New International VersionOn hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.
New Living TranslationWhen the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end.
English Standard VersionNow when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.
Berean Standard BibleWhen the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this account, they were perplexed as to what was happening.
Berean Literal BibleNow when both the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed concerning them, what this might be.
King James BibleNow when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
New King James VersionNow when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.
New American Standard BibleNow when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.
NASB 1995Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.
NASB 1977Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.
Legacy Standard BibleNow when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this.
Amplified BibleNow when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these things, they were greatly perplexed, wondering what would come of this.
Christian Standard BibleAs the captain of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, wondering what would come of this.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAs the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, as to what could come of this.
American Standard VersionNow when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them whereunto this would grow.
Contemporary English VersionThe captain of the temple police and the chief priests listened to their report, but they did not know what to think about it.
English Revised VersionNow when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them whereunto this would grow.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the officer of the temple guards and the chief priests heard this, they were puzzled about what could have happened.
Good News TranslationWhen the chief priests and the officer in charge of the Temple guards heard this, they wondered what had happened to the apostles.
International Standard VersionWhen the commander of the Temple guards and the high priests heard these words, they were utterly at a loss as to what could have happened to them.
NET BibleNow when the commander of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were greatly puzzled concerning it, wondering what this could be.
New Heart English BibleNow when the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this.
Webster's Bible TranslationNow when the high priest, and the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them to what this would grow.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen the Commander of the Temple Guards and the High Priests heard this statement, they were utterly at a loss with regard to it, wondering what would happen next. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the high priest and the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this account, they were perplexed as to what was happening.
World English BibleNow when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd as the priest, and the magistrate of the temple, and the chief priests, heard these words, they were doubting concerning them to what this would come;
Berean Literal BibleNow when both the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed concerning them, what this might be.
Young's Literal Translation And as the priest, and the magistrate of the temple, and the chief priests, heard these words, they were doubting concerning them to what this would come;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd when the priest and captain of the temple and chief priests heard these words, they were in doubt of them, what this might be. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow when the officer of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were in doubt concerning them, what would come to pass.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen, when the magistrate of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were uncertain about them, as to what should happen.
New American BibleWhen they heard this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss about them, as to what this would come to.
New Revised Standard VersionNow when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen the high priest and the leaders of the temple heard these words, they were astonished at them and they were reasoning how it could happen,
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd when The Chief Priests and the Leaders of The Temple heard these words, they were astonished at them and they were considering what this was. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen the priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were in doubt about them, what this could mean.
Godbey New TestamentAnd when the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were at a loss concerning them, what this might be.
Haweis New TestamentNow when they heard these words, both the priest and captain of the temple and the chief priests were in the utmost perplexity concerning these things, what could be the meaning of it.
Mace New TestamentUpon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen the Commander of the Temple Guards and the High Priests heard this statement, they were utterly at a loss with regard to it, wondering what would happen next.
Worrell New TestamentNow, when both the captain of the temple and the high priests heard these words, they were thoroughly perplexed concerning them, what this might become.
Worsley New TestamentNow when the high priest, and the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were in doubt concerning them, what this would come to;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Apostles Before the Council23“We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24Whenthecaptainof thetemple guardandthechief priestsheardthisaccount,they were perplexedas towhatwas happening.25Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!”…
Cross References Acts 4:1-3While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. / They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.
Acts 12:18-19At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. / After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.
Luke 22:4-6And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. / Judas consented, and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd.
John 7:32When the Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus, they and the chief priests sent officers to arrest Him.
Matthew 27:62-66The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate. / “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ / So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.” ...
Acts 16:27-29When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. / But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” / Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
Acts 4:16-17“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it. / But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.”
Acts 19:23-27About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. / It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. / Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. ...
Matthew 28:11-15While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. / And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money / and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ ...
Luke 24:4-5While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them. / As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Acts 17:6-8But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” / On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed.
Acts 21:31-34While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. / Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. / The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. ...
Acts 23:25-30And he wrote the following letter: / Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. / This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen, ...
Acts 25:24-27Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer. / But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. / I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write. ...
