Acts 5:26

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Acts 5:26

Acts 5:26 provides a crucial detail in the narrative of the early church, highlighting the delicate balance of power and public sentiment in Jerusalem. The verse states, "Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned." It describes the re-arrest of the apostles after their miraculous escape from prison.

Context

Following the powerful preaching and healing ministry of the apostles in the Temple, the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, had them imprisoned. However, an angel of the Lord miraculously opened the prison doors and instructed them to continue speaking God's word in the Temple. When the Sanhedrin convened and found the prison empty, they were utterly perplexed. Upon learning that the apostles were back in the Temple, openly teaching the people, they dispatched the captain of the Temple guard and his officers to bring them before the council again. This verse specifically notes the method of their apprehension: "without violence."

Key Themes

  • Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: The central insight of this verse is the reason the officers acted "without violence"—they "feared the people." The apostles' ministry had garnered significant public favor and support, making them popular figures. The religious authorities, who had previously tried to silence the apostles (Acts 4:18), now found their actions constrained by public opinion. This stands in stark contrast to the apostles' unwavering conviction, as expressed by Peter earlier: "We ought to obey God rather than men."
  • Divine Protection and Public Favor: While God had directly intervened to free the apostles from prison, He also used the public's positive perception and the authorities' fear of a riot to protect His servants during their re-arrest. The threat of being "stoned" by the people was a real concern for the officers, demonstrating how God can work through various means, including the sentiments of the crowd, to ensure the safety and continued ministry of His chosen instruments.
  • Boldness in Witness: Despite facing repeated arrests, threats, and imprisonment, the apostles remained undeterred. Their immediate return to public preaching after their miraculous release underscores their profound commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, showcasing remarkable courage and obedience to their divine calling.

Practical Application

Acts 5:26 offers valuable lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's protection is multifaceted; He can intervene supernaturally or work through the natural fears and circumstances of those who oppose His work. This verse also highlights the importance of living a life that reflects God's truth, which can sometimes earn favor even from unexpected sources. Ultimately, it calls us to prioritize obedience to God above all else, trusting that He is sovereign over all situations, and that our unwavering witness can have a profound impact, even on those who seek to silence the message of the Gospel.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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