Acts 5:40

KJV

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} to him {G846} they agreed {G3982}: and {G2532} when they had called {G4341} the apostles {G652}, and beaten {G1194} them, they commanded {G3853} that they should {G2980} not {G3361} speak {G2980} in {G1909} the name {G3686} of Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} let {G630} them {G846} go {G630}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After summoning the emissaries and flogging them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Yeshua, and let them go.

Berean Standard Bible

At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

American Standard Version

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:40 marks a critical juncture in the early church's confrontation with the Jewish Sanhedrin, revealing the council's complex response to the apostles' unwavering proclamation of Jesus Christ. Following Gamaliel's counsel to avoid outright execution, the Sanhedrin reluctantly agreed to his suggestion, yet still opted for a severe physical punishment and a stringent prohibition against the apostles speaking in the name of Jesus before releasing them. This verse vividly illustrates the escalating conflict between human authority seeking to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement and the divine mandate empowering the apostles to preach the Gospel without compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of the apostles' second arrest and appearance before the Sanhedrin in Acts 5. Their initial arrest and miraculous release by an angel ([Acts 5:17-20](/acts/5-17-20 "Acts 5:17-20 - Angelic Release from Prison")) immediately preceded this event, highlighting God's direct intervention. Upon their re-arrest, Peter famously declared, "We must obey God rather than human beings!" ([Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Peter's Bold Declaration")), directly challenging the Sanhedrin's authority. This defiance enraged the council, who initially considered putting the apostles to death ([Acts 5:33](/acts/5-33 "Acts 5:33 - The Sanhedrin's Fury")). It is at this critical juncture that Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, intervened with a pragmatic and divinely insightful counsel, suggesting that if the apostles' movement was merely human, it would fail, but if it was from God, they would be fighting against God Himself ([Acts 5:34-39](/acts/5-34-39 "Acts 5:34-39 - Gamaliel's Wise Counsel")). Acts 5:40 details the Sanhedrin's decision in light of Gamaliel's advice, setting the stage for the apostles' joyful response and continued ministry in the subsequent verses ([Acts 5:41-42](/acts/5-41-42 "Acts 5:41-42 - Apostles Rejoice and Continue Preaching")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish legislative and judicial body during the Second Temple period, comprising 70 or 71 members, including chief priests, elders, and scribes. They held significant religious and civil authority under Roman rule, particularly in matters pertaining to Jewish law and tradition. Their primary concern regarding the apostles was the burgeoning movement centered on Jesus, whom they had condemned and crucified. The Sanhedrin perceived the apostles' preaching about Jesus' resurrection and their performance of miracles in His name as a direct challenge to their religious authority, a potential source of civil unrest, and even blasphemy. Beating or scourging was a common form of punishment, both punitive and deterrent, often administered with rods or whips, designed to inflict severe pain and humiliation. The prohibition against speaking "in the name of Jesus" was a direct attempt to suppress the core message of Christianity, recognizing that the apostles' power and message were intrinsically linked to Jesus' identity and authority.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:40 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Persecution and Steadfastness**, as the early church faced intense opposition from established religious authorities, yet remained unwavering in their commitment to Christ. Secondly, the verse highlights the fundamental conflict between **Divine Authority and Human Authority**, with the apostles prioritizing God's command to preach over the Sanhedrin's prohibition. This tension is a recurring motif throughout Acts, demonstrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human efforts. Thirdly, it emphasizes **The Power and Significance of the Name of Jesus**, as the Sanhedrin explicitly targeted the use of His name, recognizing it as the source of the apostles' authority, their miraculous works, and the transformative power of their message. Finally, the Sanhedrin's decision, influenced by Gamaliel, reflects a form of **Compromise and Control**, where they chose intimidation and suppression over outright execution, hoping to manage rather than eliminate the perceived threat posed by the burgeoning Christian movement. This compromise, however, ultimately proved futile against the unstoppable advance of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beaten (Greek, _dérō'_):** From G1194, a primary verb meaning "to flay," and by implication, "to scourge" or "to thrash." This term denotes a severe and painful flogging, far beyond a mere beating. It implies a brutal physical punishment, often administered with whips, designed to inflict maximum pain and humiliation, and to deter future actions. This was a common form of punishment in the ancient world, intended to break the spirit of the recipient.
