Acts 5:40

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Acts 5:40 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, showcasing the Sanhedrin's response to the apostles' unwavering proclamation of Jesus Christ. After hearing the wise counsel of Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, the Jewish high court agreed to his suggestion to observe the apostles rather than execute them. However, their agreement came with a severe caveat: physical punishment and a strict prohibition against speaking in the name of Jesus.

Context

This verse is the culmination of the apostles' second arrest by the Sanhedrin. They had been miraculously released from prison by an angel (Acts 5:19) and immediately resumed teaching in the temple courts, demonstrating their absolute commitment to God's command over human authority. When brought before the council again, Peter boldly declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). This defiance enraged the Sanhedrin, who initially sought to kill them, until Gamaliel's wise counsel intervened, suggesting that if the movement was not of God, it would fail on its own (Acts 5:38).

Key Themes

  • Persecution and Steadfastness: The beating and prohibition highlight the intense opposition faced by the early church. Despite physical pain and a direct command, the apostles remained steadfast in their mission.
  • Divine Authority vs. Human Authority: The Sanhedrin's command directly contradicted the apostles' divine commission to preach the Gospel. This verse underscores the ongoing tension between human laws and God's higher calling.
  • The Power of the Name of Jesus: The Sanhedrin specifically forbade speaking "in the name of Jesus," recognizing that the authority, miracles, and message of the apostles were all intrinsically linked to Christ's identity and power. This name was seen as a threat to their established religious order.
  • Compromise and Control: The Sanhedrin's decision to beat and release, rather than kill, was a form of compromise influenced by Gamaliel, but it was also an attempt to control the spread of the Gospel through intimidation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "beaten" is derontes (δέροντες), which implies a severe scourging or flogging, not just a light beating. This was a painful and humiliating punishment, designed to deter further activity. The command "they should not speak" uses paraggellō (παραγγέλλω), meaning to give a solemn order or charge from a superior, emphasizing the authority with which the Sanhedrin attempted to suppress the apostles' message.

Practical Application

Acts 5:40 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Enduring Persecution: It reminds us that opposition is often a reality for those who faithfully follow Christ. The apostles' response—rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name (Acts 5:41)—provides a powerful example of how to face adversity.
  • Prioritizing God's Will: The apostles' refusal to cease speaking about Jesus, despite the severe consequences, teaches us to prioritize obedience to God above all human commands when they conflict.
  • The Unstoppable Gospel: Even under threat and physical violence, the message of Jesus could not be silenced. This offers encouragement that the Gospel continues to advance regardless of obstacles, empowered by God's Spirit.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 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].
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