Acts 5:36

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

For {G1063} before {G4253} these {G5130} days {G2250} rose up {G450} Theudas {G2333}, boasting {G3004} himself {G1438} to be {G1511} somebody {G5100}; to whom {G3739} a number {G706} of men {G435}, about {G5616} four hundred {G5071}, joined themselves {G4347}: who {G3739} was slain {G337}; and {G2532} all {G3956}, as many as {G3745} obeyed {G3982} him {G846}, were scattered {G1262}, and {G2532} brought {G1096} to {G1519} nought {G3762}.

Some time ago, there was a rebellion under Todah, who claimed to be somebody special; and a number of men, maybe four hundred, rallied behind him. But upon his being put to death, his whole following was broken up and came to nothing.

Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nought.

Acts 5:36 is part of a crucial speech delivered by Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, to the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin. He uses the historical example of Theudas to counsel caution regarding their treatment of the apostles. This verse serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the ultimate failure of movements that are merely human in origin.

Context

The apostles had been arrested again by the Sanhedrin for continuing to preach about Jesus, despite being explicitly commanded not to (Acts 5:28). The high priest and his colleagues were "cut to the heart" and intended to kill them (Acts 5:33). It is at this critical juncture that Gamaliel stands up, calling for the apostles to be put outside for a moment, and then offers his profound wisdom to the council. He cites Theudas as the first of two historical examples (the other being Judas of Galilee, mentioned in Acts 5:37) to support his argument that if the apostles' work is merely human, it will fail on its own, but if it is from God, they cannot overthrow it (Acts 5:39).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Futility of Human-Led Movements: The story of Theudas, who "boasted himself to be somebody" and attracted a following only to be "slain" and his followers "scattered," powerfully illustrates that movements founded purely on human ambition, charisma, or deception are ultimately destined to fail and come to nothing.
  • Discernment and Patience: Gamaliel's counsel promotes a strategy of prudence and discernment over hasty action. He suggests that time reveals the true nature and origin of a movement, distinguishing between what is "of men" and what is "of God."
  • Divine Sovereignty: While not explicitly stated in this verse, Theudas's failure sets the stage for Gamaliel's larger point about God's unshakeable purpose. If God is behind a work, it cannot be defeated; if He is not, it will inevitably collapse.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "brought to nought" (KJV) translates the Greek word katargeō (καταργέω). This verb signifies "to render idle, inactive, inoperative; to abolish, annul, or make void." It conveys a sense of complete dissolution and nullification, emphasizing that Theudas's movement utterly failed and ceased to exist effectively. This strong term highlights the ultimate insignificance of efforts not aligned with divine will.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Acts 5:36 offers timeless wisdom for believers today. It encourages careful discernment when evaluating new teachings, leaders, or movements. Rather than being swayed by charisma, popularity, or impressive claims, we are reminded to examine their fruits and align them with biblical truth. The ultimate test of any endeavor is whether it is truly "of God." This verse promotes patience, trusting that God's truth will prevail, and anything not established by Him will, in due time, be "brought to nought." It also reassures us that God's plans for His church cannot be ultimately thwarted by human opposition or false claims.

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 8:9

    But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

  • 2 Peter 2:2

    And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

  • Acts 21:38

    Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

  • Jude 1:16

    These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3

    ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:7

    For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way.

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back