New Testament
Acts 5:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So my advice is this: stay away from these men and leave them alone. If what they're planning and doing is merely human, it will collapse on its own.
Compare translations
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
What Acts 5:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a wise leader advises caution regarding a group of people who are causing a stir. He suggests that if their actions are just human ideas, they will eventually fail on their own. This perspective encourages us to consider the source and strength of our pursuits. If something is truly meaningful and inspired, it will endure. However, if it’s based solely on human effort, it will not last. This advice serves as a reminder to focus on what truly matters and to avoid getting caught up in fleeting trends or movements. It’s a call to discern what is worth our time and energy. By stepping back, we can see the bigger picture and make wiser choices about where to invest ourselves. Ultimately, this passage teaches us the importance of patience and discernment in our actions and beliefs, allowing us to avoid unnecessary conflict and distraction in our lives. It encourages us to trust that genuine efforts will stand the test of time, while superficial ones will fade away.
How to apply Acts 5:38 to your life
When faced with new ideas or movements, take a moment to evaluate their foundation. Ask yourself if they are built on solid principles or just fleeting trends. Focus your energy on pursuits that have lasting significance and align with your values. This approach will help you avoid distractions and invest in what truly matters in your life. Trust that genuine efforts will thrive over time, while those lacking substance will eventually fade.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: “We Must Obey God” (Acts 5:17–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 5:38
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 5:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 5:38 mean?
Acts 5:38 advises caution regarding a group causing unrest, suggesting that if their actions are merely human, they will fail on their own. It emphasizes the importance of discerning the source and strength of our pursuits.
What is the meaning of 'let them alone' in Acts 5:38?
The phrase 'let them alone' in Acts 5:38 encourages people to refrain from interfering with those causing a disturbance, implying that if their efforts lack genuine purpose, they will not succeed.
How can I apply Acts 5:38 in my life?
You can apply Acts 5:38 by evaluating new ideas or movements to see if they are built on solid principles. Focus your energy on pursuits that align with your values and have lasting significance.
What themes are present in Acts 5:38?
Acts 5:38 presents themes of wisdom, discernment, patience, and the distinction between human effort and enduring purpose, encouraging individuals to invest in what truly matters.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.