Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. New Living Translation The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. English Standard Version Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. Berean Standard Bible At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. Berean Literal Bible Then the captain, having gone with the officers, was bringing them, not with force—for they were afraid of the people, lest they might be stoned. King James Bible Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. New King James Version Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. New American Standard Bible Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). NASB 1995 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). NASB 1977 Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned). Legacy Standard Bible Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). Amplified Bible Then the captain went with the officers and brought them back, without hurting them (because they were afraid of the people, worried that they might be stoned). Berean Annotated Bible At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. Christian Standard Bible Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. American Standard Version Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. Contemporary English Version The captain went with some of the temple police and brought the apostles back. But they did not use force. They were afraid that the people might start throwing stones at them. English Revised Version Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, but without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the officer of the temple guards went with some of his men to bring back the apostles without using force. After all, the officer and his guards were afraid that the people would stone them to death for using force. Good News Translation So the officer went off with his men and brought the apostles back. They did not use force, however, because they were afraid that the people might stone them. International Standard Version So the commander of the Temple guards went with his men to bring them back without force, because they were afraid of being stoned to death by the people. NET Bible Then the commander of the temple guard went with the officers and brought the apostles without the use of force (for they were afraid of being stoned by the people). New Heart English Bible Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them. Webster's Bible Translation Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. Weymouth New Testament Upon this the Commander went with the officers, and brought the Apostles; but without using violence; for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. World English Bible Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthen the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned; Berean Literal Bible Then the captain, having gone with the officers, was bringing them, not with force—for they were afraid of the people, lest they might be stoned. Young's Literal Translation then the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned; Smith's Literal Translation Then the commander having gone with attendants, brought them, not with force: for they feared the people, lest they might be stoned. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen went the officer with the ministers, and brought them without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. Catholic Public Domain Version Then the magistrate, with the attendants, went and brought them without force. For they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned. New American Bible Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them in, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people. New Revised Standard Version Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the leaders went with the soldiers to bring them, not by force, for they were afraid that the people might stone them. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And the Leaders went with the attendants to bring them, not with force, for they were afraid lest the people would stone them. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen went the captain with the attendants, and brought them without violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. Godbey New Testament Then the captain along with the officers, having gone away, led them, not with violence, for they feared the people lest they might be stoned. Haweis New Testament Then went the captain, with the officers, and brought them; not forcibly, for they were afraid of the people, lest they should stone them. Mace New Testament upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. Weymouth New Testament Upon this the Commander went with the officers, and brought the Apostles; but without using violence; for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. Worrell New Testament Then the captain, having gone away with the officers, brought them, not with violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned; Worsley New Testament Then the captain went with the officers and brought them, but not with violence; for they were afraid of the people least they should be stoned: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Apostles Before the Council…25Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!” 26At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles— but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. 27They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them.… Cross References At that point, Mark 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Luke 22:47 While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. Matthew 26:47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. the captain went with the officers John 18:12 Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him. John 18:3 So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple officers, and elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against an outlaw? and brought the apostles— Acts 4:7 They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Luke 21:12 But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. Matthew 10:17 But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. but not by force, Luke 22:2 and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. Matthew 26:5 “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” Mark 14:2 “But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.” for fear the people would stone them. John 11:8 “Rabbi,” they replied, “the Jews just tried to stone You, and You are going back there?” John 10:31 At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him. John 8:59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area. Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would an outlaw? Every day I sat teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. Treasury of Scripture Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. they. Acts 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. Matthew 14:5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Matthew 21:26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. Jump to Previous Afraid Apostles Captain Commander Fear Feared Fearing Force Magistrate Officers Police Proceeded Stone Stoned Use Using Violence ViolentlyJump to Next Afraid Apostles Captain Commander Fear Feared Fearing Force Magistrate Officers Police Proceeded Stone Stoned Use Using Violence ViolentlyActs 5 1. After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife, 3. at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead; 12. and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles; 14. to the increase of the faith; 17. the apostles are again imprisoned; 19. but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all; 21. when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple, 29. and before the council, 33. they are in danger to be killed; 34. but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten; 41. for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching. At that point This phrase indicates a specific moment in the narrative, following the apostles' miraculous escape from prison. It highlights the urgency and immediacy of the situation as the religious leaders sought to reassert control over the apostles. the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles but not by force for fear the people would stone them Persons / Places / Events 1. The Captain of the Temple GuardThis individual was responsible for maintaining order in the temple precincts. He played a key role in the arrest of the apostles, ensuring it was done without inciting a riot. 2. The Officers These were the temple police who assisted the captain in maintaining order and executing the orders of the Sanhedrin. 