Bible Strands
Acts 5:39
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of the law, addresses the Sanhedrin as they deliberate whether to suppress the apostles. He is making a pragmatic argument: test the origin before acting.
The words — καταλῦσαι (katalusai), "to overthrow," is a military term for pulling down a structure or regime; it frames the Sanhedrin's potential action as an assault rather than mere regulation.
The thread — Proverbs 21:30 states that no counsel prevails against the LORD, and Isaiah 46:10 declares that God's purpose will stand. Matthew 16:18 extends the same logic: the gates of Hades will not prevail against the church.
Why it lands — The verse inverts the question: it is not whether the apostles will succeed, but whether the reader's opposition is aimed at something God has set in motion. If it is, the effort is not merely futile but an act of hostility toward God.
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
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
- Isaiah 46:10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’
- Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
- Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.
- Acts 11:17 So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?”
- 1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
- Luke 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
- Acts 6:10 but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
- Acts 9:5 “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.
- Job 34:29 But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation,