Acts 5:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:20 mean?

Acts 5:20 records an angel’s command to the apostles, telling them to go stand in the temple and speak to the people about “all the words of this life.” The verse means the apostles are to publicly share the full message about the new life found through Jesus, right in the heart of Jerusalem.

The setting is after the apostles have been arrested for teaching about Jesus. During the night, an angel frees them from prison and gives this instruction. The phrase “all the words of this life” points to the message of salvation and hope in Jesus, which the apostles are told to proclaim openly and completely, not holding anything back.

The Greek behind Acts 5:20

• ζωή (zōē, G2222) — “life”: This word is often used in the New Testament to mean not just physical life, but a new, spiritual kind of life connected to Jesus. Here, “this life” highlights the quality and fullness of life the apostles are to talk about.
• ῥῆμα (rhēma, G4487) — “words”: This word can mean spoken words or sayings. The instruction is to share all the specific teachings and truths about this new life, not just general ideas.
• ἱερόν (hieron, G2411) — “temple”: The temple was the central place of worship and public gathering in Jerusalem. Being told to speak there means the message is meant for everyone, in the most public and significant place possible.

Why Acts 5:20 matters

• Acts 5:20 clarifies that the apostles are not to keep their message private or selective; they are to share the whole story about Jesus openly, even after being threatened.
• The verse shows that the message of Jesus is described as “life,” emphasizing its importance and the transformation it brings, not just a set of teachings.
• This command connects to the larger theme in Acts of the apostles’ boldness and God’s intervention, showing that the spread of the gospel is not stopped by human opposition.