And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
And {G5037} said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Ye men {G435} of Israel {G2475}, take heed {G4337} to yourselves {G1438} what {G5101} ye intend {G3195} to do {G4238} as touching {G1909} these {G5125} men {G444}.
and then addressed the court: “Men of Isra’el, take care what you do to these people.
“Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men.
And he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what ye are about to do.
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Acts 19:36
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. -
Acts 22:26
When the centurion heard [that], he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. -
Jeremiah 26:19
Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls. -
Matthew 27:19
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Context
The scene of Acts 5:35 is the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council in Jerusalem. The apostles, particularly Peter and John, had been arrested for persistently preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ and performing signs and wonders, despite previous warnings from the same council (Acts 4:18). Their bold declaration, "We ought to obey God rather than men," further enraged the Sanhedrin, who were considering putting them to death. At this critical juncture, Gamaliel, a highly respected Pharisee, a doctor of the law, and famously the teacher of Paul (Saul of Tarsus) (Acts 22:3), intervened. His counsel provided a moment of calm and strategic thinking amidst the council's fury and desire for swift retribution against the burgeoning Christian movement.
Gamaliel's Counsel and Key Themes
Gamaliel's advice, beginning in Acts 5:35, is a masterclass in prudence and caution. He addresses the council as "Ye men of Israel," urging them to carefully consider their actions regarding the apostles. His counsel is grounded in historical precedent, as he goes on to cite examples of previous movements (like those led by Theudas and Judas of Galilee) that ultimately failed because they were merely human endeavors. The core theme of his argument is the idea of divine origin versus human origin. If a movement is of human design, he argues, it will "come to nought" (Acts 5:38). However, if it is "of God," it cannot be overthrown, and those who oppose it risk "fighting against God" (Acts 5:39). This demonstrates a wise, albeit cautious, recognition of the possibility that the apostles' work might indeed be divinely inspired. It champions patience and observation over rash judgment.
Linguistic Insight
The phrase "take heed to yourselves" (Greek: prosechete heautois) carries a strong sense of self-awareness and careful consideration. It's not just a casual warning but an imperative to guard one's own actions and reputation, implying serious consequences if they misjudge the situation. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the need for circumspection. "As touching these men" (Greek: peri ton anthropon touton) refers directly and specifically to the apostles, emphasizing the immediate and critical matter at hand.
Practical Application
Gamaliel's intervention in Acts 5:35-39 ultimately saved the apostles' lives at that moment, allowing the early church to continue its rapid growth and spread the Gospel. This passage highlights the enduring importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership, especially when faced with new or challenging movements, ideas, or ministries. It reminds us that not every new idea is from God, but not every new idea is against Him either. The principle articulated by Gamaliel – that what is of God will endure and what is not will fail – remains a powerful truth for believers today. This concept offers comfort and guidance for those facing opposition or uncertainty about the future of a ministry or cause. For contemporary believers, Acts 5:35 encourages a thoughtful, prayerful approach to challenges, reminding us to seek God's will and trust that His purposes will ultimately prevail. It also serves as a cautionary tale for those who might hastily oppose something that could be God's work.