But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

ACTS 5:39KJV
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Acts 5:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:39 mean?

Acts 5:39 says that if something truly comes from God, no one can defeat or stop it, and trying to do so would mean fighting against God Himself. This is a warning that human efforts cannot succeed against what God has established.

In this verse, Gamaliel, a respected Jewish teacher, is speaking to the Jewish council about the apostles. The council wants to stop the apostles’ message about Jesus, but Gamaliel cautions them that if the apostles’ work is from God, opposing them would be pointless and even dangerous. The verse highlights the idea that God’s purposes cannot be overturned by human opposition.

The Greek behind Acts 5:39

  • θεός (theos): This is the Greek word for "God." Gamaliel is making it clear that the ultimate authority behind the apostles’ movement might be God Himself, not just human effort.
  • καταλύω (katalyō): Translated as "overthrow," this word often means to destroy, bring to an end, or dissolve. The sense here is that no one can bring down or undo something that God has set in motion.
  • μάχη (machē): While not directly tagged here, the idea of "fighting against God" is present in the phrase, warning that resisting God’s work is not just futile but actually puts a person in opposition to God.

Why Acts 5:39 matters

  • Acts 5:39 clarifies that Gamaliel is not siding with the apostles, but urging caution because opposing them might mean opposing God’s will.
  • The verse connects to the larger story in Acts, where the early church faces opposition but continues to grow, suggesting that their success is not just human effort.
  • This verse helps explain why the council decides not to execute the apostles, showing how even their opponents recognized the possibility of God’s involvement.

Where else these words appear

“overthrow” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

“haply” Greek G3379 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
  • Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.