Acts 5:36

34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time.

35 “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men.

Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.

38 So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
KJV
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.
WEB
For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. He was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed and came to nothing.
ASV
For before these days rose up Theudas, giving 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 nought.
DARBY
for before these days Theudas rose up, alleging himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, were joined; who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed and came to nothing.
BLB
For before these days, Theudas rose up, affirming himself to be somebody—to whom a number of men, about four hundred, were joined—who was put to death, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were dispersed; and it came to nothing.
ÅB
For en tid siden to Teudas fram, som sa seg å være noe, og omkring fire hundre menn slo seg sammen med ham; han ble drept, og alle de som lød ham, spredtes og ble til intet.
OTB
For en tid siden dukket Theudas opp og hevdet å være noe betydningsfullt, og omtrent fire hundre menn samlet seg om ham. Han ble drept, alle hans tilhengere ble spredt, og det hele kom til ingenting.
B1930
For nogen tid siden fremstod Teudas, som sa sig å være noget, og omkring fire hundre menn slo sig sammen med ham; han blev drept, og alle de som lød ham, spredtes og blev til intet.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Acts 8:9

    Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great,

    Read in context
  • 2 Peter 2:2

    Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.

    Read in context
  • Revelation 17:3

    And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.

    Read in context
  • Jude 1:16

    These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.

    Read in context
  • Revelation 17:5

    And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

    Read in context
  • Galatians 6:3

    If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 24:24

    For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

    Read in context
  • Acts 21:38

    “Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand members of the ‘Assassins’ into the wilderness?”

    Read in context