Acts 5:40
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 5:40 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Acts shows the persecution faced by the apostles for spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The religious authorities of the time were threatened by the growing popularity of Christianity and sought to suppress it by commanding the apostles to stop proclaiming the name of Jesus. The apostles, however, remained steadfast in their faith and continued to preach the Gospel despite the beatings and threats they faced. This passage serves as a reminder of the challenges and opposition believers may encounter when sharing their faith with others. It also highlights the courage and resilience of the early Christians who were willing to endure suffering for the sake of spreading the message of salvation. Ultimately, this verse serves as an inspiration for modern-day Christians to remain unwavering in their beliefs and continue sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ with others, even in the face of adversity.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from Acts 5:40 highlights the persecution faced by the early apostles for preaching in the name of Jesus. This verse reflects the apostles' unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Christ despite facing physical punishment. The apostles' obedience to God's calling in the face of opposition demonstrates their faith and courage. The word 'beaten' in this verse underscores the physical suffering endured by the apostles for their faith, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by early Christians to propagate the Gospel. Despite the command to cease speaking in Jesus' name, the apostles continued to preach boldly, exemplifying the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs even in the face of adversity. This verse serves as a powerful testimony to the apostles' faithfulness and dedication to their mission of spreading the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Acts 5:40 in other translations
American Standard Version
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
World English Bible
They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Douay-Rheims
And calling in the apostles, after they had scourged them, they charged them that they should not speak at all in the name of Jesus. And they dismissed them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And to him they agreed, and called the Apostles: and when they had beaten them, they commanded that they should not speake in the Name of Iesus, and let them goe.