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Acts 5:37

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Acts 5:37 KJV is part of the wise counsel given by Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, to the Sanhedrin regarding their treatment of the apostles. This verse specifically cites a historical example to illustrate the principle that movements not ordained by God will ultimately fail.

Historical and Cultural Context

The "Judas of Galilee" mentioned here was a prominent figure who led a significant Jewish rebellion against Roman authority. This uprising occurred "in the days of the taxing," referring to the census ordered by Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, around 6 A.D. (as also referenced in Luke 2:2). This census was deeply resented by many Jews, who viewed it as a direct challenge to God's sole sovereignty over Israel. Judas of Galilee advocated for no taxation by Rome and was a founder of the zealous nationalist movement, often associated with the later Zealots. Gamaliel uses this recent and well-known historical event to caution the Sanhedrin against acting hastily.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Futility of Human-Led Revolts: Judas's movement, despite attracting "much people," ultimately "perished" and his followers were "dispersed." This illustrates the transient nature of human-driven initiatives that oppose God's will.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Gamaliel's larger point, articulated in Acts 5:38-39, is that if the apostles' work is merely human, it will collapse on its own, but if it is "of God," it cannot be overthrown. This emphasizes God's ultimate control over history and human affairs.
  • Discernment and Patience: The passage encourages patience and discernment when evaluating spiritual movements, allowing time to reveal their true source.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "perished" (from the Greek apōleto) to describe Judas's fate, signifying destruction or ruin. His followers were "dispersed" (from dieskorpīsthēsan), meaning they were scattered, highlighting the complete breakdown and failure of the entire movement. These terms vividly convey the ultimate demise of a rebellion against established authority, particularly one perceived as opposing divine purposes.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that while human movements may gain significant traction and followers, their longevity and true impact are determined by whether they align with God's purposes. For believers, it encourages trust in God's overarching plan and discourages reliance on purely human strength or schemes. It also underscores the importance of seeking God's will and wisdom when evaluating new teachings or movements, rather than being swayed solely by popularity or charisma. Just as the Sanhedrin was advised to consider if the apostles' work was "of God", so too should we apply this principle in our own lives and communities.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Luke 2:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:1 (2 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:2 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.