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Acts 5:39

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 5:39 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but 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 5:39 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.
42And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus [as] the Christ.
← Acts 5:38Acts 5:40 →
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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
“But if it be of God, etc.] If it is according to the counsel of his will; if it is a scheme of his forming, and a work to which he has called these men, and they proceed in it on good principles, and with a view to the honour and glory of God: ye cannot overthrow it; it will proceed and get ground, and stand, maugre all the opposition of hell and earth; therefore do nothing to them, or hinder them from going on. Some copies read, “ye cannot overthrow them”; and add, “neither you, nor kings, nor tyrants; wherefore refrain from these men”; so Beza’s Cambridge copy. Lest haply ye be found even to fight against God; which to do is downright madness, and which no man in his senses can expect to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But if it be of God - If God is the “author” of this religion. From this it seems that Gamaliel supposed that it was at least possible that this religion was divine. He evinced a far more candid mind than did the rest of the Jews; but still it does not appear that he was entirely convinced. The arguments which could not but stagger the Jewish Sanhedrin were those drawn from the resurrection of Jesus, the miracle on the day of Pentecost, the healing of the lame man in the temple, and the release of the apostles from the prison. Ye cannot overthrow it - Because: God has almighty power, and can execute his purposes; Because he is unchanging, and will not be diverted from his plans, Job…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“if: Act 6:10; Gen 24:50; Sa2 5:2; Kg1 12:24; Job 34:29; Isa 43:13, Isa 46:10; Dan 4:35; Mat 16:18; Luk 21:15; Co1 1:25; Rev 17:12-14 to fight: Act 7:51, Act 9:5, Act 23:9; Exo 10:3-7; Kg2 19:22; Job 15:25-27, Job 40:9-14; Isa 45:9; Co1 10:22 Acts 5:40”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification