Acts 5:38 — Meaning and Application

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. {obeyed: or, believed}

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, {even} as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. {obeyed: or, believed}

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:

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

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.