Acts 5:28

KJV

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, Did {G3853} not {G3756} we straitly {G3852} command {G3853} you {G5213} that ye should {G1321} not {G3361} teach {G1321} in {G1909} this {G5129} name {G3686}? and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, ye have filled {G4137} Jerusalem {G2419} with your {G5216} doctrine {G1322}, and {G2532} intend {G1014} to bring {G1863} this {G5127} man's {G444} blood {G129} upon {G1909} us {G2248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name! Look here! you have filled Yerushalayim with your teaching; moreover, you are determined to make us responsible for this man’s death!”

Berean Standard Bible

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”

American Standard Version

saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:28 captures the intense confrontation between the Jewish Sanhedrin and the apostles, particularly Peter, after their miraculous release from prison. The High Priest vehemently accuses the apostles of flagrantly disobeying their strict command not to teach in the name of Jesus. He expresses exasperation that their "doctrine" has permeated Jerusalem and, more profoundly, reveals the Sanhedrin's deep-seated fear and guilt regarding their culpability in Jesus' crucifixion, fearing that the apostles' preaching will hold them accountable for "this man's blood."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic narrative of escalating conflict between the nascent Christian community and the Jewish authorities. Following the apostles' initial arrest, healing of the lame man, and bold proclamation in [Acts 3](/acts/3 "Acts 3 - Peter Heals a Lame Man and Preaches"), they were commanded in [Acts 4:18](/acts/4-18 "Acts 4:18 - The Sanhedrin's Command") not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Despite this, the apostles prayed for boldness ([Acts 4:29](/acts/4-29 "Acts 4:29 - The Believers' Prayer for Boldness")) and continued their ministry with great power, performing many signs and wonders ([Acts 5:12-16](/acts/5-12-16 "Acts 5:12-16 - Many Signs and Wonders Done by the Apostles")). This led to their second arrest, driven by the Sadducees' indignation ([Acts 5:17](/acts/5-17 "Acts 5:17 - The Apostles Arrested Again")), but they were miraculously freed by an angel who instructed them to continue preaching in the Temple courts ([Acts 5:19-20](/acts/5-19-20 "Acts 5:19-20 - Angel Frees Apostles")). When the Sanhedrin reconvened, they were astonished to find the prison empty and the apostles teaching publicly, leading to this direct confrontation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish governing council, comprising seventy-one members, including the High Priest, elders, and scribes. They held significant religious and judicial authority under Roman rule, though their power to execute capital punishment was limited. The Sadducees, a prominent faction within the Sanhedrin, were aristocratic priests who rejected the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits, making them direct theological opponents of the apostles' core message. Their primary concern was maintaining order and avoiding any disturbance that might provoke further Roman intervention, which they feared the growing Christian movement could cause. The High Priest's accusation reflects not only indignation at defiance but also a profound political and religious anxiety over the burgeoning movement, which challenged their authority and implicated them in a divine judgment they sought to avoid.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **irrepressible nature of the Gospel message**. Despite repeated prohibitions, arrests, and threats, the apostles' "doctrine" could not be contained, demonstrating that God's plan for salvation would advance regardless of human opposition. Secondly, it underscores the **supremacy of divine authority over human authority**. The Sanhedrin's "straitly command" is met with the apostles' unwavering commitment to God's mandate, setting the stage for Peter's iconic declaration in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"): "We ought to obey God rather than men." Finally, the High Priest's desperate plea about "this man's blood" reveals the persistent theme of **guilt and accountability for the crucifixion of Jesus**. This echoes the chilling self-curse of the crowd during Jesus' trial in [Matthew 27:25](/matthew/27-25 "Matthew 27:25 - The Crowd's Cry for Jesus' Blood"), indicating that the Jewish leaders were acutely aware of the potential divine repercussions of their actions against the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **command (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** From G3853, meaning "to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin." This word conveys a strong, emphatic, and official directive or prohibition. The High Priest emphasizes the forcefulness and clarity of their previous order, highlighting the apostles' deliberate and public defiance. It underscores the Sanhedrin's perceived authority and their expectation of obedience.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** From G1322, meaning "instruction (the act or the matter)." This refers to the content of the apostles' teaching, specifically the message about Jesus Christ, His resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith. The High Priest's use of "your doctrine" indicates the distinctiveness and pervasive influence of the Christian message, which had already "filled Jerusalem."
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** From G129, meaning "blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred." In this context, "blood" signifies responsibility for a death, guilt, and the potential for divine retribution. The Sanhedrin's fear of "bringing this man's blood upon us" reveals their deep-seated anxiety about being held accountable for Jesus' execution, not just by public opinion, but by God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?"**: This opening clause captures the High Priest's incredulity and indignation. The rhetorical question expects an affirmative answer, highlighting the undeniable fact of their previous, forceful prohibition. The phrase "in this name" is a dismissive and indirect reference to Jesus, avoiding uttering His name, yet acknowledging the unique power and authority associated with His identity and message, which the Sanhedrin sought to suppress.
* **"and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,"**: This part of the accusation reveals the astonishing success of the apostles' ministry, despite the opposition. The High Priest's use of "behold" (idoú) conveys surprise and exasperation. The statement "filled Jerusalem with your doctrine" is a testament to the Holy Spirit's power working through the apostles, demonstrating that the Gospel message was not confined but had permeated the entire city, reaching a vast audience.
* **"and intend to bring this man's blood upon us."**: This final, climactic accusation uncovers the Sanhedrin's deepest fear. "This man" is a derogatory reference to Jesus. The phrase "bring this man's blood upon us" is an idiomatic expression signifying accountability and guilt for someone's death. The Jewish leaders feared that the apostles' persistent preaching about Jesus' innocence and resurrection would expose their culpability in His unjust execution, potentially incurring divine judgment upon them and the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** is evident in "Did not we straitly command you...?", which is not asked for information but to express the High Priest's frustration and the undeniable defiance of the apostles. **Hyperbole** is used in "ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine," an exaggeration that vividly conveys the widespread and undeniable impact of the apostles' preaching. **Euphemism** is present in "this name" and "this man," as the High Priest avoids directly naming Jesus, perhaps out of contempt or a superstitious reluctance to invoke His power. Most significantly, the phrase "bring this man's blood upon us" functions as a potent **Idiom**, signifying the imputation of guilt and responsibility for a death. This idiom carries profound **Symbolism**, where "blood" represents not just the physical act of killing but the moral and spiritual culpability before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:28 serves as a powerful theological pivot, starkly contrasting human authority with divine mandate and exposing the profound spiritual consequences of rejecting God's truth. The Sanhedrin's fear of accountability for Jesus' "blood" highlights the inescapable reality of human sin and the need for atonement, while simultaneously demonstrating the unstoppable power of the Gospel. Their attempt to suppress the message ironically confirms its pervasive influence and the divine hand behind its spread. This verse underscores that true authority rests with God, and obedience to Him must always supersede the commands of men, especially when those commands oppose His will. The leaders' deep-seated guilt foreshadows the ultimate judgment that awaits those who reject Christ, yet it also implicitly points to the very blood they feared as the only means of true cleansing and forgiveness.