* **commanded (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** From G3853, meaning "to transmit a message," and by implication, "to enjoin." This word signifies a solemn order, a strict injunction, or a formal charge given by a superior authority. It emphasizes the Sanhedrin's attempt to exert their full legal and religious power to suppress the apostles' activities, making it clear that their prohibition was not a mere suggestion but a binding decree, punishable by further legal action if disobeyed.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** From G3686, meaning a "name" literally or figuratively, encompassing "authority" and "character." In this context, "the name of Jesus" is far more than a mere label. It represents the full person, authority, power, and character of Jesus Christ. To speak "in the name of Jesus" means to act by His authority, to proclaim His message, to invoke His power, and to represent His very being. The Sanhedrin's prohibition against speaking in His name was therefore an attempt to nullify the very essence of the apostles' ministry and the foundation of the Christian faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to him they agreed:"**: This clause indicates the Sanhedrin's acceptance of Gamaliel's counsel. While they were initially enraged and sought to kill the apostles, Gamaliel's pragmatic and divinely-inspired advice, suggesting that a movement not of God would fail on its own, persuaded them to step back from their more extreme intentions. Their agreement, however, was not one of full conviction but likely a reluctant concession to a respected authority, seeking a less volatile resolution.
* **"and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them],"**: This describes the immediate consequence of their agreement. Despite Gamaliel's counsel against direct divine opposition, the Sanhedrin still resorted to physical violence. The use of the word "beaten" (dérō) implies a severe scourging, a painful and humiliating punishment intended to intimidate and deter the apostles from further preaching. This act reveals their deep-seated anger and their determination to suppress the Christian message through force, even if they refrained from execution.
* **"they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus,"**: This is the core prohibition issued by the Sanhedrin. It was a direct, authoritative order (parangéllō) forbidding the apostles from proclaiming anything associated with Jesus. This command targeted the very essence of the apostles' mission, recognizing that the "name of Jesus" represented His authority, His message, and the power behind their miracles. By forbidding speech in His name, the Sanhedrin aimed to cut off the source of the apostles' influence and to prevent the spread of the Gospel.
* **"and let them go."**: This final clause indicates the apostles' release after the beating and the command. This act concludes their second confrontation with the Sanhedrin. While physically harmed and legally restricted, they were free to leave, setting the stage for their immediate and joyful defiance of the Sanhedrin's command, as recorded in the subsequent verses of Acts.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 5:40 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the Sanhedrin, the supposed guardians of God's law, finds themselves in the position of fighting against God's work, a point subtly highlighted by Gamaliel's warning. Their attempt to suppress the truth through violence and prohibition ultimately backfires, leading to the further spread of the Gospel. **Contrast** is also evident between the Sanhedrin's worldly authority and the divine authority empowering the apostles. The physical beating inflicted by human power stands in stark opposition to the spiritual power and steadfastness of the apostles, who, despite suffering, would later rejoice. Furthermore, the phrase "in the name of Jesus" functions as a powerful **metonymy**, where "name" represents the entire person, authority, and mission of Jesus Christ. By forbidding the use of His "name," the Sanhedrin sought to eradicate His influence, demonstrating their understanding of the profound power associated with it. Finally, the entire scene serves as a **foreshadowing** of the ongoing persecution the church would face, yet also of its resilience and unstoppable growth, driven by divine power rather than human permission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:40 profoundly illustrates the clash between human institutions and divine will, revealing that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human opposition, no matter how powerful or violent. The Sanhedrin's attempt to silence the apostles by physical punishment and authoritative command underscores the reality of persecution for those who faithfully proclaim Christ. Yet, the apostles' subsequent response, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name, highlights a core theological truth: suffering for Christ is not a defeat but a privilege, an affirmation of one's allegiance to God above all earthly powers. This passage reinforces the sovereignty of God, who can even use the counsel of an unbeliever (Gamaliel) to protect His servants, ensuring His message continues to advance. It also emphasizes the absolute authority and power inherent in the "name of Jesus," which the religious establishment rightly perceived as the true threat to their control, and which believers recognize as the source of salvation and power.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted")
* [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Declaration of Obedience")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:40 offers a timeless lesson on faithfulness in the face of adversity. For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ may involve opposition, even suffering, from those who resist His truth. The apostles' unwavering commitment to proclaiming Jesus, despite being beaten and commanded to cease, challenges us to examine our own priorities. Do we prioritize human comfort and approval over divine obedience? Are we willing to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel? This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of resilience and courage, trusting that God's power is made perfect in our weakness and that His message cannot be ultimately silenced. It calls us to boldly speak the truth of Jesus, understanding that the authority of His name transcends any earthly prohibition. Our greatest allegiance must always be to God, even when it means facing discomfort or persecution, knowing that our ultimate reward is found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise my faith to avoid discomfort or opposition?**
* **How does the apostles' response to suffering (rejoicing in Acts 5:41) challenge my own perspective on hardship?**
* **What does it mean for me to "speak in the name of Jesus" in my daily life, and how might I be more courageous in doing so?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition to His work?**

