Acts 5:26

KJV

¶ Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} went {G565} the captain {G4755} with {G4862} the officers {G5257}, and brought {G71} them {G846} without {G3756}{G3326} violence {G970}: for {G1063} they feared {G5399} the people {G2992}, lest {G3363} they should have been stoned {G3034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The captain and his officers went and brought them, but not with force; because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Berean Standard Bible

At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.

American Standard Version

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:26 details the re-arrest of the apostles after their miraculous angelic release from prison, emphasizing the cautious approach taken by the Temple captain and officers. They apprehended the apostles without violence, driven by a profound fear of the Jewish populace, who held the apostles in high regard and might have reacted violently, potentially stoning the officers, had force been used. This verse highlights the complex interplay of divine intervention, human fear, and public sentiment in the early days of the nascent church in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative in [Acts 5](/acts/5 "Acts 5 - Early Church Growth and Persecution"). Following a period of significant growth, signs, and wonders performed by the apostles, the Sadducees, filled with indignation, had the apostles arrested and imprisoned ([Acts 5:17-18](/acts/5-17-18 "Acts 5:17-18 - Apostles Imprisoned")). However, an angel of the Lord miraculously opened the prison doors during the night, leading them out and instructing them to continue proclaiming the message of life in the Temple ([Acts 5:19-20](/acts/5-19-20 "Acts 5:19-20 - Angelic Release")). The Sanhedrin, convening the next morning, found the prison empty, causing great perplexity ([Acts 5:21-24](/acts/5-21-24 "Acts 5:21-24 - Sanhedrin's Perplexity")). When informed that the apostles were back in the Temple, openly teaching, the captain and officers were dispatched to bring them in. Verse 26 specifically describes this second apprehension, noting the non-violent method employed due to the officers' fear of the people, setting the stage for the apostles' second appearance before the Sanhedrin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jerusalem was a volatile city under Roman occupation, yet with significant Jewish self-governance, particularly in religious matters. The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, held considerable authority, including the power to arrest and try individuals for religious offenses. However, their power was often constrained by the need to maintain public order and avoid inciting riots, which could provoke harsh Roman intervention. Stoning was a recognized form of capital punishment under Jewish law, typically reserved for severe religious offenses like blasphemy or idolatry. The "people" (laós) here refers to the general Jewish populace, many of whom were favorably disposed towards the apostles due to their miraculous healings and powerful teaching. The Temple captain (stratēgós) was a high-ranking official, often a priest, responsible for maintaining order within the Temple precincts, acting as a sort of police chief for the Sanhedrin. His concern for public reaction was therefore paramount, as a riot could easily escalate and lead to severe consequences from Roman authorities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. It underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God can use various means—from miraculous angelic intervention in [Acts 5:19](/acts/5-19 "Acts 5:19 - Angelic Deliverance") to the strategic fear of human authorities—to protect His servants and advance His kingdom. It starkly contrasts the **Fear of God versus the Fear of Man**, highlighting the Sanhedrin's and their officers' fear of the people, which stands in opposition to the apostles' unwavering commitment to obey God rather than men, as declared in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"). Furthermore, it illustrates the **Growing Influence and Public Favor** of the early church, where the apostles' ministry had garnered such widespread support that even their adversaries were compelled to act cautiously. This public favor, though not always enduring, served as a temporary shield for the nascent Christian movement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **captain (Greek, _stratēgós'_):** This term refers to a "general" or "military governor," but in the context of the Temple, it specifically denotes the "chief of the (Levitical) temple-wardens" or "magistrate." This individual was a high-ranking official, typically a priest, responsible for maintaining order within the Temple complex and overseeing the Temple guard. His role was crucial in enforcing the Sanhedrin's decrees and preventing disturbances, making his cautious approach in this verse particularly significant.
* **feared (Greek, _phobéō'_):** Derived from the word for "fear," this verb means "to be alarmed," "to be afraid," or "to be in awe of." Here, it describes the officers' profound apprehension regarding the reaction of the "people." This fear was not a reverence for the people, but a practical concern about the potential for violence and public uprising, which could have severe repercussions for them and the Sanhedrin. It highlights the power of public opinion in constraining the actions of authorities.
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):** This word refers to "a people in general," distinguishing it from _dēmos_ (G1218), which denotes one's own populace or a particular assembly. In this context, _laós_ signifies the general Jewish populace of Jerusalem. The apostles had gained considerable favor and support among this group due to their powerful preaching, healing miracles, and the perceived righteousness of their message, making them popular figures whom the authorities dared not offend.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went the captain with the officers,"**: This phrase describes the immediate action taken by the Temple authorities upon learning that the apostles, who had miraculously escaped prison, were back in the Temple teaching. The "captain" (likely the commander of the Temple guard) and his "officers" (subordinates, possibly Levites acting as Temple police) were dispatched by the Sanhedrin to bring the apostles back for questioning.
* **"and brought them without violence:"**: This clause highlights the method of apprehension. Despite the apostles being fugitives who had defied the Sanhedrin's previous orders, the officers chose not to use force, physical coercion, or aggressive tactics. This deliberate restraint is a key detail, setting the tone for the subsequent explanation.
* **"for they feared the people,"**: This is the crucial explanation for the officers' non-violent approach. Their actions were not motivated by compassion or respect for the apostles, but by a pragmatic and intense fear of the reaction from the general populace. The apostles had become immensely popular, and any perceived mistreatment could ignite a riot.
* **"lest they should have been stoned."**: This final clause specifies the precise nature of the officers' fear. They were concerned that if they used violence against the apostles, the enraged crowd might turn on them and stone them. Stoning was a severe form of mob justice or formal execution, indicating the extreme level of public sentiment and the potential danger the officers faced if they mishandled the situation.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 5:26 effectively employs **Irony**, **Contrast**, and **Foreshadowing**. The **irony** is palpable: the very authorities who sought to silence the apostles are compelled to treat them gently, not by divine command or moral conviction, but by the fear of the people—the same people the Sanhedrin often sought to control or manipulate. This creates a powerful inversion of expected power dynamics. The verse also presents a stark **contrast** between the unwavering boldness of the apostles, who obey God regardless of human threats, and the pragmatic, fear-driven actions of the authorities, who prioritize their own safety and public order over their desire to suppress the Christian message. Finally, the mention of being "stoned" serves as **foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the escalating persecution the early church would face, culminating in the actual stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons, in [Acts 7:58-60](/acts/7-58-60 "Acts 7:58-60 - The Stoning of Stephen"), and later, the stoning of Paul in [Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned at Lystra").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:26 powerfully illustrates God's providential care for His people, even amidst intense opposition. While God had already demonstrated His supernatural intervention by freeing the apostles through an angel, He also worked through the natural fears and political calculations of their adversaries. This demonstrates that God's protection is not limited to the miraculous but extends to orchestrating human circumstances and even the sentiments of the crowd to ensure His purposes are fulfilled. The apostles' continued public ministry, despite repeated arrests, underscores their unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, trusting in God's sovereignty over all human authorities and circumstances. Their obedience to God, rather than men, was vindicated by God's ongoing protection and the unexpected favor they found among the people.

