The Meaning of Acts 5:17 Explained

Acts 5:17

KJV: Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

YLT: And having risen, the chief priest, and all those with him -- being the sect of the Sadducees -- were filled with zeal,

Darby: And the high priest rising up, and all they that were with him, which is the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with wrath,

ASV: But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Then  the high priest  rose up,  and  all they  that were with  him,  (which  is  the sect  of the Sadducees,  ) and were filled  with indignation, 

What does Acts 5:17 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 5:12-26 - Delivered To Testify
While the Holy Spirit works mightily within the Church, He co-operates with it in its outward operations by adding men and women to the Lord. None should be added to the Church roll who have not already been led into living union with Jesus. Through the Church, as His body, the risen Savior works such miracles as are here narrated, filling the hearts of the humble with love and joy, and exciting inveterate hatred in His foes.
The angel of God comes to open prison doors. Are you in sore trouble, from which there is no apparent deliverance? Are you imprisoned in the dungeon of doubt and black despair? Are you being heavily persecuted? Oh, wrap around you the divine protection! Dare to believe that the doors will open as by unseen hands. Nothing can stay the purposes of God. Only use your God-given liberty to go forth to teach the people. The gospel is a message to the people. Let us preach to the hungry, needy crowds. Philosophers, scientists, the wise and prudent of the age, may mock, but the people know the gospel when they hear it. Let us give it to them! [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 5

1  After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife,
3  at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;
12  and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;
14  to the increase of the faith;
17  the apostles are again imprisoned;
19  but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;
21  when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,
29  and before the council,
33  they are in danger to be killed;
34  but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;
41  for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching

Greek Commentary for Acts 5:17

Which is the sect of the Sadducees [η ουσα αιρεσις των Σαδδουκαιων]
Literally, “the existing sect of the Sadducees” or “the sect which is of the Sadducees,” η — hē being the article, not the relative. αιρεσις — Hairesis means a choosing, from αιρεομαι — haireomai to take for oneself, to choose, then an opinion chosen or tenet (possibly 2 Peter 2:1), then parties or factions (Galatians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 11:19; possibly 2 Peter 2:1). It is applied here to the Sadducees; to the Pharisees in Acts 15:5; Acts 26:5; to the Christians in Acts 24:5-14; Acts 28:22. Already Luke has stated that the Sadducees started the persecution of Peter and John (Acts 4:1.). Now it is extended to “the apostles” as a whole since Christianity has spread more rapidly in Jerusalem than before it began. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 5:17

