention or possibly by another Jewish group who opposed him.
"and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing.": The followers of Theudas scattered after his death. Their movement collapsed, and they achieved nothing significant. Theudas' rebellion or movement fizzled out and had no lasting impact.
In the Context of Gamaliel's Argument:
Gamaliel uses the example of Theudas (and another figure, Judas the Galilean, mentioned in the next verse) to argue that if the apostles' movement is merely of human origin, it will also fail and fade away on its own, just as Theudas's did. He's essentially saying, "Let them be. If their movement is not from God, it will collapse on its own. But if it is from God, you cannot stop it."
Significance:
Historical Context: The verse provides a glimpse into the turbulent period in Jewish history, marked by religious fervor, messianic expectations, and resistance to Roman rule.
Gamaliel's Wisdom: It demonstrates Gamaliel's pragmatism and wisdom as a leader. He advocates for caution and discernment rather than hasty persecution.
The Nature of Divine vs. Human Movements: It suggests a contrast between movements of human origin (which are prone to failure and disintegration) and movements of divine origin (which are ultimately unstoppable). It implies that if the Christian movement is from God, opposition will be futile.
Essentially, Theudas was a failed rebel or leader whose movement quickly collapsed when he was killed. Gamaliel uses his example to advise caution in dealing with the apostles.
Acts 5:36 - For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing.
What does "Acts 5:36" mean?
This verse from Acts 5:36 is part of a speech given by the Pharisee Gamaliel to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Gamaliel is arguing against the persecution of the apostles. He uses historical examples to illustrate his point. Let's break down what the verse means:
"For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody;": This refers to a historical figure named Theudas. He emerged sometime before the events in Acts 5. He apparently presented himself as someone important, possibly a messianic figure or a leader with a significant purpose. He made claims about himself that suggested he was someone to be followed.
"to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves:": Theudas gained a following. About 400 people believed in him and became his adherents or disciples.
"who was slain;": Theudas was killed. This likely happened through Roman intervention or possibly by another Jewish group who opposed him.
"and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing.": The followers of Theudas scattered after his death. Their movement collapsed, and they achieved nothing significant. Theudas' rebellion or movement fizzled out and had no lasting impact.
In the Context of Gamaliel's Argument:
Gamaliel uses the example of Theudas (and another figure, Judas the Galilean, mentioned in the next verse) to argue that if the apostles' movement is merely of human origin, it will also fail and fade away on its own, just as Theudas's did. He's essentially saying, "Let them be. If their movement is not from God, it will collapse on its own. But if it is from God, you cannot stop it."
Significance:
Historical Context: The verse provides a glimpse into the turbulent period in Jewish history, marked by religious fervor, messianic expectations, and resistance to Roman rule.
Gamaliel's Wisdom: It demonstrates Gamaliel's pragmatism and wisdom as a leader. He advocates for caution and discernment rather than hasty persecution.
The Nature of Divine vs. Human Movements: It suggests a contrast between movements of human origin (which are prone to failure and disintegration) and movements of divine origin (which are ultimately unstoppable). It implies that if the Christian movement is from God, opposition will be futile.
Essentially, Theudas was a failed rebel or leader whose movement quickly collapsed when he was killed. Gamaliel uses his example to advise caution in dealing with the apostles.