For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gamaliel’s point isn't just that other rebels failed, but that this Theudas "boasted himself to be somebody"—a phrase hinting at self-aggrandizement and likely claiming prophetic or even divine authority, a common trap for those who don't truly rely on God. The outcome for his followers, "scattered and brought to nought," powerfully illustrates how these self-appointed leaders ultimately lead to ruin, not salvation.
For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gamaliel is offering counsel to the Jewish Sanhedrin, who are furious with the apostles for continuing to preach about Jesus. To persuade them to release the apostles and avoid interfering with what might be God's work, Gamaliel recounts historical examples of failed uprisings led by self-proclaimed messiahs, arguing that if the apostles' movement is similar, it will naturally fizzle out on its own.
Have you ever noticed how history can be tricky? Sometimes it feels like the details don't quite line up. That's exactly what scholars wrestle with here!
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, is advising the Sanhedrin on how to handle the apostles. He points to past uprisings to show that movements claiming divine backing often fail.
He mentions a leader named Theudas who gathered about 400 followers. However, historical records, particularly from the Jewish historian Josephus, mention a different Theudas who appeared about ten to twelve years later than Gamaliel's speech. This has led some to question the accuracy of the Bible.
But here’s the wisdom:
Ask a follow-up
Why do people follow leaders who claim great things? This verse cuts right to the heart of ambition and deception.
Gamaliel describes Theudas as "boasting himself to be somebody." This isn't just about being famous; it's about claiming a significant status, perhaps a prophet, a deliverer, or even the Messiah.
This echoes a timeless human tendency:
Understand the original words
Theudas · Greek Proper Noun
A reference to a false messianic figure or revolutionary leader who gains a following by claiming authority or significance they do not possess. Biblically, this contrasts with the true Messiah, Jesus, who is the only source of authentic authority.
Gamaliel uses the example of Theudas, a failed rebel leader, to caution the Sanhedrin against persecuting the apostles. The historical debate about whether Gamaliel refers to a known rebel or a lesser-known figure highlights how such pretenders were common during this turbulent period, adding weight to Gamaliel's argument that movements of human origin eventually fail.
c. 4 BC
Death of Herod the Great
The death of Herod the Great led to widespread unrest and numerous insurrections across Judea as various figures claimed leadership.
c. 4 BC - AD 6
Numerous Jewish Insurrections
Following Herod's death, Judea experienced significant turmoil with many rebels and false prophets rising up, some of whom claimed kingship or prophetic authority.
c. AD 6
The Census in Judea
A census was conducted in Judea under the Roman prefect Quirinius, a significant event that sparked further revolt, notably led by Judas the Galilean.
c. AD 25-30— this verse
Theudas's Uprising
A figure named Theudas, claiming to be a significant leader, gathered about 400 followers but was ultimately killed, and his movement dispersed.
c. AD 44-46
Another Theudas Appears
A different individual named Theudas, claiming to be a prophet, led a larger group of followers to the Jordan River but was apprehended and beheaded by Roman forces.
Jesus Himself withdrew when the crowd tried to make Him a king by force, showing that attempts to seize power or leadership through popular uprising, even with good intentions, can lead to trouble.
Matthew 24:24-25Jesus warned about false Christs and false prophets arising and performing signs to deceive many, a warning echoed by Gamaliel's caution against those who 'claim to be somebody'.
2 Peter 2:1-3Peter describes destructive heresies brought about by false teachers who secretly introduce them, leading people astray, similar to how Theudas' followers were scattered and came to nothing.
Acts 19:35-41The silversmith Demetrius incited a riot against Paul by appealing to people's identity and the goddess Artemis, showing how easily crowds can be swayed by charismatic leaders for their own purposes, often with disastrous results.
ellicottActs 5:36: "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."
(36) Before these days rose up Theudas. —An insurrection, headed by a leader of this name, is mentioned by Josephus ( Ant. xx. 5, § 1). He, however, places it, not “before the taxing”—i.e., circ. A.D. 6—but in the reign of Claudius, and under the procuratorship of…
vincentActs 5:36: "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."
Joined themselves (προσεκολλήθη)The best texts read προσεκλίθη, were inclined; i.e., leaned to, or took sides with.
Gamaliel’s point isn't just that other rebels failed, but that this Theudas "boasted himself to be somebody"—a phrase hinting at self-aggrandizement and likely claiming prophetic or even divine authority, a common trap for those who don't truly rely on God. The outcome for his followers, "scattered and brought to nought," powerfully illustrates how these self-appointed leaders ultimately lead to ruin, not salvation.
Gamaliel is offering counsel to the Jewish Sanhedrin, who are furious with the apostles for continuing to preach about Jesus. To persuade them to release the apostles and avoid interfering with what might be God's work, Gamaliel recounts historical examples of failed uprisings led by self-proclaimed messiahs, arguing that if the apostles' movement is similar, it will naturally fizzle out on its own.
Gamaliel is offering counsel to the Jewish Sanhedrin, who are furious with the apostles for continuing to preach about Jesus. To persuade them to release the apostles and avoid interfering with what might be God's work, Gamaliel recounts historical examples of failed uprisings led by self-proclaimed messiahs, arguing that if the apostles' movement is similar, it will naturally fizzle out on its own.
"For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing." — Gamaliel’s point isn't just that other rebels failed, but that this Theudas "boasted himself to be somebody"—a phrase hinting at self-aggrandizement and likely claiming prophetic or even divine autho…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026