Acts 5:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:13 mean?

Acts 5:13 describes two reactions to the early followers of Jesus. Some people kept their distance and did not dare join the group, while the wider public held the group in high regard. Respect for the followers did not necessarily mean that people were ready to identify with them.

The verse follows a description of the believers gathering in Solomon’s porch, a covered area at the temple. “The rest” points to people outside that gathered group. Luke contrasts their hesitation with the honor shown by “the people.”

The Greek behind Acts 5:13

• “durst” — τολμάω (tolmaō): This word carries the sense of daring or having the courage to do something. The old English “durst” presents joining the group as something people hesitated to risk.
• “join himself” — κολλάω (kollaō): This word can mean to attach oneself closely to someone. Here it pictures becoming closely associated with the group, rather than simply noticing them from a distance.
• “magnified” — μεγαλύνω (megalynō): This word can mean to make great or speak highly of someone. Here it describes the people’s high regard for the group.

Why Acts 5:13 matters

• The verse separates public esteem from close association. “The people magnified them,” even though “the rest” did not dare join them.
• The surrounding account helps explain the fearful mood. Earlier in Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira died after presenting a misleading account of money they had given, and great fear came upon those who heard about it.
• The distance in verse 13 did not mean that the group stopped growing. The next verse says that more people who believed in the Lord were added.