2 Kings 6:11-12For this reason the king of Aram became enraged and called his servants to demand of them, “Tell me, which one of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” / But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
Treasury of Scripture Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. the captain. Acts 5:26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Luke 22:4,52 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them… they. Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Acts 4:16,17,21 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by themis manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot denyit… John 11:47,48 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles… this. Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase ofhis government and peacethere shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 53:1,2 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? … Daniel 2:34,35,44,45 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feetthat were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces… Jump to Previous BusinessCaptainChiefCommanderDoubtedDoubtingEndGreatlyGrowGuardGuardsHeardHearingHighLossMagistratePerplexedPerplexityPriestPriestsPuzzledRegardReportStatementTempleTroubledUtterlyWhereuntoWonderingWordsJump to Next BusinessCaptainChiefCommanderDoubtedDoubtingEndGreatlyGrowGuardGuardsHeardHearingHighLossMagistratePerplexedPerplexityPriestPriestsPuzzledRegardReportStatementTempleTroubledUtterlyWhereuntoWonderingWordsActs 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.When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this accountThe captain of the temple guard was a significant figure in the Jewish religious hierarchy, second only to the high priest in authority over the temple. This position was responsible for maintaining order within the temple precincts, which was a central place of worship and sacrifice in Jerusalem. The chief priests were part of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews, which included Sadducees and Pharisees. This group was often in opposition to the early Christian movement, as seen in their previous interactions with Jesus and His followers. The account they heard likely referred to the miraculous escape of the apostles from prison, an event that challenged their authority and understanding of divine intervention. they were perplexed
The perplexity of the temple authorities highlights their inability to comprehend the power and work of God through the apostles. This reaction is consistent with their previous encounters with Jesus, where they often failed to understand His teachings and miracles. Their confusion also underscores the spiritual blindness that Jesus often addressed, as they were unable to see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the actions and teachings of the apostles. as to what was happening
The events surrounding the apostles were unprecedented and challenged the established religious order. The miraculous escape from prison, without any human intervention, suggested divine involvement, which the religious leaders could not easily dismiss. This situation echoes the confusion and fear experienced by the guards at Jesus' tomb after His resurrection, as recorded inMatthew 28:4. The inability of the religious leaders to control or explain these events pointed to the growing influence and divine backing of the early Christian church, fulfilling Jesus' promise inActs 1:8 that His followers would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. Persons / Places / Events 1. Captain of the Temple GuardThis individual was responsible for maintaining order in the temple precincts. The captain was second in command to the high priest and played a crucial role in the temple's security and religious order. 2. Chief PriestsThese were the leading priests in the Jewish religious hierarchy, including the high priest and others who held significant authority in temple matters. They were influential in religious and political affairs. 3. The TempleThe central place of worship for the Jewish people in Jerusalem. It was the focal point of Jewish religious life and the location where the apostles were teaching and performing miracles. 4. The Apostles' Arrest and ReleasePrior to this verse, the apostles were arrested for preaching about Jesus but were miraculously released from prison by an angel, leading to confusion among the temple authorities. 5. Perplexity of the AuthoritiesThe temple authorities were confused and uncertain about the implications of the apostles' miraculous release and continued teaching, which challenged their authority and understanding. Teaching Points Divine InterventionGod's power is evident in the miraculous release of the apostles, reminding believers that God is sovereign over human authorities. Boldness in WitnessThe apostles' continued preaching despite opposition encourages Christians to be bold in sharing their faith, trusting in God's protection and guidance. Perplexity of the WorldThe confusion of the temple authorities illustrates how the world often misunderstands or is confounded by the work of God. Believers should be prepared for such reactions. Faithfulness in AdversityThe apostles' experience teaches that faithfulness to God's mission may lead to opposition, but God equips and sustains His people through challenges. Authority of ChristThe apostles' actions affirm the authority of Christ over religious and secular powers, encouraging believers to prioritize obedience to God above all. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 5:24?
2.How does Acts 5:24 demonstrate the apostles' impact on religious authorities?
3.What can we learn from the apostles' boldness in Acts 5:24?
4.How does Acts 5:24 connect to Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.How should we respond when our faith causes confusion among non-believers?
6.What actions can we take to boldly proclaim the Gospel like the apostles?
7.What does Acts 5:24 reveal about the authority of religious leaders in early Christianity?
8.How does Acts 5:24 challenge the perception of divine intervention in human affairs?
9.What historical context is necessary to understand the events in Acts 5:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 5?
11.Why does Ezra 1 conflict with accounts in 2 Kings 24-25 that suggest more extensive destruction of Jerusalem's treasures than implied here?
12.What did Judas do with the blood money for betraying Jesus? He bought a field (Acts 1:18) and threw it into the temple; priests used it to buy a burial field (Matthew 27:5).
13.How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?
