“And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”
'His speech persuaded them. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to teach in the name of Jesus and let them go' - Gamaliel's counsel prevails ('persuaded,' epeithon), stopping the Sanhedrin from executing the apostles. However, they compromise by flogging (derantes, beating) and ordering silence. The flogging is a punishment sanctioned by Jewish law (Deuteronomy 25:3), delivered with whips (rhhabdoi). The order 'not to teach in the name of Jesus' reiterates the previous command (4:18).
Church Fathers on Acts 5:40
And they were persuaded by him. Acts 5:40 How were they persuaded? So as not to slay them, but merely to scourge. For, it says, And when they had called the Apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. See after what great works they are scourged! And again their teaching became more extended: for they taught at home and in the temple,
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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