Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

ACTS 5:28KJV
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Acts 5:28 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:28 mean?

Acts 5:28 records the Jewish leaders confronting the apostles, accusing them of disobeying strict orders not to teach about Jesus and blaming them for spreading their message throughout Jerusalem. The leaders also express concern that the apostles are trying to hold them responsible for Jesus’ death.

In this verse, the high priest and his associates are speaking to the apostles after arresting them for preaching about Jesus. The leaders are frustrated that their earlier command to stop teaching "in this name" (meaning Jesus) has been ignored, and they are alarmed at how widely the apostles’ teaching has spread. The phrase about bringing "this man's blood upon us" shows their fear of being blamed by the public for Jesus’ execution.

The Greek behind Acts 5:28

  • "Straitly command" (παραγγέλλω, parangelō): This Greek word means to give a strict or emphatic order. The leaders are emphasizing that their previous command was not casual but very serious.
  • "Doctrine" (διδαχή, didachē): This word means teaching or instruction. The leaders are upset that the apostles’ teaching about Jesus has become widespread, filling Jerusalem.
  • "Bring...blood upon us" (ἐπαγαγεῖν, epagagein): This phrase means to make someone responsible for another’s death. The leaders fear the apostles are making them appear guilty before the people for Jesus’ crucifixion.

Why Acts 5:28 matters

  • Acts 5:28 shows the tension between the religious authorities and the apostles, highlighting the cost of obeying God rather than human commands.
  • The verse clarifies that the apostles’ message was not just local or private; it had become a public movement affecting the whole city.
  • The leaders’ fear of being blamed for Jesus’ death connects back to earlier events in the Gospels and shows their awareness of public opinion and possible consequences.

Where else these words appear

“bring” Greek G1863 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
  • 2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

“straitly” Greek G3852 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
  • 1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

“doctrine” Greek G1322 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

“Did” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;