* [Psalm 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The fear of man lays a snare")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God is for us, who can be against us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:26 offers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the dynamics of faithful witness in a hostile world. It reminds us that God's protection is multifaceted and often comes in unexpected forms. Sometimes He intervenes supernaturally, as with the angel, and other times He works through the natural fears and political calculations of those who oppose His work. This should encourage believers not to limit God's power or methods, but to trust that He is sovereign over all circumstances, even the hearts of kings and crowds. Our primary call remains unwavering obedience to God, regardless of the consequences, knowing that He will either deliver us from persecution or sustain us through it. This verse challenges us to consider where our own fears lie: do we fear God more than we fear man, public opinion, or personal discomfort? When we prioritize God's will, He can use even the opposition's caution to advance His kingdom, demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you more concerned with the fear of man (public opinion, social pressure) than the fear of God?**
* **How does this verse encourage you about God's diverse methods of protection for His people, even in challenging circumstances?**
* **What is one practical step you can take this week to prioritize obedience to God over the potential disapproval or opposition of others?**

### FAQ
**Why were the officers afraid of the people stoning them, rather than the Sanhedrin punishing the apostles?**

Answer: The officers' fear stemmed from the immense popularity and public favor the apostles had garnered among the Jewish populace in Jerusalem. The apostles' powerful preaching, miraculous healings, and the perception that they were men of God had led to widespread support. The Sanhedrin, while powerful, operated within a delicate political environment under Roman rule. They needed to maintain public order to avoid Roman intervention. If the officers had used violence against the apostles, it could have triggered a riot, and the enraged crowd, sympathetic to the apostles, might have turned their anger on the officers, potentially stoning them for their actions. This fear of mob violence and its severe consequences for themselves and the broader political stability was a more immediate and pressing concern for the officers than the Sanhedrin's desire to punish the apostles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:26, while not a direct prophecy, resonates deeply with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, particularly in its depiction of the interplay between divine authority, human fear, and public sentiment. Just as the apostles faced arrest and the authorities feared the people, Jesus Himself often navigated the volatile crowds and the cautious machinations of the religious leaders. The chief priests and Pharisees frequently sought to arrest Jesus, but were often restrained by their fear of the people, who regarded Him as a prophet ([Matthew 21:46](/matthew/21-46 "Matthew 21:46 - They feared the crowd")). This dynamic is evident in passages where the authorities plot to seize Jesus "not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people" ([Matthew 26:5](/matthew/26-5 "Matthew 26:5 - Plot to Arrest Jesus")).

Ultimately, while the apostles were protected from violence by the fear of the people in this instance, Jesus, the true "Lamb of God," willingly submitted to the violence of His arrest and crucifixion, enduring the ultimate "stoning" (figuratively, the rejection and execution by His own people) to secure salvation for all ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The apostles' continued boldness, even in the face of repeated arrests, is a direct reflection of Christ's own unwavering commitment to His Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Their ministry, protected by God's providence, extended Christ's mission of proclaiming the kingdom, demonstrating that the power of the Gospel cannot be ultimately suppressed by human fear or force, but will triumph through the obedient witness of His followers.

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 5:13

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

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.

Matthew 26:5

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

Luke 22:2

And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.

Acts 5:24

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

Luke 20:6

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

Matthew 21:26

But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.