“For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.”
'Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing' - Gamaliel invokes historical precedent: Theudas claimed messianic status and gathered four hundred followers, but was executed and his movement dissolved. This is the first extra-biblical reference to Theudas, a messianic claimant from the late 40s CE. Gamaliel's point is that false messiahs self-destruct.
Church Fathers on Acts 5:36
For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody: to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. Acts 5:36 By examples he teaches them prudence; and, by way of encouragement, mentions last the man who seduced the greatest number. Now before he gives the examples, he says, Take heed to yourselves; but when he has cited them, then he declares his opinion,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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