* [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Declaration to Obey God")
* [Matthew 27:25](/matthew/27-25 "Matthew 27:25 - The People's Self-Curse Regarding Jesus' Blood")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and Power of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:28 offers profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it challenges us to examine our ultimate allegiance. Are we prepared to obey God even when it means defying human authorities or societal norms that contradict His Word? The apostles' unwavering commitment reminds us that our primary loyalty belongs to Christ. Secondly, it encourages us with the unstoppable power of the Gospel. Just as the apostles' "doctrine" filled Jerusalem despite intense opposition, so too can the truth of Christ penetrate even the most resistant hearts and cultures when empowered by the Holy Spirit. This should inspire boldness in our witness, knowing that the message itself carries divine authority. Finally, the Sanhedrin's fear of "this man's blood" serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of rejecting Christ and the enduring burden of guilt. For those who have embraced Christ, His blood is not a source of fear but of forgiveness and cleansing, offering peace where there was once condemnation. For those who resist, it remains a testament to their culpability, urging them towards repentance before it is too late.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human approval or authority over God's clear commands?**
* **How does the unstoppable spread of the Gospel in Acts 5:28 encourage me in my own efforts to share my faith?**
* **What does the Sanhedrin's fear of Jesus' "blood" teach me about the weight of sin and the necessity of Christ's atoning sacrifice?**
* **Am I willing to face opposition or discomfort for the sake of proclaiming Christ's name and His doctrine?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Sanhedrin so afraid of Jesus' "blood" being on them?**

