What does Acts 5:39 mean?
"But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." - Acts 5:39
The verse Acts 5:39 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” This verse is part of a larger passage in the Book of Acts that recounts an incident during the early days of the Christian church. The context for this verse is the council of the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were deliberating on what to do with the apostles, who were preaching the message of Jesus Christ despite facing opposition and persecution.
This particular verse is spoken by Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of the law who was highly respected by all the people. He advises the council to be cautious in their approach to the apostles. Gamaliel points out that in the past, there have been other movements and leaders who have risen up and gathered followers, but they ultimately came to nothing. He mentions Theudas and Judas as examples and says that both of them had followers, but when they died, their movements fizzled out. Gamaliel's point is that if the movement of the apostles is of human origin, it will also come to nothing. However, if it is of God, then it cannot be stopped, and those who oppose it will find themselves fighting against God.
There are several themes and layers of meaning present in this verse. One of the primary themes is the sovereignty of God. Gamaliel's words suggest that ultimately, God is in control and His purposes will prevail. This theme is seen throughout the Bible, and it underscores the idea that while humans may make plans and take action, it is ultimately God's will that will be accomplished. This verse serves as a reminder that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human efforts, and that those who oppose His work will find themselves ultimately fighting against Him.
Another important theme in this verse is the idea of discernment. Gamaliel's advice to the council is based on the need to discern whether the movement of the apostles is of human or divine origin. This theme of discernment is relevant for all believers, as it is important to be able to recognize the work of God and to align oneself accordingly. Discernment requires wisdom, insight, and the ability to see beyond surface appearances to the deeper spiritual realities at play.
Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the idea of "fighting against God." This symbolizes the futility of opposing God and His purposes. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals or groups who have attempted to resist or rebel against God, only to find themselves ultimately defeated. This symbol serves as a warning to those who would oppose God, highlighting the folly of such actions and the inevitable consequences that follow.
In conclusion, Acts 5:39 in the King James Version of the Bible contains rich layers of meaning and themes that are relevant for believers today. It speaks to the sovereignty of God, the importance of discernment, and the futility of fighting against God. It serves as a reminder that ultimately, God's will cannot be thwarted, and that those who align themselves with His purposes will find themselves on the side of victory. This verse provides a powerful message of encouragement and reassurance for believers, as well as a warning to those who would oppose God and His work.
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Acts 5:39 - "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."
"But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." - Acts 5:39
Luke 5:39
Acts 16:39 - "And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city."
Acts 19:39 - "But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly."
Acts 7:39 - "To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,"
Acts 13:39 - "And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses."
Acts 27:39 - "And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship."
Acts 2:39 - "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Acts 10:39 - "And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:"
Isaiah 39:5 - "Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:"
Acts 15:39 - "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;"
"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." - Acts 8:39
Acts 8:39 - "And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."
Ezekiel 39:5 - "Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD."
John 5:39 - "¶ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
Acts 1:4-5
Luke 5:39 - "No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better."
1 Kings 22:39 - "Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
Acts 21:39 - "But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people."
Job 39:5 - "Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?"
Mark 5:39 - "And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth."
Acts 9:39 - "Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them."
"But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly." - Acts 19:39
"And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city." - Acts 16:39
Acts 10:39-40 - "And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly."
"Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:" - Isaiah 39:5
Acts 21:5-6
Matthew 5:39 - "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Acts 20:5 - "These going before tarried for us at Troas."