Acts 5:37
After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that Judas of Galilee's rebellion wasn't just about taxes, but a fervent religious call for absolute independence from Roman rule. It also points out that "scattered" doesn't mean his movement was completely extinguished, as remnants of his followers, the Zealots, continued to be a significant force.
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Gamaliel's counsel in the previous verses aimed to show the apostles' movement wasn't unique. But this mention of Judas of Galilee highlights a very different kind of 'zeal' that rocked Judea.
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Judas of Galilee, also known as the Gaulonite, sparked a major rebellion against Roman rule. He wasn't just unhappy with taxes; he believed paying tribute to Caesar was fundamentally against God's sovereignty. This made his movement a 'religious war' for absolute independence.
Judas and his followers met a harsh end, but their ideology didn't simply vanish. Their story echoes through the New Testament and the events leading to Jerusalem's destruction.
Though Judas 'perished' and his followers were 'scattered,' the fire he ignited continued to burn. His rebellion wasn't a fleeting moment; it represented a dangerous current within Judaism that profoundly influenced later events.
This verse grounds the early church's challenges in a real historical context of Jewish resistance to Roman rule, highlighting how deeply political and religious fervor intertwined, influencing the disciples' public ministry and the risks they faced.
c. 8 BC - 6 AD
Herod the Great's Reign
Herod the Great ruled Judea, navigating a complex relationship with Roman authorities. His death in 4 BC led to further Roman administrative changes and instability.
c. AD 6— this verse
Quirinius' Census in Judea
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, conducted a census and property assessment in Judea following its annexation as a Roman province. This event was deeply resented by many Jews.
c. AD 6
Judas of Galilee's Revolt
In response to Quirinius' census, Judas of Galilee incited a violent rebellion, arguing that such taxation was a sign of subjugation and that only God should be obeyed. He was a founder of the Zealot movement.
c. AD 40s
Crucifixion of Judas' Sons
Judas' sons, James and Simon, who continued his zealous anti-Roman stance, were later crucified by the Roman prefect Tiberius Alexander, demonstrating the ongoing legacy and suppression of their movement.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
The Zealot movement, heavily influenced by Judas of Galilee's teachings, played a significant role in igniting and prosecuting the devastating First Jewish-Roman War, which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
This passage speaks of a similar tragic end for those who don't repent, echoing the ultimate fate of Judas' followers who were scattered and perished. It highlights a consistent theme of judgment for those who resist God's established order or warnings.
Galatians 5:19-21The actions of Judas and his followers, fueled by a spirit of rebellion and a desire for earthly liberty, align with the 'works of the flesh' listed here, such as strife and dissensions. This passage reminds us that such movements, while sometimes appearing passionate, often lead to destructive outcomes.
Romans 13:1-2Gamaliel's pragmatic advice to the Sanhedrin directly contrasts with Judas' rebellion. This passage underscores the New Testament teaching that governing authorities are established by God, and resistance to them, as Judas led, is resistance to divine order.
John 18:36Jesus' statement that His kingdom is not of this world directly counters the political and nationalistic fervor that drove Judas of Galilee. This reference helps distinguish between earthly kingdoms and God's spiritual reign, a critical distinction Judas missed.
ellicottActs 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."
(37) Judas of Galilee. —In one passage Josephus ( Ant. xviii. 1) calls him a Gaulonite— i.e., of the country east of Galilee. Had this stood alone, St. Luke might have been charged here also with inaccuracy; but in other passages ( Ant. xx. 5, § 2; Wars, ii. 8, § 1) he is described as a Galilean. On the taxing…
jfbActs 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—(See on [1956]Lu 2:2, and Lu 13:1-3) [Josephus, Antiquities, 13.1.1].
This verse highlights that Judas of Galilee's rebellion wasn't just about taxes, but a fervent religious call for absolute independence from Roman rule. It also points out that "scattered" doesn't mean his movement was completely extinguished, as remnants of his followers, the Zealots, continued to be a significant force.
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"After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered." — This verse highlights that Judas of Galilee's rebellion wasn't just about taxes, but a fervent religious call for absolute independence from Roman rule. It also points out that "scattered" doesn't me…
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