### FAQ

**What was the Sanhedrin's motivation for beating the apostles instead of executing them?**

Answer: The Sanhedrin's motivation was complex. Initially, they were enraged and wanted to kill the apostles ([Acts 5:33](/acts/5-33 "Acts 5:33 - The Sanhedrin's Fury")). However, Gamaliel, a highly respected Pharisee, intervened with wise counsel, suggesting that if the apostles' movement was not of God, it would fail on its own, but if it was, they would be fighting against God ([Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38-39 "Acts 5:38-39 - Gamaliel's Counsel")). The Sanhedrin agreed to his advice, likely out of respect for Gamaliel and perhaps fear of popular backlash if they executed men who were performing miracles and gaining public favor. The beating was a compromise: it allowed them to assert their authority, inflict punishment, and attempt to intimidate the apostles into silence, without resorting to the politically risky act of execution. It was a punitive measure designed to control and deter, rather than destroy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:40, though detailing the apostles' suffering, deeply resonates with the person and work of Jesus Christ, revealing a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The very act of being "beaten" for the "name of Jesus" mirrors Christ's own suffering. Jesus Himself endured physical abuse and flogging before His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Jesus is Flogged")). He was commanded by earthly authorities, like Pilate and the Jewish leaders, to speak or remain silent, yet He remained steadfast in His divine mission, even unto death ([Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus Before Pilate")). The apostles' willingness to suffer for Christ's name is a direct emulation of their Master, who taught that His followers would be persecuted for His sake ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Persecution for Christ's Sake")). Furthermore, the Sanhedrin's fear of the "name of Jesus" and their attempt to suppress it unwittingly highlights the ultimate triumph of that name. It is the name "above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9-10 "Philippians 2:9-10 - The Exalted Name of Jesus")). The apostles' continued preaching in the face of this prohibition demonstrates that the authority and power of Christ's name cannot be contained by human decrees, fulfilling His promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hades Shall Not Prevail")). Their suffering for His name ultimately serves to magnify His glory and advance His kingdom, just as His own suffering secured salvation for all who call upon His name ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confessing Jesus as Lord")).

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 10:17

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Acts 5:28

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.

Acts 4:17

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

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.

Mark 13:9

But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

2 Corinthians 11:24

Of the Jews five times received I forty [stripes] save one.

John 19:1

¶ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged [him].