14.In Acts 12:7-10, how can the chains supernaturally fall off Peter's wrists and prison doors open on their own without any guards noticing?What Does Acts 5:24 Mean When the captain of the temple guard• The “captain” was second only to the high priest in temple authority (seeLuke 22:4). His presence underscores the seriousness with which the Sanhedrin handled the apostles. • Earlier he had arrested Peter and John (Acts 4:1); now the same official must reckon with a jailbreak he cannot explain. • The scene highlights a clash of authorities: earthly custodians of the temple versus the risen Christ who is “far above all rule and authority” (Ephesians 1:21).
and the chief priests• These leaders had engineered Jesus’ crucifixion (Luke 22:52) and had already commanded the apostles “not to teach in this name” (Acts 4:18). • Their inclusion shows the entire religious hierarchy is invested in silencing the gospel, yet they can’t stop it. • Like Caiaphas’ earlier unintentional prophecy (John 11:49-52), their actions serve God’s plan even when they oppose Him.
heard this account• The report they receive—locked doors, guards in place, but no prisoners (Acts 5:22-23)—mirrors the empty-tomb narrative (Matthew 28:2-4). • God once again validates the resurrection by demonstrating His power over physical restraints. • The testimony of ordinary guards becomes involuntary witness, much as the soldiers at Calvary proclaimed, “Surely this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
they were perplexed• “Perplexed” captures genuine bafflement; human control has failed. Similar confusion struck the women at the tomb when they “were perplexed about this” (Luke 24:4). • Divine intervention often unsettles those who trust in their own systems (Exodus 14:24;Acts 2:12). • Their confusion sets the stage for gospel proclamation; God turns opposition into opportunity (Philippians 1:12).
as to what was happening• The leaders sense events are moving beyond their grasp, fulfillingPsalm 2:2-4 where rulers plot “but the One enthroned in heaven laughs.” • The unstoppable advance of the church (Acts 4:33; 5:14) demonstrates that “we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8). • Their question, “What was happening?” invites readers to recognize that God’s redemptive plan is unfolding exactly as He intends (Acts 4:28).
summaryActs 5:24 reveals earthly authorities confounded by God’s direct action. The temple captain and chief priests, armed with power and precedent, cannot restrain the apostles because the risen Lord overrules prisons, politics, and protocols. Their perplexity testifies that the gospel is supernatural, unstoppable, and entirely trustworthy. (24) The high priest.--The Received text gives "the priest," but the use of that word as meaning the high priest has no parallel in the New Testament, and the word is omitted by many of the best MSS. The captain of the temple.--The commander of the Levite sentinels. (See Notes onActs 4:1;Luke 22:52.) Whereunto this would grow.--Literally,what it might become,or, possibly,what it might be. They do not seem to have recognised at once the supernatural character of what had taken place, and may have conjectured that the Apostles had by some human help effected their escape. Verse 24. - The captain of the temple for the high priest and the captain, etc., A.V. and T.R.; words for things, A.V.; were much perplexed concerning them for doubted of them, A.V. The captain of the temple, etc. Meyer, followed by Alford, retains the T.R., in which the word for the high priest is ὁ ἱερεὺς. It is true that this word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament for "the high priest." But in the Old Testament כֹהֵן is very frequently used to designate the high priest, as Exodus 29:30; Exodus 35:19; Numbers 3:32; 2 Chronicles 22:11; 2 Kings 22:10; 1 Kings 1:8, etc.; and in such places is represented by ἱερεὺς in the LXX. So that St. Luke may very probably have used it here where the context made the meaning clear, and where he intended to use the word ἀρχιερεῖς for "the chief priests." For the captain, see above ( Acts 4:1, note). He was especially interested as being, probably, the officer who had arrested the apostles the day before. Were much perplexed concerning. The verb ( διαπορέω), which only occurs in the New Testament here and Acts 2:12, 10:17, Luke 9:7, and (in the middle voice) Luke 24:4, means properly "to be in doubt which road to take," hence generally to be in doubt, perplexity. Them may apply either to the words, the strange things just reported to them, or to the apostles about whom the things were reported. It seems most natural to refer it to the words. They were in doubt and perplexity as to what it would all grow to.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [When]δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theὅ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.captainστρατηγὸς(stratēgos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4755:From the base of stratia and ago or hegeomai; a general, i.e. a governor, the chief of the temple-wardens.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.temple [guard]ἱεροῦ(hierou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2411:Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.chief priestsἀρχιερεῖς(archiereis)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749:High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.heardἤκουσαν(ēkousan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.thisτούτους(toutous)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.account,λόγους(logous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.they were perplexedδιηπόρουν(diēporoun)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1280:To be in trouble, doubt, difficulty; To be at a loss. From dia and aporeo; to be thoroughly nonplussed.as toπερὶ(peri)Preposition
Strong's 4012:From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.whatτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.was happening.γένοιτο(genoito)Verb - Aorist Optative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.
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NT Apostles: Acts 5:24 Now when the high priest the captain (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
