Acts 5:37-39
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. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that Judas the Galilean's rebellion wasn't just about taxes, but a fundamental rejection of any authority other than God. His followers weren't merely dispersed, but "scattered," implying a breakdown of their movement's core belief system that bound them together.
Gamaliel has just advised the Sanhedrin to leave the apostles alone, warning that if their work is human, it will fail, but if it is from God, they cannot stop it. He then proceeds to mention two historical figures, Theudas and Judas of Galilee, as examples of past uprisings that ultimately fizzled out. This verse focuses on Judas, a charismatic leader who sparked a revolt against the Roman census, urging people to fight for their freedom and refuse to pay taxes to a foreign power, an action which ultimately led to his death and the scattering of his followers.
The Roman census wasn't just about taxes; it sparked a fierce rebellion. Learn why this event was so incendiary.
Judas of Galilee, appearing shortly after Theudas, ignited a major revolt against the Roman census. For Judas and his followers, this wasn't just about economic hardship; it was a profound religious conviction.
The Core Belief
They believed that paying tribute to Rome, and acknowledging any ruler other than God, was a violation of their covenant with God. This perspective transformed the census into a symbol of subjugation and a call to arms for absolute independence. Their rallying cry was clear: Israel's true Lord was God alone, and submission to any earthly power was unthinkable and sinful.
A Religious War
This wasn't a common political uprising. It was seen as a holy war, driven by a fervent desire to uphold God's sovereignty. This zeal, while passionate, tragically led them to oppose Roman authority with force, ultimately resulting in their demise.
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Gamaliel's earlier counsel warned the apostles. See how the story of Judas illustrates his point about the impermanence of human-led movements.
The verse concludes with a stark declaration of Judas's fate and that of his followers: 'He also perished, and all who followed him were scattered.' This outcome serves as a powerful testament to Gamaliel's wisdom shared just moments before in Acts 5:34-39.
Gamaliel's Counsel
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, advised caution. He pointed to previous uprisings led by figures like Theudas and Judas, suggesting that if their plans or movements were merely human in origin, they would naturally fail and disappear. Conversely, if they were from God, no one could overthrow them.
The Scattering
Judas's movement, despite its initial fervor and the 'persuasive power' it held over some, ultimately met the predicted end. His death and the dispersion of his followers demonstrate the ultimate futility of resistance that stands against God's sovereign plan or timing. Their zealous pursuit of a 'liberty' defined by their own terms, apart from God's ordained way, led not to lasting freedom but to destruction and scattering.
Understand the original words
boulē · Greek Noun
A term used to describe human endeavor or schemes, often implying efforts done apart from the will or guidance of God. It highlights the contrast between finite, earthly plans and the eternal, sovereign purpose of God.
ergon · Greek Noun
Refers to any work, enterprise, or project initiated by human beings. In a theological sense, it often questions the source of motivation: is it grounded in human arrogance or divine commission?
theos · Greek Noun
The supreme, eternal Creator and ruler of all things. God's involvement in human history ensures that His purposes will ultimately prevail over any human resistance or schemes.
theomachos · Greek Adjective/Noun
An act of hostility or resistance against the divine will. To oppose God is to place oneself in a position of ultimate futility, as no human power can successfully challenge the Creator.
The mention of Judas of Galilee and his rebellion against the census is a powerful reminder that the early church faced intense political and religious opposition from the very beginning. Their call to follow Jesus meant navigating a dangerous world where loyalty to Rome was enforced and dissent was met with severe consequences.
c. 8 BC
Herod the Great Reigns in Judea
The political landscape of Judea is governed by Herod the Great, a client king of Rome. His rule is marked by extensive building projects and a complex relationship with both the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace.
c. 6 BC - 4 BC— this verse
Census and Tax Assessment
The Roman governor Quirinius conducts a census and tax assessment in Syria, which includes Judea following the deposition of Herod Archelaus. This event sparks significant opposition and rebellion, notably led by Judas of Galilee.
c. 6 AD
Judas of Galilee's Revolt
Judas, a Galilean, incites a violent revolt against the Roman census and taxation, viewing it as an act of subjugation and a violation of God's sovereignty. He and his followers believe that obedience to Rome is a betrayal of their Jewish faith.
c. 6 AD
Judas and Followers Scattered
The insurrection led by Judas of Galilee is ultimately suppressed by the Roman authorities. Judas himself is killed, and his followers are dispersed, though the zealot movement he inspired continues to be a significant force.
c. AD 26 - 36
Pontius Pilate Serves as Governor
Pontius Pilate governs Judea during this period. His tenure is characterized by a series of conflicts with the Jewish population, fueled by insensitivity to their religious customs and harsh administration.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem under the authority of Pontius Pilate. This event becomes central to the Christian faith, with His followers believing in His resurrection and divine mission.
c. AD 44-46
Reign of Tiberius Alexander as Governor
Tiberius Alexander, a nephew of the philosopher Philo, serves as governor of Judea. He is known for his harsh suppression of Jewish revolts, including the crucifixion of Judas of Galilee's sons.
This passage refers to Galileans who suffered a similar fate due to perceived wrongdoing, highlighting a pattern of rebellion and its tragic consequences for those involved.
Matthew 10:4This verse mentions Simon the Zealot, a detail that connects to Judas of Galilee, as the 'Zealots' were a movement directly influenced by his teachings and rebellion.
Acts 5:29Gamaliel's speech contrasts the actions of Judas with the apostles, framing rebellion against God's perceived order as ultimately futile and destined for failure.
John 18:36Jesus' statement about His kingdom not being of this world provides a theological counterpoint to Judas' earthly, political rebellion, emphasizing a different kind of allegiance and authority.
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 the Galilean's rebellion wasn't just about taxes, but a fundamental rejection of any authority other than God. His followers weren't merely dispersed, but "scattered," implying a breakdown of their movement's core belief system that bound them together.
Gamaliel has just advised the Sanhedrin to leave the apostles alone, warning that if their work is human, it will fail, but if it is from God, they cannot stop it. He then proceeds to mention two historical figures, Theudas and Judas of Galilee, as examples of past uprisings that ultimately fizzled out. This verse focuses on Judas, a charismatic leader who sparked a revolt against the Roman census, urging people to fight for their freedom and refuse to pay taxes to a foreign power, an action which ultimately led to his death and the scattering of his followers.
Gamaliel has just advised the Sanhedrin to leave the apostles alone, warning that if their work is human, it will fail, but if it is from God, they cannot stop it. He then proceeds to mention two historical figures, Theudas and Judas of Galilee, as examples of past uprisings that ultimately fizzled out. This verse focuses on Judas, a charismatic leader who sparked a revolt against the Roman census, urging people to fight for their freedom and refuse to pay taxes to a foreign power, an action which ultimately led to his death and the scattering of his followers.
"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. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them a…" — This verse highlights that Judas the Galilean's rebellion wasn't just about taxes, but a fundamental rejection of any authority other than God. His followers weren't merely dispersed, but "scattered,…
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