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37 After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census,[a] and incited people to follow him in revolt.[b] He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people,[c] it will come to nothing,[d] 39 but if[e] it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found[f] fighting against God.” He convinced them,[g]

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:37 tn Or “registration.”
  2. Acts 5:37 tn The verb ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi) as a transitive means “cause to revolt” as used in Josephus, Ant. 8.7.5 (8.198), 20.5.2 (20.102); see BDAG 157 s.v. 1.
  3. Acts 5:38 tn Here ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) has been translated as a generic noun (“people”).
  4. Acts 5:38 tn Or “it will be put to an end.”
  5. Acts 5:39 tn This is expressed in a first class condition, in contrast to the condition in v. 38b, which is third class. As such, v. 39 is rhetorically presented as the more likely option.
  6. Acts 5:39 tn According to L&N 39.32, the verb εὑρεθῆτε (heurethēte, an aorist passive subjunctive) may also be translated “find yourselves”—“lest you find yourselves fighting against God.” The Jewish leader Gamaliel is shown contemplating the other possible alternative about what is occurring.
  7. Acts 5:39 tn Grk “They were convinced by him.” This passive construction was converted to an active one (“He convinced them”) in keeping with contemporary English style. The phrase “He convinced them” is traditionally placed in Acts 5:40 by most English translations; the standard Greek critical text (represented by NA28 and UBS5) places it at the end of v. 39.

37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census(A) and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.(B) 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”(C)

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