Acts 5:13

KJV

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} of the rest {G3062} durst {G5111} no man {G3762} join himself {G2853} to them {G846}: but {G235} the people {G2992} magnified {G3170} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and no one else dared to join them. Nevertheless, the people continued to regard them highly;

Berean Standard Bible

Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them.

American Standard Version

But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:13 succinctly captures the complex public reaction to the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem following the severe judgment on Ananias and Sapphira and the apostles' continued miraculous works. It reveals a dual response: a profound sense of awe and holy fear that deterred superficial or insincere association with the apostles, alongside a widespread public respect and admiration for the genuine power and presence of God evident among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows two highly significant events that shaped the public's perception of the early church. First, the dramatic and divinely orchestrated deaths of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), which instilled "great fear upon all the church, and upon all that heard these things" (Acts 5:11). This judgment underscored God's commitment to the purity and integrity of His community. Second, it directly follows the declaration that "by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people" (Acts 5:12), often occurring in Solomon's Porch, a public area of the Temple. These contrasting yet complementary events—divine judgment within and divine power outwardly manifested—created a distinct boundary around the apostles and the core group of believers, setting them apart in the eyes of the general populace and influencing who dared to associate with them. The verse thus serves as a pivotal summary of the immediate social impact before the narrative shifts to further growth and escalating opposition in the subsequent verses (Acts 5:14-16).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem in the immediate aftermath of Pentecost, a city steeped in religious tradition and the expectation of divine intervention. The Jewish people were familiar with the concept of God's holiness and judgment from their Old Testament history, as well as with prophets and miracle-workers. The Temple, particularly Solomon's Porch, was a central hub for religious and social life, making it a natural place for the apostles to gather and for their activities to be observed by many. The events of Acts 5:1-12 would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood the gravity of covenant breaking and the display of divine power. This context explains why "no man durst join himself to them" in a casual or deceptive manner, as the consequences of insincerity were now terrifyingly clear. Simultaneously, the undeniable miracles performed by the apostles would have commanded respect from a populace accustomed to recognizing divine authority through such signs, leading them to "magnify" the apostles, acknowledging their unique spiritual standing.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Holiness and Purity of the Church**, demonstrating God's active role in sanctifying His people and maintaining the integrity of the nascent community. The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, followed by the public's reluctance to join superficially, underscores that the church is not merely a social club but a sacred body. This leads to the theme of **Awe and Holy Fear of God**, where the fear described is not just terror but a profound reverence for God's power and righteous judgment, leading to a proper respect for His servants. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Divine Power and Authority of the Apostles**, as their miraculous works and the divine vindication of their purity led the people to "magnify them." This public recognition, despite the fear, paved the way for the church's continued growth, as seen in [Acts 5:14](/acts/5-14 "Acts 5:14 - Believers added to the Lord"). The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Distinction between Genuine Faith and Superficial Association**, emphasizing that true commitment to Christ's body requires sincerity and reverence, not just outward affiliation, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, for instance, in [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord'").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **durst (Greek, _tolmáō_):** This word signifies "to venture," "to be courageous," or "to be bold." When negated, as it is here ("durst no man"), it implies that no one had the audacity, courage, or presumption to associate themselves with the apostles in a casual, insincere, or deceptive manner. The recent, severe judgment on Ananias and Sapphira had instilled a holy fear that deterred any superficial or opportunistic attempts to join the community.
* **join himself (Greek, _kolláō_):** Derived from a word meaning "glue," this term means "to glue," "to stick," or "to cleave." It denotes a close, intimate, and committed association. The implication is that people were no longer willing to "stick themselves" to the apostles and the core group of believers without genuine conviction, fearing the divine consequences of hypocrisy. This word emphasizes the depth of commitment required, which was now guarded by divine action.
* **magnified (Greek, _megalýnō_):** From the root for "great," this verb means "to make great," "to extol," "to praise," or "to glorify." It conveys that the general populace held the apostles in high esteem, recognizing the extraordinary power and divine presence working through them. Despite their reluctance to join superficially, they acknowledged the apostles' unique spiritual authority and the undeniable miracles as evidence of God's hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the rest durst no man join himself to them":** This clause describes the first part of the public's reaction. "The rest" refers to those outside the immediate circle of committed believers and apostles. The phrase "durst no man join himself" indicates a strong inhibition or reluctance, driven by a profound sense of awe and holy fear. This fear was a direct consequence of the divine judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, which served as a stark warning against hypocrisy and insincere commitment within the church. It implies that casual or opportunistic association was no longer an option; only those with genuine conviction would dare to draw near.
* **"but the people magnified them":** This second clause presents a striking contrast to the first, introduced by the conjunction "but." "The people" refers to the general populace of Jerusalem, distinct from the committed believers. To "magnify" means to hold in high regard, to praise, or to acknowledge as great. Despite the fear that kept some at a distance from joining, the general public recognized the authentic power and divine presence at work through the apostles. They respected their spiritual authority and the undeniable miracles, attributing greatness and honor to them, even if they were not yet ready to become full adherents.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 5:13 employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device, presenting two seemingly opposing reactions to the early Christian community within a single sentence. The first half of the verse highlights a deterrent effect ("no man durst join himself"), while the second half describes an attracting effect ("the people magnified them"). This juxtaposition underscores the unique nature of the early church: it was both awe-inspiring and intimidating due to the manifest presence of God. The phrase "no man" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the fear and reluctance to associate lightly, rather than a literal absolute. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in "the people" to represent the general populace of Jerusalem, distinct from the specific group of believers, highlighting the broader societal impact of the apostles' ministry. The overall effect is to portray a community set apart by divine power and holiness, eliciting both reverence and respect from outsiders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:13 profoundly illustrates the tension between divine holiness and human response, revealing God's active work in purifying His church while simultaneously drawing the world's attention. The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira established a clear boundary for the early community, demonstrating that God is serious about the integrity and sincerity of His people. This holy fear, far from hindering the gospel, actually served to validate the apostles' message and the authenticity of the Spirit's work, ensuring that those who did join were truly committed. It highlights that the church's power and witness are rooted in its purity and God's manifest presence, which naturally commands respect from outsiders, even if they are not yet ready for full commitment. This dynamic underscores that the church is meant to be distinct and set apart, a beacon of God's truth and power in the world.

