Acts 5:40
New International Version
His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

New Living Translation
The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.

English Standard Version
and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And they were persuaded by him. And having called in the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and they released them.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

New American Standard Bible
They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

NASB 1995
They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

NASB 1977
And they took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them to speak no more in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

Legacy Standard Bible
So they followed his advice. And after calling the apostles in and beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

Amplified Bible
The Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) took his advice; and after summoning the apostles, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

Christian Standard Bible
After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, 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.

Contemporary English Version
and they called the apostles back in. They had them beaten with a whip and warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Then they let them go.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The council took his advice. They called the apostles, beat them, ordered them not to speak about the one named Jesus, and let them go.

Good News Translation
They called the apostles in, had them whipped, and ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus; and then they set them free.

International Standard Version
After calling in the apostles and beating them, they again ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus and let them go.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
and they summoned the apostles and had them beaten. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.

New Heart English Bible
They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Webster's Bible Translation
And to him they assented: 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.

Weymouth New Testament
His advice carried conviction. So they called the Apostles in, and--after flogging them--ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then let them go.

World English Bible
They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And to him they agreed, and having called near the apostles, having beaten [them], they commanded [them] not to speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go;

Berean Literal Bible
And they were persuaded by him. And having called in the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and they released them.

Young's Literal Translation
And to him they agreed, and having called near the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go;

Smith's Literal Translation
And by him they were persuaded: and having called the sent, having stripped, they enjoined not to speak in the name of Jesus, and loosed them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And calling in the apostles, after they had scourged them, they charged them that they should not speak at all in the name of Jesus; and they dismissed them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And calling in the Apostles, having beaten them, they warned them not to speak at all in the name of Jesus. And they dismissed them.

New American Bible
After recalling the apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.

New Revised Standard Version
and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they listened to him, and they called the apostles, and scourged them, and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they were persuaded by him and called the Apostles and scourged them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Yeshua, and they dismissed them.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they were persuaded by him; and when they had called the apostles in and scourged them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Godbey New Testament
And they obeyed him, and having called the apostles, beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and sent them away.

Haweis New Testament
And to him they assented: and calling in the apostles, after scourging them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.

Mace New Testament
after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them, out they went from the council,

Weymouth New Testament
His advice carried conviction. So they called the Apostles in, and--after flogging them--ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then let them go.

Worrell New Testament
And to him they assented; and calling the apostles to them, beating them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go,

Worsley New Testament
So they took his advice, and having called for the apostles and scourged them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gamaliel's Advice
39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” 40At 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. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.…

Cross References
Matthew 10:17
But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Luke 6:22-23
Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.

John 15:20
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

2 Corinthians 11:24-25
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Hebrews 11:36
Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Matthew 23:34
Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.

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.

John 16:2
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-15
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, / who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men,

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

when.

Acts 4:18
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

beaten.

Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Matthew 10:17
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Matthew 23:34
Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

they commanded.

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 4:17-21
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name…

Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

Jump to Previous
Advice Agreed Apostles Assented Beat Beaten Carried Charged Commanded Conviction Dismissed Enjoined Flogged Flogging Jesus Ordered Orders Persuaded Released Right Seemed Speak Speech Summoning Teaching Whipped
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Advice Agreed Apostles Assented Beat Beaten Carried Charged Commanded Conviction Dismissed Enjoined Flogged Flogging Jesus Ordered Orders Persuaded Released Right Seemed Speak Speech Summoning Teaching Whipped
Acts 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 this, they yielded to Gamaliel.
Gamaliel was a respected Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. His influence is evident as the council heeded his advice. Gamaliel's counsel to leave the apostles alone was based on the principle that if their movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, it could not be stopped. This reflects a cautious and pragmatic approach, showing the tension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who were more aggressive in their opposition to the apostles. Gamaliel's role highlights the diversity of thought within the Jewish leadership and provides a backdrop for understanding the early church's challenges.

They called the apostles in and had them flogged.
Flogging was a common form of punishment in the ancient world, often used to maintain order and discipline. The apostles' flogging was likely the traditional Jewish punishment of 39 lashes, as prescribed by the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 25:3). This act was intended to serve as a deterrent and a warning to the apostles. Despite the physical pain and public humiliation, the apostles' willingness to endure such suffering underscores their commitment to their mission and their faith in Jesus Christ. This event foreshadows the persecution that the early church would face and echoes the suffering of Christ, who was also flogged before His crucifixion.

Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus,
The prohibition against speaking in the name of Jesus highlights the central conflict between the early church and the Jewish authorities. The name of Jesus represents His authority and power, and the apostles' preaching in His name was seen as a direct challenge to the religious establishment. This command reflects the authorities' fear of losing control and the growing influence of the Christian message. The apostles' defiance of this order, as seen in subsequent passages, demonstrates their unwavering dedication to their divine commission and their belief in the necessity of proclaiming the gospel.

and released them.
The release of the apostles, despite the flogging and the order to cease preaching, indicates the limited power of the Sanhedrin to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement. This release can be seen as a temporary reprieve, allowing the apostles to continue their mission. It also illustrates the providence of God in protecting His messengers and ensuring the spread of the gospel. The apostles' subsequent actions, as recorded in the Book of Acts, show their resilience and determination to fulfill the Great Commission, regardless of the opposition they faced.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gamaliel
A respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, who advised the Sanhedrin to be cautious in dealing with the apostles, suggesting that if their movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, they could not stop it.

2. The Apostles
The early followers of Jesus Christ, specifically Peter and John, who were spreading the message of Jesus' resurrection and performing miracles in His name.

3. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council, composed of religious leaders who were responsible for maintaining Jewish law and order. They were concerned about the growing influence of the apostles.

4. Flogging
A form of punishment involving whipping, which was used to discipline the apostles and deter them from preaching about Jesus.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, serving as the center of Jewish religious life and the early Christian movement.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God Over Man
The apostles' willingness to suffer for the name of Jesus highlights the importance of prioritizing obedience to God over compliance with human authorities when the two are in conflict.

Joy in Suffering for Christ
The apostles' reaction to their flogging, as seen in the following verses, demonstrates the joy and honor they felt in being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. This challenges believers to find joy in trials for the sake of the Gospel.

The Inevitability of Persecution
This passage reminds Christians that persecution is a natural part of following Christ. Believers should be prepared to face opposition and remain steadfast in their faith.

The Power of God’s Work
Gamaliel’s advice underscores the unstoppable nature of God’s work. If something is truly from God, no human effort can thwart it, encouraging believers to trust in God’s sovereignty.(40) And to him they agreed.--The Sadducees, after their manner, would probably have preferred a more violent course, but the Pharisees were strong in the Sanhedrin, and the via media recommended by Gamaliel was, under such circumstances, likely to command a majority, and was, therefore, apparently accepted without a division.

And beaten them.--Here we trace the action of Caiaphas and the priests. They were not content without some punishment being inflicted, and the party of Gamaliel apparently acquiesced in this as a compromise in the hope of averting more violent measures. And this is accordingly to be noted as the first actual experience of persecution falling on the whole company of the Twelve, and not on Peter and John only. They were probably convicted of the minor offence of causing a disturbance in the Temple, though dismissed, as with a verdict of "not" proven, "on the graver charge of heresy. The punishment in such a case would probably be the "forty stripes save one," of Deuteronomy 25:3 and 2Corinthians 11:24.

Verse 40. - Called unto them (προσκαλεσάμενοι) for simply called, A.V.; they beat them and charged them for and beaten them, they commanded, A.V.; not to speak for that they should not speak, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
At this,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

they yielded
Ἐπείσθησαν (Epeisthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.

to [Gamaliel].
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
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.

They called
προσκαλεσάμενοι (proskalesamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative 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.

apostles [in]
ἀποστόλους (apostolous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

and had them flogged.
δείραντες (deirantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1194: To flay, flog, scourge, beat. A primary verb; properly, to flay, i.e. to scourge, or to thrash.

Then
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they ordered [them]
παρήγγειλαν (parēngeilan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3853: To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

to speak
λαλεῖν (lalein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

name
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

of Jesus,
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

[and] released [them].
ἀπέλυσαν (apelysan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 630: From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.


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NT Apostles: Acts 5:40 They agreed with him (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 5:39
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