Acts 5:38

So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Gamaliel addresses the Sanhedrin council during the apostles’ trial, advising them on how to handle the growing movement. He delivers this counsel immediately after citing Judas the Galilean as a historical example of a failed human-led revolt.

The words — ἀφίστητε (aphistēte) means “do withdraw” or “step away from,” and νῦν (nun) means “now.” The syntax pairs these terms to issue a direct procedural command to cease active interference.

The thread — The text’s observation that human-originated movements collapse aligns with Matthew 15:13 and Lamentations 3:37, while Isaiah 8:9 provides the parallel warning that nations gathered in opposition will be shattered.

Why it lands — The passage instructs observers to halt persecution and allow the outcome to reveal the source of a movement. It asks readers to exercise restraint until divine or human origin becomes evident, avoiding premature force.

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

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

Cross-references

Matthew 15:13 But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots.
Lamentations 3:37 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?
Isaiah 8:9 Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!
Job 5:12 He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success.
Psalms 33:10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.
Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
Isaiah 7:5 For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying:
Nehemiah 4:15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall.
Isaiah 14:25 I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.”
John 11:48 If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”