* [1 Corinthians 5:6-7](/1_corinthians/5-6-7 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - Purge out the old leaven"): Paul's instruction to "purge out the old leaven" resonates with the divine act of purification seen in Acts 5:13, emphasizing the ongoing need for holiness within the church.
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord"): The "fear" that kept people from joining superficially is akin to the "fear of the Lord," which is described as the beginning of wisdom, leading to a proper reverence for God and His ways.
* [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine"): The "magnification" of the apostles by the people aligns with Jesus' teaching for believers to let their light shine so that others may "see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:13 offers profound insights for believers and the church today, calling us to a deeper understanding of holiness, commitment, and witness. The initial reaction of "holy fear" reminds us that genuine faith is not a casual affiliation but a profound reverence for God's presence and purity. In a world often characterized by superficiality, this verse challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment and the integrity of our local church communities. Are we a people marked by such genuine devotion and divine presence that it elicits both respectful distance from the insincere and admiration from the world? The church is called to be a distinct body, set apart by God's Spirit, where hypocrisy finds no comfortable home. When God's holiness is honored within the church, it naturally creates a powerful witness to those outside, compelling them to acknowledge the reality of God's work, even if they are not yet ready to fully embrace it. Our collective pursuit of purity and authentic devotion is not just for our own spiritual well-being but is a vital component of our evangelistic impact, drawing others to magnify the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "holy fear" described in Acts 5:13 differ from mere terror, and what role should it play in our individual and corporate walk with God today?**
* **In what ways might our church community, through its commitment to truth and holiness, create a clear distinction between genuine faith and superficial affiliation, both internally and externally?**
* **What does it mean for "the people" to "magnify" the church or its leaders today, and how can our lives and ministries encourage such a response that ultimately glorifies God?**

### FAQ
**Why did "no man durst join himself to them," yet "the people magnified them"?**

Answer: This verse describes two distinct, yet related, public reactions to the early Christian community. The phrase "no man durst join himself to them" refers to a reluctance to associate with the apostles and the core group of believers in a casual, insincere, or deceptive manner. This was a direct consequence of the recent, severe divine judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), which instilled a profound "great fear" (Acts 5:11) regarding hypocrisy within the church. People were deterred from superficial affiliation, fearing similar divine consequences. However, "the people magnified them" indicates that the general populace, despite this holy fear, held the apostles in high esteem and honored them. This respect stemmed from the undeniable "many signs and wonders" (Acts 5:12) performed by the apostles, which demonstrated authentic divine power. So, while the judgment deterred insincere joining, the miracles inspired genuine awe and respect, leading the public to acknowledge the apostles' unique spiritual authority and the greatness of the God working through them. It was a magnification of their divine backing, not necessarily an immediate desire to convert.

**What does "magnified them" mean in this context?**

Answer: To "magnify" in this context (from the Greek _megalýnō_) means to make great, to extol, to praise, or to glorify. It signifies that the general populace held the apostles in high regard, recognizing their extraordinary spiritual authority and the powerful works of God being performed through them. It was an acknowledgment of their divine backing and the authenticity of their message, even if the people were not yet ready to fully commit to the Christian faith themselves. This public respect contributed to the church's growing influence and demonstrated that God's power was undeniable, even to those outside the immediate community of believers. This public recognition is distinct from conversion, but it laid groundwork for future growth, as seen in [Acts 5:14](/acts/5-14 "Acts 5:14 - Believers added to the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:13, though describing the early church's public reception, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the Head of the Church and the source of its holiness and power. The "holy fear" that deterred superficial joining points to the absolute purity and righteous judgment inherent in Christ Himself, who "knew no sin" (2 Corinthians 5:21) and whose presence demands genuine repentance and faith, not mere outward conformity. The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, while severe, was a demonstration of Christ's commitment to purify His bride, the church, "that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that she should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). Furthermore, the fact that "the people magnified them" points to the ultimate magnification of Christ. The apostles were magnified not for their own sake, but because Christ's power was at work through them, fulfilling His promise that those who believe in Him would do "greater works" (John 14:12) through the Holy Spirit. The church's mission, empowered by the Spirit, is to live in such holiness and demonstrate such divine power that the world is compelled to "magnify" not the church itself, but the Christ who lives within it, drawing all people to Him as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The church's distinctiveness and impact are a reflection of Christ's own glory and authority, preparing hearts to receive the gospel message of salvation through Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 2:47

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 4:21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.

Acts 19:17

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

John 9:22

These [words] spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

Luke 19:37

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Luke 19:38

Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.