Acts 5:33

When they heard [that], they were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them.

When {G1161} they heard {G191} that, they were cut {G1282} to the heart, and {G2532} took counsel {G1011} to slay {G337} them {G846}.

On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were infuriated and wanted to put the emissaries to death.

When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death.

But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were minded to slay them.

Commentary

Acts 5:33 describes the intense, hostile reaction of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, to the apostles' unwavering testimony about Jesus Christ. This verse captures a pivotal moment of escalating conflict between the early Christian movement and the established religious authorities in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following their miraculous release from prison by an angel and their immediate return to preaching in the temple, the apostles were brought once again before the Sanhedrin. The high priest confronted them for disobeying the earlier command not to teach in Jesus' name (Acts 4:18). Peter, speaking for the apostles, boldly declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), testifying to Jesus' resurrection and the Holy Spirit as witness. It was this defiant and truth-filled declaration that provoked the Sanhedrin's furious response.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Intense Opposition to Truth: The verse highlights the deep-seated animosity and rejection faced by the Gospel message from those whose power structures and beliefs were threatened. The Sanhedrin, representing the religious elite, could not tolerate the apostles' claim that the Jesus they had condemned was now exalted by God.
  • Hardness of Heart: The reaction "cut to the heart" here signifies extreme rage and indignation, a stark contrast to the conviction and repentance described in Acts 2:37 where people were "pricked in their heart" by Peter's sermon and asked what they should do. In Acts 5:33, this inner turmoil leads to violent intent, not repentance.
  • Persecution of God's Messengers: This incident serves as an early example of the persecution the nascent Christian church would face. The Sanhedrin's immediate counsel to "slay them" reveals the murderous intent fueled by their rejection of divine truth and their desire to silence the apostles.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cut to the heart" in the King James Version translates the Greek word dieprionto (διεπρίοντο), which literally means "they were sawn through" or "they were being sawn asunder." This vivid imagery conveys an extreme level of exasperation, fury, and gnashing anger. It's a powerful depiction of their visceral reaction—they felt as if they were being ripped apart by the apostles' words, which exposed their own rebellion against God.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that the truth of God's Word, when proclaimed boldly, can evoke strong and sometimes hostile reactions. Not everyone will receive the Gospel with joy; some will be provoked to anger or even violence. It underscores the reality of persecution for righteousness' sake and the importance of standing firm in faith, just as the apostles did, even when facing death threats. The apostles' courage in the face of such opposition serves as an enduring model for believers today.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 7:54 (6 votes)

    ¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.

  • Acts 2:37 (5 votes)

    ¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

  • Luke 4:28 (5 votes)

    And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

  • Luke 4:29 (5 votes)

    And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

  • Matthew 24:9 (4 votes)

    Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

  • John 16:2 (4 votes)

    They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

  • Matthew 23:34 (3 votes)

    Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city: