39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice,
39 but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it - and you better not be found fighting against God!"
39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God."
39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 5:39
Commentary on Acts 5:34-42
(Read Acts 5:34-42)
The Lord still has all hearts in his hands, and sometimes directs the prudence of the worldly wise, so as to restrain the persecutors. Common sense tells us to be cautious, while experience and observation show that the success of frauds in matters of religion has been very short. Reproach for Christ is true preferment, as it makes us conformable to his pattern, and serviceable to his interest. They rejoiced in it. If we suffer ill for doing well, provided we suffer it well, and as we should, we ought to rejoice in that grace which enabled us so to do. The apostles did not preach themselves, but Christ. This was the preaching that most offended the priests. But it ought to be the constant business of gospel ministers to preach Christ: Christ, and him crucified; Christ, and him glorified; nothing beside this, but what has reference to it. And whatever is our station or rank in life, we should seek to make Him known, and to glorify his name.