King James Version

What Does Acts 5:28 Mean?

Acts 5:28 in the King James Version says “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem wit... — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 5:28 · KJV


Context

26

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

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.

29

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The high priest's question reveals the religious establishment's fear of losing authority ('Did not we straitly command you'). Their concern about 'this man's blood' being upon them ironically recalls their own acceptance of responsibility (Matt. 27:25). The apostles' disobedience to human authority in order to obey God demonstrates the hierarchy of authority: God's commands supersede human commands when they conflict. The growth of Christianity despite official prohibition testifies to divine sovereignty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sanhedrin, Judaism's supreme religious council of 71 members, held significant authority under Roman occupation. Their 'strict command' referred to the earlier prohibition in Acts 4:18. The phrase 'bring this man's blood upon us' reflects Jewish legal concern about bloodguilt for executing an innocent person.

Reflection Questions

  1. When human authorities command us to disobey God, how should we respond, and what consequences should we expect?
  2. How does the leaders' fear of bloodguilt reveal an unacknowledged awareness of wrongdoing in crucifying Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
λέγων,1 of 29

Saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Οὐ2 of 29

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

παραγγελίᾳ3 of 29

we straitly

G3852

a mandate

παρηγγείλαμεν4 of 29

Did

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

ὑμῖν5 of 29

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

μὴ6 of 29

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

διδάσκειν7 of 29

teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἐφ'8 of 29

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ9 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματι10 of 29

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τούτῳ11 of 29

this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

καὶ12 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,13 of 29

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

πεπληρώκατε14 of 29

ye have filled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὴν15 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ16 of 29

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

τῆς17 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδαχῆς18 of 29

doctrine

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

ὑμῶν19 of 29

with your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ20 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βούλεσθε21 of 29

intend

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

ἐπαγαγεῖν22 of 29

to bring

G1863

to superinduce, i.e., inflict (an evil), charge (a crime)

ἐφ'23 of 29

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἡμᾶς24 of 29

us

G2248

us

τὸ25 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἷμα26 of 29

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

τοῦ27 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπου28 of 29

man's

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τούτου29 of 29

this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 5:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 5:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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