Bible Strands
Acts 5:36
Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Gamaliel addresses the Sanhedrin ("Men of Israel") as they deliberate whether to execute the arrested apostles. He interrupts their planned action to advise caution by citing two historical insurrections that failed.
The words — The phrase πρὸ τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων (pro tōn hēmerōn toutōn) literally means "before these days," anchoring the event chronologically. The verb ἀνέστη (anestē) translates as "rose up," describing Theudas's emergence as a rebel leader.
The thread — The text places Theudas’s revolt immediately before the later uprising of Judas the Galilean during the census (Acts 5:37). This pattern of failed human movements aligns with the warning that false Christs and prophets will arise to deceive (Matthew 24:24) and the temporary, deceptive influence seen in Acts 8:9 and 2 Peter 2:2.
Why it lands — The verse states that Theudas claimed to be somebody, gathered four hundred followers, was killed, and his movement was entirely dispersed. It requires a reader to judge any human movement by its termination rather than its initial appeal, recognizing that rebellion without divine foundation collapses.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
Cross-references
- Acts 8:9 Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great,
- 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
- Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
- Acts 21:38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand members of the Assassins into the wilderness?”
- Galatians 2:6 But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.
- Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.
- Jude 1:16 These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
- Revelation 17:3 And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.
- Revelation 17:5 And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.