Acts 5:38 web — Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be o…

World English Bible

"Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown."

— Acts 5:38, World English Bible

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Acts 5:38 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Acts 5 — Context

35

He said to them, "You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do.

36

For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out 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 dispersed, and came to nothing.

37

After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

38

Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.

39

But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!"

40

They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41

They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus' name.

Acts 5:38 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Acts 5:38 say?
Acts 5:38 in the World English Bible reads: “Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.”
Where is Acts 5:38 in the Bible?
Acts 5:38 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Acts, chapter 5, verse 38.
Who wrote Acts?
Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke. It was written c. AD 62–64.
What is the book of Acts about?
Acts is the sequel to Luke's Gospel — the story of how the message of the risen Jesus moved out from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Through Peter, Paul, and many ordinary believers, the Holy Spirit builds the early church across the Roman world.
What are the major themes of Acts?
Acts explores themes including Holy Spirit, Mission, Church Growth, Persecution, Gospel to the Gentiles. These themes shape the meaning and context of Acts 5:38.
What translation should I read Acts 5:38 in?
Acts 5:38 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Acts 5:38?
Acts 5:38 reads (WEB): “Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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