Acts 24:5 Throughout the world [κατα την οικουμενην]
The Roman inhabited earth Πρωτοστατης — Prōtostatēs is an old word in common use from πρωτος — prōtos and ιστημι — histēmi a front-rank man, a chief, a champion. Here only in the N.T. This charge is certainly true. About “sect” (αιρεσις — hairesis) see note on Acts 5:17. Ναζωραιοι — Nazōraioi here only in the plural in the N.T., elsewhere of Jesus (Matthew 2:23; Matthew 26:71; Luke 18:37; John 18:5, John 18:7; John 19:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 3:6; Acts 4:10; Acts 6:14; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:9). The disciple is not above his Master. There was a sneer in the term as applied to Jesus and here to his followers. [source]
Acts 5:40 To him they agreed [επειστησαν αυτωι]
First aorist passive indicative of πειτω — peithō to persuade, the passive to be persuaded by, to listen to, to obey. Gamaliel‘s shrewd advice scored as against the Sadducaic contention (Acts 5:17). [source]
Acts 6:7 Multiplied [επλητυνετο]
Imperfect passive. The two imperfects kept pace with each other. Of the priests (των ιερων — tōn hierōn). Who were usually Sadducees. It was a sad day for Annas and Caiaphas and all the sect of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17). Were obedient to Imperfect active of υπακουω — hupakouō repetition, one after another. The faith (τηι πιστει — tēi pistei). Here meaning the gospel, the faith system as in Romans 1:5; Galatians 1:23; Judges 1:3, etc. Here the word means more than individual trust in Christ. [source]
Acts 6:7 Of the priests [των ιερων]
Who were usually Sadducees. It was a sad day for Annas and Caiaphas and all the sect of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17). [source]
Acts 7:9 Moved with jealousy [ζηλωσαντες]
First aorist active participle of ζηλοω — zēloō old verb from ζηλος — zēlos (Acts 5:17), to burn or boil with zeal, and then with envy as here (Acts 17:5, etc.) and Genesis 37:11. [source]
Acts 24:5 A pestilent fellow [λοιμον]
An old word for pest, plague, pestilence, Paul the pest. In N.T. only here and Luke 21:11 This was an offence against Roman law if it could be proven. “Plotted against at Damascus, plotted against at Jerusalem, expelled from Pisidian Antioch, stoned at Lystra, scourged and imprisoned at Philippi, accused of treason at Thessalonica, haled before the proconsul at Corinth, cause of a serious riot at Ephesus, and now finally of a riot at Jerusalem” (Furneaux). Specious proof could have been produced, but was not. Tertullus went on to other charges with which a Roman court had no concern (instance Gallio in Corinth). Throughout the world The Roman inhabited earth Πρωτοστατης — Prōtostatēs is an old word in common use from πρωτος — prōtos and ιστημι — histēmi a front-rank man, a chief, a champion. Here only in the N.T. This charge is certainly true. About “sect” (αιρεσις — hairesis) see note on Acts 5:17. Ναζωραιοι — Nazōraioi here only in the plural in the N.T., elsewhere of Jesus (Matthew 2:23; Matthew 26:71; Luke 18:37; John 18:5, John 18:7; John 19:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 3:6; Acts 4:10; Acts 6:14; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:9). The disciple is not above his Master. There was a sneer in the term as applied to Jesus and here to his followers. [source]
Hebrews 10:27 Fiery indignation [πυρὸς ζῆλος]
For ζῆλος see on James 3:14. The radical idea of the word is ferment of spirit ( ζεῖν toboil; see Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11). This idea takes on different aspects in ζῆλος , as indignation, Acts 5:17; zeal, John 2:17; Romans 10:2; 2 Corinthians 7:7; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Philemon 3:6; envy, Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; Galatians 5:20. In the last sense often with ἔπις strifeThe phrase fiery indignation, lit. indignation of fire (N.T.o) is an adaptation from Isaiah 26:11. [source]
James 3:14 Bitter jealousy [ζηλον πικρον]
ηλος — Zēlos occurs in N.T. in good sense (John 2:17) and bad sense (Acts 5:17). Pride of knowledge is evil (1 Corinthians 8:1) and leaves a bitter taste. See “root of bitterness” in Hebrews 12:14 (cf. Ephesians 4:31). This is a condition of the first class. [source]
2 Peter 2:1 Only here in New Testament. The kindred adjective occurs Galatians 2:4 , “false brethren privily brought in ” [αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας]
Lit., heresies of destruction. Rev., destructive heresies. Heresy is a transcript of αἵρεσις , the primary meaning of which is choice; so that a heresy is, strictly, the choice of an opinion contrary to that usually received; thence transferred to the body of those who profess such opinions, and therefore a sect. So Rev., in margin, sects of perdition. Commonly in this sense in the New Testament (Acts 5:17; Acts 15:5; Acts 28:22), though the Rev. has an odd variety in its marginal renderings. See Acts 24:14; 1 Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20. The rendering heretical doctrines seems to agree better with the context; false teachers bringing in sects is awkward. [source]
2 Peter 2:1 Privily shall bring in [παρεισάξουσιν]
