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beheaded him. They left his head on the streets to show the people that Caesar was still Lord.
Theudas’s followers quickly scattered.

Act 5:37 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.

Judas of Galilee rebelled during the taxation record in Luke 2:1.

Act 5:38 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:

Gamaliel is advising the council to remove the pressure and opposition they have against the
disciples.

Act 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against
God.

Gamaliel’s argument and advice:

1. If the movement be of man, it will fall apart by itself. Either God or the men involved
will destroy it (i.e. Theudas and Judas).
2. If the movement be of God, the Sanhedrin has placed itself in a position of fighting
against God.
3. If it is of God, man cannot stop it.
4. Leave it alone.

Act 5:40 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.

The Sanhedrin agrees with Gamaliel while he is standing before them, but still do their best to
hinder the disciples. Their new threats will accomplish no more than their previous threats
had. The disciples are resolute in their decision to obey God and preach and teach in the name

of Jesus even more than they already had been.

THE DISCIPLES DEPART FROM THE COUNCIL

Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer shame for his name.

The disciples are fulfilling Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; James 1:2. They have learned
to “count it all joy” when they fall into trials and tests. They consider it an honor to be
persecuted for the name of Jesus. They believe it is a mark of blessing to know they have
caused enough damage in Satan’s kingdom to be persecuted.