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.

ACTS 5:40KJV
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Acts 5:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:40 mean?

Acts 5:40 describes the council’s response to Gamaliel’s advice about the apostles, the men sent out by Jesus. The council accepts his advice, but still punishes the apostles and orders them to stop speaking about Jesus before releasing them.

“Him” refers to Gamaliel, a respected teacher who has urged caution. The command to stop speaking “in the name of Jesus” targets the apostles’ public message about him. The council’s decision allows the apostles to leave, but places a restriction on what they may say.

The Greek behind Acts 5:40

  • “agreed” — πείθω (peithō): The Greek carries the sense of being persuaded. The council’s response suggests that Gamaliel’s words influenced its decision.
  • “beaten” — δέρω (derō): This word can mean to beat or flog. The punishment involved physical violence, not merely a warning.
  • “let them go” — ἀπολύω (apolyō): This word can mean to release or dismiss. The apostles were sent away after the beating and the command.

Why Acts 5:40 matters

  • The council’s agreement with Gamaliel did not mean approval of the apostles’ message. Its command shows that the council still wanted that message stopped.
  • The order repeats an earlier attempt to silence the apostles. In Acts 4:18, the leaders had already commanded them not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name.
  • The release was not the end of the matter. Acts 5:42 says the apostles continued teaching and speaking about Jesus, despite the council’s order.

Where else these words appear

“beaten” Greek G1194 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
  • Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
  • John 18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“commanded” 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 5:28 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.
  • 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;

“agreed” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
  • Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.