Only here in New Testament. The kindred adjective occurs Galatians 2:4, “false brethrenprivily brought in ” ( παρεισάκτους )The metaphor is of spies or traitors introducing themselves into an enemy's camp. Compare Judges 1:4, crept in unawares. The verb means, literally, to bring ( ἄγειν ) into ( εἰς ) by the side of ( παρά )Damnable heresies ( αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας )Lit., heresies of destruction. Rev., destructive heresies. Heresy is a transcript of αἵρεσις , the primary meaning of which is choice; so that a heresy is, strictly, the choice of an opinion contrary to that usually received; thence transferred to the body of those who profess such opinions, and therefore a sect. So Rev., in margin, sects of perdition. Commonly in this sense in the New Testament (Acts 5:17; Acts 15:5; Acts 28:22), though the Rev. has an odd variety in its marginal renderings. See Acts 24:14; 1 Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20. The rendering heretical doctrines seems to agree better with the context; false teachers bringing in sects is awkward. [source]
2 Peter 2:1 False prophets also [και πσευδοπροπηται]
In contrast with the true prophets just pictured in 2 Peter 1:20. Late compound in lxx and Philo, common in N.T. (Matthew 7:15). Allusion to the O.T. times like Balaam and others (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 28:9; Ezekiel 13:9).False teachers (πσευδοδιδασκαλοι — pseudodidaskaloi). Late and rare compound (πσευδησ διδασκαλος — pseudēsεσονται — didaskalos) here alone in N.T. Peter pictures them as in the future here (εισιν — esontai shall be) and again as already present (επλανητησαν — eisin are, 2 Peter 2:17), or in the past (παρεισαχουσιν — eplanēthēsan they went astray, 2 Peter 2:15).Shall privily bring in Future active of παρεισαγω — pareisagō late double compound εισαγω — pareisagō to bring in Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω — Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι — haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction.Denying Present middle participle of και τον δεσποτην — arneomai This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas (Matthew 26:70) even after Christ‘s words (Matthew 10:33).Even the Master (τον αγορασαντα αυτους — kai ton despotēn). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in Judges 1:4, and also of God (Acts 4:24). Without the evil sense in our “despot.”That bought them First aorist active articular participle of λυτροω — agorazō same idea with ταχινην απωλειαν — lutroō in 1 Peter 1:18. These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics.Swift destruction (ταχινην — tachinēn apōleian). See 2 Peter 1:14 for απωλειαν — tachinēn and note repetition of επαγοντες — apōleian This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on (epagontes) themselves. [source]
2 Peter 2:1 Destructive heresies [αιρεσις]
Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω — Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι — haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction. [source]
2 Peter 2:1 Shall privily bring in [παρεισαγω]
Future active of παρεισαγω — pareisagō late double compound εισαγω — pareisagō to bring in Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω — Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι — haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction.Denying Present middle participle of και τον δεσποτην — arneomai This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas (Matthew 26:70) even after Christ‘s words (Matthew 10:33).Even the Master (τον αγορασαντα αυτους — kai ton despotēn). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in Judges 1:4, and also of God (Acts 4:24). Without the evil sense in our “despot.”That bought them First aorist active articular participle of λυτροω — agorazō same idea with ταχινην απωλειαν — lutroō in 1 Peter 1:18. These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics.Swift destruction (ταχινην — tachinēn apōleian). See 2 Peter 1:14 for απωλειαν — tachinēn and note repetition of επαγοντες — apōleian This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on (epagontes) themselves. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 5:17 mean?

Having risen up however the high priest and all those with him - being the sect of the Sadducees were filled with jealousy
Ἀναστὰς δὲ ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ πάντες οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου

Ἀναστὰς  Having  risen  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀναπηδάω 
Sense: to cause to rise up, raise up.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἀρχιερεὺς  high  priest 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀρχιερεύς  
Sense: chief priest, high priest.
οἱ  those 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
οὖσα  being 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
αἵρεσις  the  sect 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: αἵρεσις  
Sense: act of taking, capture: e.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Σαδδουκαίων  Sadducees 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: Σαδδουκαῖος  
Sense: a religious party at the time of Christ among the Jews, who denied that the oral law was a revelation of God to the Israelites, and who deemed the written law alone to be obligatory on the nation, as the divine authority. They denied the following doctrines:.
ἐπλήσθησαν  were  filled 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: πίμπλημι  
Sense: to fill.
ζήλου  with  jealousy 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ζῆλος  
Sense: excitement of mind, ardour, fervour of spirit.