Key Verse Spotlight
Acts 5:39 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!” "
Acts 5:39
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.
39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!”
40 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.
41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name.
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Acts 5:1
"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,"
Acts 5:2
"and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet."
Acts 5:3
"But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?"
Acts 5:4
"While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”"
Acts 5:5
"Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things."
Acts 5:6
"The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him."
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