Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Theudas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. His mention is brief but significant, as it provides historical context to the early Christian movement and the various messianic and revolutionary figures that emerged in Judea during the first century.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Theudas is found in Acts 5:36. In this passage, Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, addresses the Sanhedrin concerning the apostles' activities. He advises caution in dealing with the followers of Jesus, citing historical examples of failed movements. Gamaliel states: "For some time ago, Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing." (Acts 5:36) Historical Context: The mention of Theudas by Gamaliel is part of a larger discourse aimed at persuading the Jewish council to refrain from persecuting the apostles. Gamaliel's argument is that if the Christian movement is of human origin, it will fail on its own, just as Theudas' did. However, if it is from God, they would not be able to stop it and would find themselves fighting against God. Theudas is described as a self-proclaimed leader who attracted a following of about four hundred men. His movement ultimately failed, as he was killed and his followers were scattered. This account is consistent with the turbulent period in Judea, where various individuals claimed to be messianic figures or leaders of liberation movements against Roman rule. Historical Debate: There is some debate among scholars regarding the identity of Theudas, as the Jewish historian Josephus also mentions a Theudas in his writings. Josephus describes a Theudas who led a movement during the procuratorship of Cuspius Fadus, around AD 44-46, which is after the time of Gamaliel's speech. This has led to discussions about whether there were two individuals named Theudas or if there is a chronological discrepancy in the accounts. Theological Significance: The mention of Theudas serves as a cautionary tale within the narrative of Acts. It highlights the transient nature of movements not ordained by God and underscores the divine legitimacy of the Christian movement as perceived by the early church. Gamaliel's counsel reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. Conclusion: Theudas, though a minor figure in the biblical text, provides insight into the socio-political climate of first-century Judea and the challenges faced by early Christians. His account is a reminder of the many who sought to lead and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes through the spread of the Gospel. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary TheudasSmith's Bible Dictionary Theudas(God-given), the name of an insurgent mentioned in Gamaliel's speech before the Jewish council, (Acts 6:35-39) at the time of the arraignment of the apostles. He appeared, according to Luke's account, at the head of about four hundred men. He was probably one of the insurrectionary chiefs or fanatics by whom the land was overrun in the last year of Herod's reign. Josephus speaks of a Theudas who played a similar part in the time of Claudius, about A.D. 44; but the Theudas mentioned by St. Luke must be a different person from the one spoken of by Josephus. ATS Bible Dictionary TheudasAn insurgent, Jew, mentioned by Gamaliel, A. D. 33, as of the preceding generation, Acts 5:36-37, and therefore not to be confounded with a Theudas of A. D. 44, mentioned by Josephus. The period following the death of Herod the Great was full of revolts. Theudas was also a common name, answering to the Hebrew Matthew, under which name Josephus speaks of an unsuccessful reformer who was burnt in the latter part of Herod's reign. Easton's Bible Dictionary Thanksgiving, referred to by Gamaliel in his speech before the council at Jerusalem (Acts 5:36). He headed an insurrection against the Roman authority. Beyond this nothing is known of him. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia THEUDASthu'-das (Theudas, a contraction of Theodorus, "the gift of God"): Theudas is referred to by Gamaliel in his speech before the Sanhedrin, when he advised them as to the position they should adopt in regard to the apostles (Acts 5:36). The failure of the rebellion of Theudas was quoted by Gamaliel on this occasion as typical of the natural end of such movements as were inspired "not of God, but of men." A rising under one Theudas is also described by Josephus (Ant., XX, v, 1), but this occurred at a later date (according to Josephus about 44 or 45 A.D.) than the speech of Gamaliel (before 37 A.D.). Of theories put forward in explanation of the apparent anachronism in Gameliels speech, the two most in favor are Greek 2333. Theudas -- Theudas, an Israelite ... 2332, 2333. Theudas. 2334 . Theudas, an Israelite. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Theudas Phonetic Spelling: (thyoo ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2333.htm - 6k Library Concerning Theudas and the Sons of Judas the Galilean; as Also ... The Impostor Theudas and his Followers. Some Associated Questions Book 17 Footnotes The Counsel of Gamaliel. Book 20 Footnotes The Acts of the Apostles. John ix. 34-36 Gamaliel's Counsel Acts V Thesaurus Theudas (1 Occurrence)... He headed an insurrection against the Roman authority. Beyond this nothing is known of him. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. THEUDAS. ... /t/theudas.htm - 8k Gamaliel (7 Occurrences) False. Theu'das (1 Occurrence) Christs (2 Occurrences) Thessaloni'ca (7 Occurrences) Naught (40 Occurrences) Nought (104 Occurrences) Obeying (24 Occurrences) Obeyed (83 Occurrences) Resources Who was Theudas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Valentinus? What was Valentinianism? | GotQuestions.org New Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Theudas (1 Occurrence)Acts 5:36 Subtopics Theudas: A Jewish Insurrectionist Related Terms |