3. The Apostles The followers of Jesus who were preaching His resurrection and performing miracles, causing a stir among the Jewish leaders. 4. The Sanhedrin The Jewish ruling council that was concerned about the apostles' influence and sought to suppress their message. 5. The People The general populace who were supportive of the apostles due to the miracles and teachings they witnessed, creating a potential threat of violence against the authorities. Teaching Points Fear of Man vs. Fear of GodThe authorities acted out of fear of the people rather than reverence for God. Believers are called to prioritize God's will over human approval. God's Protection of His Messengers Despite opposition, God protected the apostles, allowing them to continue their mission. This encourages believers to trust in God's protection when facing opposition. The Power of Public Witness The apostles' influence on the people demonstrates the power of a faithful witness. Christians are encouraged to live out their faith boldly, impacting those around them. Non-violent Resistance The apostles did not resist arrest, showing a model of peaceful endurance in the face of persecution. Believers can learn to respond to opposition with grace and peace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 5:26?2. How does Acts 5:26 demonstrate the apostles' influence despite opposition? 3. What can we learn about God's protection from Acts 5:26? 4. How does Acts 5:26 connect to Jesus' promise in Matthew 10:19-20? 5. How should we respond when facing opposition for our faith today? 6. What role does courage play in sharing the gospel, as seen in Acts 5:26? 7. Why did the captain and officers not use force in Acts 5:26? 8. How does Acts 5:26 reflect on the apostles' influence over the people? 9. What does Acts 5:26 reveal about the early church's relationship with authority? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 5? 11. Who was Felix in the Bible? 12. Why does prayer not heal amputees? 13. Acts 5:41-42: Why would the apostles rejoice after suffering public flogging, and is this reaction consistent with human nature or historical norms? 14. Why do many self-proclaimed Christians behave worse than atheists? What Does Acts 5:26 Mean At that point“Then someone came and reported to them, ‘Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!’ ” (Acts 5:25). • The phrase signals an immediate response to this startling report. • It shows God’s sovereignty in timing—after an angel’s deliverance (Acts 5:19-20), the authorities must react. • Similar moments of decisive timing are seen when Jesus’ resurrection is suddenly announced (Matthew 28:8-10) and when Peter reports Cornelius’ conversion (Acts 11:4-18). the captain went with the officers • “Captain” refers to the commander of the temple guard, the same authority involved in arresting Jesus (Luke 22:52). • Their movement highlights official opposition to the gospel, paralleling earlier threats (Acts 4:1-3). • God’s people often face organized resistance—Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-2) and Elijah before Ahab (1 Kings 18:17). and brought the apostles • The guard locates and escorts all twelve, displaying God’s preservation—none are missing after the jailbreak. • This fulfills Jesus’ promise of sustained witness in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8) despite threats. • Like Joseph being “sent for and brought quickly” before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14), God positions His servants before rulers at precisely the right moment. but not by force • The officers avoid violence even though they possess authority, echoing earlier hesitation when the apostles were first questioned (Acts 4:21). • God restrains evil to protect His messengers until their work is done (cf. Psalm 105:14-15; John 7:30). • The disciples’ calm compliance (Acts 5:29) models Christ’s meekness under arrest (John 18:11). for fear the people would stone them • Popular favor toward the apostles (“the people held them in high esteem,” Acts 5:13) intimidates the leaders. • The threat of stoning was real; crowds twice picked up stones against Jesus (John 8:59; 10:31). • This fear fulfills Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare,” showing leaders trapped by public opinion while resisting God. summary • God’s timing and protection stand out—He engineers events so the gospel continues. • Human authorities act, yet remain constrained by divine sovereignty and public favor toward God’s work. • The apostles’ peaceful submission pairs with unwavering obedience to God, setting the stage for their bold defense in Acts 5:29-32. (26) Without violence . . .--The scene recalls that of John 7:45. Here, however, the Apostles set the example of unresisting acquiescence, even though the tide of feeling in their favour was so strong that they might have easily raised a tumult in their favour. The signs that had been recently wrought, perhaps also the lavish distribution of alms, the ideal communism of the disciples, were all likely, till counteracted by stronger influences, to secure popular favour.Verse 26. - But without for without, A.V.; lest they should be, omitting ἵνα, for lest they should have been, with ἵνα, A.V. and T.R. Lest they should be, etc. The best way of construing the words, whether ἵνα is re-rained or not, is to make the clause "lest they should be stoned" depend upon "not with violence;" putting "for they feared the people" into a parenthesis; thus explaining why they thought it dangerous to use violence.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek At that point,Τότε (Tote) Adverb Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. captain στρατηγὸς (stratēgos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4755: From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens. went ἀπελθὼν (apelthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively. with σὺν (syn) Preposition Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together. the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. officers ὑπηρέταις (hypēretais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 5257: From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate. [and] brought ἦγεν (ēgen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce. [the apostles]— αὐτούς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [but] not οὐ (ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. by μετὰ (meta) Preposition Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. force, βίας (bias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 970: Force, violence, strength. Probably akin to bia; force. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. fear ἐφοβοῦντο (ephobounto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. people λαόν (laon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people. would stone [them]. λιθασθῶσιν (lithasthōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 3034: To stone, pelt with stones. From lithos; to lapidate. Links Acts 5:26 NIVActs 5:26 NLT Acts 5:26 ESV Acts 5:26 NASB Acts 5:26 KJV Acts 5:26 BibleApps.com Acts 5:26 Biblia Paralela Acts 5:26 Chinese Bible Acts 5:26 French Bible Acts 5:26 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 5:26 Then the captain went with the officers (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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