Answer: The Sanhedrin's fear stemmed from both a cultural understanding of bloodguilt and a deep-seated spiritual anxiety. In Jewish tradition, shedding innocent blood incurred severe divine judgment (e.g., [Deuteronomy 21:8-9](/deuteronomy/21-8-9 "Deuteronomy 21:8-9 - Atonement for Unsolved Murder")). They had condemned Jesus to death, and the crowd had even cried out, "His blood be on us, and on our children!" ([Matthew 27:25](/matthew/27-25 "Matthew 27:25 - The Crowd's Cry for Jesus' Blood")). The apostles' preaching, which declared Jesus innocent, resurrected, and the Messiah, directly implicated the Sanhedrin in a grave injustice against God's Son. They feared not only public backlash but, more profoundly, divine retribution for their role in the crucifixion.

**What does "this name" refer to?**

Answer: "This name" is a dismissive and contemptuous reference to Jesus. The High Priest avoids uttering Jesus' actual name, possibly out of disdain, a desire to diminish His significance, or even a superstitious fear of invoking the power associated with His name. However, for the apostles, "the Name" of Jesus was central to their message and ministry, representing His authority, power, and identity as the resurrected Christ, through whom salvation is offered ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")).

**How did the apostles "fill Jerusalem with their doctrine"?**

Answer: The apostles filled Jerusalem with their doctrine through persistent, public, and powerful preaching, accompanied by miraculous signs and wonders. They taught daily in the Temple courts and from house to house ([Acts 5:42](/acts/5-42 "Acts 5:42 - Daily Teaching in the Temple and Homes")). The Holy Spirit empowered their message, leading to rapid growth in the number of believers ([Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - Three Thousand Added to the Church"), [Acts 4:4](/acts/4-4 "Acts 4:4 - Five Thousand Men Believed"), [Acts 5:14](/acts/5-14 "Acts 5:14 - Multitudes Added to the Lord")). Their message of Jesus' resurrection and the call to repentance resonated deeply, challenging the established religious order and drawing large numbers of converts, effectively permeating the city's spiritual landscape.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:28, though spoken by Christ's adversaries, powerfully underscores the centrality of Jesus Christ. The Sanhedrin's fear of "this man's blood" being "upon us" unwittingly highlights the very purpose of Christ's incarnation and sacrifice. The blood they feared was not merely the stain of guilt but the very means by which humanity's guilt could be atoned for. Jesus' blood, shed on the cross, is the ultimate sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "doctrine" that filled Jerusalem was the Gospel, the good news centered on Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Furthermore, "this name" that the Sanhedrin sought to suppress is the only name under heaven by which people can be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Jesus' Name")). The apostles' defiance and the unstoppable spread of their message reveal that Christ, through His Spirit, is building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). Thus, the High Priest's desperate accusation inadvertently testifies to the sovereign work of God in Christ, whose blood cleanses, whose doctrine transforms, and whose name saves.

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

Matthew 27:25

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.

Acts 7:52

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Acts 4:18

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

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 4:10

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Acts 4:11

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

1 Kings 18:17

¶ And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel?