Acts 5:37

KJV

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {G3326} this man {G5126} rose up {G450} Judas {G2455} of Galilee {G1057} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of the taxing {G582}, and {G2532} drew away {G868} much {G2425} people {G2992} after {G3694} him {G846}: he also {G2548} perished {G622}; and {G2532} all {G3956}, even as many as {G3745} obeyed {G3982} him {G846}, were dispersed {G1287}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, Y’hudah HaG’lili led another uprising, back at the time of the enrollment for the Roman tax; and he got some people to defect to him. But he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

Berean Standard Bible

After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.

American Standard Version

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:37 presents Gamaliel's strategic counsel to the Sanhedrin, employing the historical example of Judas of Galilee's failed rebellion to illustrate a profound theological principle: movements not originating from God will inevitably collapse, while those divinely ordained cannot be overthrown. This verse serves as a crucial component of Gamaliel's argument for patience and discernment in evaluating the burgeoning Christian movement, suggesting that time will reveal its true source and ultimate destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 5:37 is embedded within the larger narrative of the apostles' repeated arrests and miraculous releases, culminating in their appearance before the Sanhedrin. Following Peter's bold declaration that "We ought to obey God rather than men" [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obey God Rather Than Men"), the council is enraged and contemplates putting the apostles to death. It is at this critical juncture that Gamaliel, a highly respected Pharisee and teacher of the Law, intervenes. His counsel, spanning [Acts 5:34-39](/acts/5-34-39 "Acts 5:34-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel"), is a masterful piece of rhetorical wisdom, drawing on recent historical precedents—first Theudas, then Judas of Galilee—to persuade the Sanhedrin against hasty and potentially God-opposing action. This specific verse provides the second, and arguably more impactful, historical parallel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Judas of Galilee" mentioned in this verse refers to a significant figure who led a fervent Jewish uprising against Roman authority around A.D. 6. This rebellion was sparked by the census (or "taxing") ordered by Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, as also referenced in [Luke 2:2](/luke/2-2 "Luke 2:2 - Quirinius' Census"). For many Jews, this census was not merely an administrative act but a profound affront to their theological conviction that God alone was Israel's true King and Sovereign. Judas, along with Zadok the Pharisee, founded the "Fourth Philosophy" (as Josephus calls it), a zealous nationalist movement that vehemently opposed Roman taxation and advocated for armed resistance to secure Israel's freedom. This group is often considered the precursor to the later Zealots, who played a significant role in the First Jewish-Roman War. Gamaliel's reference to Judas would have resonated strongly with the Sanhedrin, as the memory of this recent, violent, and ultimately failed rebellion was still fresh in the collective Jewish consciousness, serving as a powerful cautionary tale against human-led insurrections.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within Gamaliel's broader argument, contributes to several significant themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Opposition to God's Plan**. Judas's movement, despite its popularity and fervent commitment, "perished," demonstrating that any initiative not aligned with divine will is ultimately doomed to fail. This contrasts sharply with the unstoppable progress of the early church, which Gamaliel suggests might be "of God" [Acts 5:39](/acts/5-39 "Acts 5:39 - If it is of God"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's purposes will prevail regardless of human schemes or resistance. Gamaliel's advice implicitly trusts that God is in control and will either bless or dismantle movements according to His will. Finally, the passage promotes **Prudence and Discernment** in leadership, advocating for a patient, wait-and-see approach rather than impulsive, violent reactions, especially when dealing with potentially divine initiatives. This theme of careful evaluation of spiritual phenomena recurs throughout the New Testament, reminding believers to "test the spirits" [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judas (Greek, _Ioúdas'_):** From Hebrew origin (יְהוּדָה), referring to Judah. In this context, it identifies a specific historical figure, Judas of Galilee (G1057, _Galilaîos'_), who led a significant rebellion against Roman authority. The name itself, while common, here points to a leader whose movement was a direct challenge to the established order, both Roman and, implicitly, the prevailing Jewish religious leadership that cooperated with Rome. Gamaliel uses this well-known figure to illustrate the transient nature of human-led insurrections.
* **perished (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This verb signifies to "destroy fully," to "perish," or to "lose." In the context of Judas, it indicates his complete demise and the utter failure of his movement. It's a strong term implying not just death, but the eradication of his cause and influence. This word is crucial for Gamaliel's argument, emphasizing the ultimate futility of human efforts that oppose divine will or are simply not divinely ordained.
* **dispersed (Greek, _diaskorpízō'_):** Meaning "to dissipate," "to rout or separate," or "to scatter abroad." This word describes the fate of Judas's followers. It paints a picture of disarray and dissolution, highlighting that the "much people" he drew away ultimately scattered, their collective strength and purpose vanishing. This scattering is the natural consequence of a leader's perishing and a movement's lack of divine foundation, reinforcing Gamaliel's point about the self-destruction of human-centric endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing,"**: This clause immediately follows the mention of Theudas, establishing a chronological and thematic parallel. "Judas of Galilee" is introduced as another historical figure who initiated a significant movement. The specific temporal marker, "in the days of the taxing" (referring to Quirinius's census around A.D. 6), grounds the account in recent, verifiable history, making it a compelling and relatable example for the Sanhedrin. This detail also highlights the anti-Roman, nationalist fervor that characterized Judas's movement.
* **"and drew away much people after him:"**: This phrase emphasizes Judas's charisma and influence. He was not a lone agitator but successfully "drew away" (Greek: _aphístēmi_, to instigate to revolt or cause to depart) a substantial following, indicating a significant popular appeal and a serious challenge to authority. The phrase "after him" signifies personal loyalty and adherence to his leadership and cause, underscoring the human-centered nature of the movement.
* **"he also perished;"**: This short, declarative statement delivers the crushing outcome for Judas himself. The word "perished" (Greek: _apóllymi_) indicates his death and the complete failure of his personal endeavor. It serves as a stark warning: even influential leaders with large followings are subject to ultimate demise if their cause is not divinely sanctioned. The "also" links his fate directly to Theudas, reinforcing the pattern of human-led movements failing.
* **"and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed."**: This final clause describes the fate of Judas's followers. Despite their initial allegiance ("as many as obeyed him"), they were ultimately "dispersed" (Greek: _diaskorpízō_, scattered). This scattering signifies the complete disintegration of the movement, demonstrating that without its human leader, and lacking divine backing, the collective effort dissolved into nothingness. This outcome powerfully supports Gamaliel's argument that movements not "of God" will naturally come to naught.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Historical Allusion**, referencing the well-known rebellion of Judas of Galilee. This serves as a powerful **Rhetorical Device** within Gamaliel's speech, providing a concrete, recent example to persuade the Sanhedrin. By citing a failed human-led movement, Gamaliel sets up a clear **Contrast** between such endeavors and the possibility that the apostles' work might be divinely ordained. The narrative structure also demonstrates a clear **Cause and Effect**: Judas's leadership and the people's obedience (cause) led to his perishing and their dispersion (effect), illustrating the inevitable outcome of movements lacking divine support. This logical progression strengthens Gamaliel's argument for patience and observation rather than immediate, violent suppression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:37, within Gamaliel's broader counsel, profoundly speaks to the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of human opposition to God's purposes. The historical examples of Theudas and Judas of Galilee serve as object lessons demonstrating that any movement, no matter how charismatic its leader or how numerous its followers, will ultimately fail if it is not "of God." This principle encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan and to discern spiritual movements not by their immediate popularity or power, but by their ultimate fruit and longevity, recognizing that God's work will endure, while human endeavors will inevitably "come to nothing." It's a call to patience and faith, allowing God to reveal His hand in history.

* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Futility of Opposing God")
* [Isaiah 8:9-10](/isaiah/8-9-10 "Isaiah 8:9-10 - God's Plan Cannot Be Thwarted")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:37, through Gamaliel's wisdom, offers a timeless lesson for believers and leaders today. It reminds us that true spiritual movements are not built on human charisma, political fervor, or popular appeal, but on the unshakeable foundation of God's will and power. In a world often swayed by trends, personalities, and fleeting successes, this verse calls us to a deeper discernment, urging us to look beyond immediate appearances and consider the ultimate source and fruit of any endeavor, whether in the church or in society. It encourages patience in evaluating new teachings or ministries, trusting that if something is genuinely "of God," it will stand the test of time and opposition, while human constructs will eventually crumble. This principle fosters a healthy skepticism towards sensationalism and a profound reliance on God's sovereign hand, encouraging us to invest our lives in what truly aligns with His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Gamaliel's counsel encourage patience and discernment in evaluating new spiritual movements or teachings in our contemporary context?**
* **What are some indicators that a movement or initiative might be "of God" versus merely a human endeavor, based on the principles in this passage?**
* **In what areas of your own life or ministry might you be tempted to rely on human strength or strategy rather than trusting God's sovereign timing and plan?**

### FAQ

**What was the "taxing" mentioned in Acts 5:37, and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "taxing" (Greek: _apographḗ_, G582) refers to the census ordered by Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, around A.D. 6. This census was highly significant because it was a direct Roman imposition on Judea, which had recently been made a Roman province. For many Jews, particularly those with nationalist sentiments, this census was not merely an economic measure but a profound theological and political affront. It symbolized Roman dominion over God's people and land, challenging the belief that God alone was Israel's true King. Judas of Galilee's rebellion was a direct response to this census, advocating for armed resistance against Roman taxation as a matter of religious principle. This historical event thus provides a clear context for understanding the fervor and ultimate failure of Judas's movement.

**How does the fate of Judas of Galilee's movement compare to the early Christian movement?**

Answer: The fate of Judas of Galilee's movement stands in stark contrast to the early Christian movement, which is precisely Gamaliel's point. Judas's movement, despite attracting "much people," was a human-led rebellion against a powerful earthly authority (Rome). It was characterized by violence and ultimately "perished," with its followers "dispersed." This outcome demonstrated its lack of divine backing. In contrast, the early Christian movement, led by the apostles, was not a political rebellion but a spiritual one, proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and the establishment of God's kingdom. Despite severe persecution and opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities, it did not perish but continued to grow, demonstrating a supernatural resilience and expansion. Gamaliel's argument in [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38-39 "Gamaliel's Conclusion") highlights this difference: if the apostles' work was merely human, it would fail like Judas's, but if it was "of God," it could not be overthrown, a truth borne out by history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:37, by presenting the failed rebellion of Judas of Galilee, implicitly highlights the unique and enduring nature of Christ's kingdom, contrasting it with all human-led movements. Judas sought to establish an earthly kingdom through force, drawing people "after him" to a temporal cause that ultimately "perished" and led to his followers being "dispersed." This narrative foreshadows the futility of any attempt to achieve God's purposes through human might or political revolution. In profound contrast, Jesus, though accused of being a king, declared, "My kingdom is not of this world" [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World"). He did not lead a rebellion against Roman taxation but willingly submitted to the "taxing" of humanity's sin on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for redemption [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions"). While Judas "perished" in a failed earthly endeavor, Jesus "perished" on the cross only to triumphantly rise again, conquering death and establishing an eternal, spiritual kingdom that cannot be shaken [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom"). Unlike Judas's dispersed followers, Christ's disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, were gathered into an enduring Church, commissioned to spread His message to the ends of the earth [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses"), demonstrating that His work truly is "of God" and will never be overthrown.

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

Luke 2:1

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

Luke 2:2

([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

Luke 13:1

¶ There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

Luke 13:2

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

Psalms 9:15

The heathen are sunk down in the pit [that] they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Matthew 26:52

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.