Acts 5:38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.

◄ Acts 5:38 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.

English Standard Version
So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail;

New American Standard Bible
"So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown;

King James Bible
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:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown;

International Standard Version
"I'm telling you to keep away from these men for now. Leave them alone, because if this plan or movement is of human origin, it will fail.

American Standard Version
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 be overthrown:

Douay-Rheims Bible
And now, therefore, I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this council or this work be of men, it will come to nought;

Darby Bible Translation
And now I say to you, Withdraw from these men and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work have its origin from men, it will be destroyed;

Young's Literal Translation
and now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone, because if this counsel or this work may be of men, it will be overthrown,

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

5:34-42 The Lord still has all hearts in his hands, and sometimes directs the prudence of the worldly wise, so as to restrain the persecutors. Common sense tells us to be cautious, while experience and observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Reproach for Christ is true preferment, as it makes us conformable to his pattern, and serviceable to his interest. They rejoiced in it. If we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer it well, and as we should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. The apostles did not preach themselves, but Christ. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. But it ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ, and him crucified; Christ, and him glorified; nothing beside this, but what has reference to it. And whatever is our station or rank in life, we should seek to make Him known, and to glorify his name.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

38. if … of men, it will come to naught—This neutral policy was true wisdom, in the then temper of the council. But individual neutrality is hostility to Christ, as He Himself teaches (Lu 11:23).