Justin Houtz

Malachi 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

DateVersionReading Plan
October 16, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Acts 5

Observation & Interpretation

For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. (Acts 5:36-37 – ESV)

In addressing Caiphas and the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel urged caution as to how Peter was to be treated, recalling two instances in which a leader rose up, was killed and his followers dispersed or scattered because they were not of God. The similarities and contrasts between these leaders and their followers with Jesus and the apostles seems worthy of reflection. In Matt. 26:31 and Mark 14:27, Jesus quoted Zech. 13:7 in speaking to the twelve on the Mount of Olives that they would all fall away. This they did when Jesus was betrayed and arrested, recorded in Matt. 26:56.

However, as opposed to the cases of Theudas and Judas the Galilean, there was a regathering of Jesus to His followers, redeeming their abandonment and empowering them by the Spirit for work of gospel ministry because Jesus was of God, and indeed, was God Himself.

Application

All efforts made apart from God and His good design will ultimately be thwarted. Everything that reflects the world, the flesh and the enemy are fleeting and sure to pass away. Only that which is of God will endure and this is to be the aim of the saints—to be ambassadors of Christ in advocation by both word and deed of the eternal, transcendent realities.

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