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Acts 5:36

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 5:36 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For before these days rose up Theudas, giving 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 nought.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For before these days rose up Theudas, giving 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 nought.
Acts 5:36 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
33But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and minded to slay them.
34But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.
35And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do.
36For before these days rose up Theudas, giving 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 nought.
37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away [some of the] people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
38And 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 be overthrown:
39but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.
← Acts 5:35Acts 5:37 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For before these days rose up Theudas, etc.]. There is one of this name Josephus f219 speaks of, who set up for a prophet, and drew a large number of people after him; pretending, that if they would follow him to the river Jordan, and take their goods along with them, he would but give the word, and the waters would divide and leave them passage to go over dryfoot; but Cuspius Fadus, who then had the administration of Judea, sent out some troops of horse, before they were aware, and killed many of them, and took divers others, and brought them in triumph to Jerusalem, with the head of Theudas. This account agrees with this instance of Gamaliel, only differs in chronology; since, according to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For before those days - The “advice” of Gamaliel was to permit these men to go on. The “arguments” by which he enforced his advice were: That there were cases or precedents in point Acts 5:36-37; and, That if it should turn out to be truly of God, it would be a solemn affair to be involved in the consequences of opposing him. How long before “these days” this transaction occurred, cannot now be determined, as it is not certain to what case Gamaliel refers. Rose up - That is, commenced or excited an insurrection. Theudas - This was a name quite common among the Jews. Of this man nothing more is known than is here recorded. Josephus (Antiq., book 20, chapter 5) mentions one “Theudas,” in the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Before these days - He prudently mentions the facts first, and then makes the inference. Acts 5:38”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:36-37 This Theudas is otherwise unknown, although Josephus mentions a different man by that name who raised a revolt some years later (see Josephus, Antiquities 20.5.1). Theudas was a common Jewish name. • Judas of Galilee appears in Josephus as a rebel who opposed giving tribute to Caesar about AD 6 or 7, following the census of Quirinius (see Josephus, Antiquities 20.5.2; cp. Luke 2:2). His resistance, too, was crushed.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“boasting: Act 8:9; Mat 24:24; Th2 2:3-7; Pe2 2:18; Jde 1:16; Rev 17:3, Rev 17:5 to whom: Act 21:38; Pe2 2:2 obeyed: or, believed, Mat 24:26 Acts 5:37”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification