The Meaning of Acts 5:30 Explained

Acts 5:30

KJV: The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

YLT: and the God of our fathers did raise up Jesus, whom ye slew, having hanged upon a tree;

Darby: The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom ye have slain, having hanged on a cross.

ASV: The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

The God  of our  fathers  raised up  Jesus,  whom  ye  slew  and hanged  on  a tree. 

What does Acts 5:30 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Peter also reaffirmed that the God of their fathers had raised Jesus from the dead and that the Sanhedrin was responsible for His crucifixion, an extremely brutal and shameful death. "Hanging Him on a cross" is a euphemism for crucifying Him (cf. Deuteronomy 21:22-23; 1 Peter 2:24).

Context Summary

Acts 5:27-42 - Folly Of Fighting Against God
The high priest and his party could not forget the imprecation of Matthew 27:25. It haunted them. Compare Peter's description of the Cross as the tree with Deuteronomy 21:23 and Galatians 3:13; also his own usage of the phrase in 1 Peter 2:24. Notice in Acts 5:31 the divine order-Jesus must be Prince, if He is to be Savior. It is because that order is not observed, and men therefore seek to derive His benefits before they concede His rights, that He is unable to deliver them. Christ must be the enthroned Lord and Master of your life, if you want to be saved to the uttermost. See Romans 10:9, r.v. Repentance is His gift equally as forgiveness. Mark that reference to the witness of the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:32. Let us never stand in pulpit or class without being first assured that the truth we utter is such that He can endorse.
Gamaliel had been Paul's teacher. He was very astute and non-committal. He said, "Let us wait and see; the truth will conquer." He expected that the new enthusiasm would die down if it were let alone. He knew that a draught of wind fans a fire. But he lived to see his mistake. We must be warned by Acts 5:42 not only to preach Christ as king in the Temple, but also at home. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 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

Greek Commentary for Acts 5:30

Ye slew [διεχειρισαστε]
First aorist middle indicative of διαχειριζομαι — diacheirizomai old verb from δια — dia and χειρ — cheir (hand), to take in hand, manage, to lay hands on, manhandle, kill. In the N.T. only here and Acts 26:21. [source]
Hanging him upon a tree [κρεμασαντες επι χυλου]
First aorist active participle of κρεμαννυμι — kremannumi Peter refers to Deuteronomy 21:23 as Paul does in Galatians 3:13, the curse pronounced on every one who “hangs upon a tree.” [source]
Ye slew [διεχειρίσασθε]
Only here and Acts 26:21. To slay with one's own hands. [source]
Tree []
See on Luke 23:31. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 5:30

Luke 23:31 Tree [ξύλῳ]
Originally wood, timber. In later Greek, a tree. Used of the cross by Peter, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and 1 Peter 2:24. Compare Galatians 3:13. [source]
Acts 16:24 Stocks [ξύλον]
Lit., the timber. An instrument of torture having five holes, four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck. The same word is used for the cross, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24. [source]
Acts 10:39 Whom also they slew [ον και ανειλαν]
Second aorist active indicative of αναιρεω — anaireō with α — a as often in Acts (Acts 2:23; Acts 5:30). But note και — kai (also) in the old MSS., not in the Textus Receptus. They “also” slew him, went that far, “this crowning atrocity” (Vincent), και — kai could here be “even.” Hanging him on a tree (κρεμασαντες επι χυλου — kremasantes epi xulou). This same expression used by Peter in Acts 5:30 which see note for discussion. [source]
Acts 10:39 Hanging him on a tree [κρεμασαντες επι χυλου]
This same expression used by Peter in Acts 5:30 which see note for discussion. [source]
Acts 13:29 From the tree [απο του χυλου]
Not here strictly a tree, but wood as already in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:29 and later in Galatians 3:13. Strictly speaking, it was Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who took the body of Jesus down from the cross, though the Jews had asked Pilate to have the bones of Jesus broken that his body should not remain on the cross during the Sabbath (John 19:31). Paul does not distinguish the details here. [source]
Acts 16:24 Made their feet fast [τους ποδας ησπαλισατο αυτων]
First aorist (effective) middle of ασπαλιζω — asphalizō from ασπαλης — asphalēs (safe), common verb in late Greek, in the N.T. only here and Matthew 27:64. The inner prison was safe enough without this refinement of cruelty. In the stocks (εις το χυλον — eis to xulon). Χυλον — Xulon from χυω — xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη — xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον — Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Acts 26:21 Assayed to kill me [επειρωντο διαχειρισασται]
Conative imperfect middle of πειραω — peiraō the old form of the later Koiné{[28928]}š πειραζω — peirazō so common in the Koiné, but in N.T. here only. Some MSS. have it in Acts 9:26; Hebrews 4:15. The old verb διαχειριζω — diacheirizō to take in hand, middle to lay hands on, to slay, occurs in N.T. only here and Acts 5:30 which see. [source]
Acts 16:24 In the stocks [εις το χυλον]
Χυλον — Xulon from χυω — xuō to scrape or plane, is used for a piece of wood whether a cross or gibbet (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24) or a log or timber with five holes (four for the wrists and ankles and one for the neck) or two for the feet as here, χυλοπεδη — xulopedē Latin vervus, to shackle the feet stretched apart (Job 33:11). This torment was practiced in Sparta, Athens, Rome, and Adonirom Judson suffered it in Burmah. Χυλον — Xulon is also used in the N.T. for stick or staff (Matthew 26:47) and even a tree (Luke 23:31). Tertullian said of Christians in the stocks: Nihil crus sentit in vervo, quum animus in caelo esto4 (Nothing the limb feels in the stocks when the mind is in heaven). [source]
Acts 22:3 Born [γεγεννημενος]
Perfect passive participle of γενναω — gennaō See above in Acts 21:39 for the claim of Tarsus as his birth-place. He was a Hellenistic Jew, not an Aramaean Jew (cf. Acts 6:1). Brought up (ανατετραμμενος — anatethrammenos). Perfect passive participle again of ανατρεπω — anatrephō to nurse up, to nourish up, common old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Acts 7:20., and MSS. in Luke 4:16. The implication is that Paul was sent to Jerusalem while still young, “from my youth” (Acts 26:4), how young we do not know, possibly thirteen or fourteen years old. He apparently had not seen Jesus in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16). At the feet of Gamaliel The rabbis usually sat on a raised seat with the pupils in a circle around either on lower seats or on the ground. Paul was thus nourished in Pharisaic Judaism as interpreted by Gamaliel, one of the lights of Judaism. For remarks on Gamaliel see chapter Acts 5:34. He was one of the seven Rabbis to whom the Jews gave the highest title αββαν — Rabban (our Rabbi). αββι — Rabbi (my teacher) was next, the lowest being αβ — Rab (teacher). “As Aquinas among the schoolmen was called Doctor Angelicus, and Bonaventura Doctor Seraphicus, so Gamaliel was called the Beauty of the Law ” (Conybeare and Howson). Instructed (πεπαιδευμενος — pepaideumenos). Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω — paideuō old verb to train a child (παις — pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. According to the strict manner Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου — patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ — pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος — Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Acts 22:3 At the feet of Gamaliel [προς τους ποδας Γαμαλιηλ]
The rabbis usually sat on a raised seat with the pupils in a circle around either on lower seats or on the ground. Paul was thus nourished in Pharisaic Judaism as interpreted by Gamaliel, one of the lights of Judaism. For remarks on Gamaliel see chapter Acts 5:34. He was one of the seven Rabbis to whom the Jews gave the highest title αββαν — Rabban (our Rabbi). αββι — Rabbi (my teacher) was next, the lowest being αβ — Rab (teacher). “As Aquinas among the schoolmen was called Doctor Angelicus, and Bonaventura Doctor Seraphicus, so Gamaliel was called the Beauty of the Law ” (Conybeare and Howson). Instructed (πεπαιδευμενος — pepaideumenos). Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω — paideuō old verb to train a child (παις — pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. According to the strict manner Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου — patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ — pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος — Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Acts 22:3 According to the strict manner [κατα ακριβειαν]
Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου — patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ — pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος — Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Acts 22:3 Being zealous for God [ζηλωτης υπαρχων του τεου]
Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Acts 22:3 zealot [same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see)]
(same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου — tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Galatians 3:13 Upon a tree [ἐπὶ ξύλου]
Originally wood, timber. In later Greek, a tree. In Class. used of a gallows (Aristoph. Frogs, 736). Often of the stocks (Aristoph. Clouds, 592; Lysistr. 680; Knights, 367). So Acts 16:24. Of the cross, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; 1 Peter 2:24. Ignatius (Smyrn. i.) says that Christ was nailed up for our sakes - of which fruit are we. That is, the cross is regarded as a tree, and Christians as its fruit. Comp. Trall. ii. See the interesting remarks of Lightfoot on the symbolism of the tree of life in Paradise (Apostolic Fathers, Part II, Vol. II., page 291). [source]
Galatians 3:13 Having become a curse for us [γενομενος υπερ ημων καταρα]
Here the graphic picture is completed. We were under That hangeth on a tree (ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου — ho kremamenos epi xulou). Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου — hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον — Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι — kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
Galatians 3:13 over [υπερ]
That hangeth on a tree (ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου — ho kremamenos epi xulou). Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου — hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον — Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι — kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
Galatians 3:13 That hangeth on a tree [ο κρεμαμενος επι χυλου]
Quotation from Deuteronomy 21:23 with the omission of υπο τεου — hupo theou (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Joshua 10:26). Χυλον — Xulon means wood, not usually tree, though so in Luke 23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc. See note on Acts 5:30; note on Acts 10:39; and note on 1 Peter 2:24. On the present middle participle from the old verb κρεμαννυμι — kremannumi to hang, see Matthew 18:6; Acts 5:30. [source]
Hebrews 12:2 The cross [σταυρὸν]
Comp. Philemon 2:8. olxx. Originally an upright stake or pale. Σταυροῦν todrive down a stake; to crucify. Comp. the use of ξύλον woodor tree for the cross, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; 1 Peter 2:24. See on Luke 23:31. [source]
1 Peter 2:24 The tree [ξύλον]
Lit., wood. Peter uses the same peculiar term for the cross, Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39. [source]
1 Peter 2:24 Bare our sins [ανηνεγκεν τας αμαρτιας ημων]
Second aorist active indicative of αναπερω — anapherō common verb of bringing sacrifice to the altar. Combination here of Isaiah 53:12; Deuteronomy 21:23. Jesus is the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:28). For Christ‘s body Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23).Having died unto sins Second aorist middle participle of απογινομαι — apoginomai old compound to get away from, with dative (as here) to die to anything, here only in N.T.That we might live unto righteousness (ινα τηι δικαιοσυνηι ζησωμεν — hina tēi dikaiosunēi zēsōmen). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ζαω — zaō with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20). Peter‘s idea here is like that of Paul in Rom 6:1-23, especially Romans 6:2 and Romans 6:10.).By whose stripes ye were healed From Isaiah 53:5. First aorist passive indicative of ιαομαι — iaomai common verb to heal (James 5:16) and the instrumental case of μωλωπς — mōlōps rare word (Aristotle, Plutarch) for bruise or bloody wound, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 1:18. Writing to slaves who may have received such stripes, Peter‘s word is effective. [source]
1 Peter 2:24 Upon the tree [επι το χυλον]
Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23). [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 5:30 mean?

The God of the fathers of us raised up Jesus whom you killed having hanged [Him] on a tree
Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν ἤγειρεν Ἰησοῦν ὃν ὑμεῖς διεχειρίσασθε κρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου

Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πατέρων  fathers 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: προπάτωρ 
Sense: generator or male ancestor.
ἡμῶν  of  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἤγειρεν  raised  up 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐγείρω  
Sense: to arouse, cause to rise.
Ἰησοῦν  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.
ὃν  whom 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
διεχειρίσασθε  killed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 2nd Person Plural
Root: διαχειρίζω  
Sense: to move by the use of the hands, take in hand, manage, administer, govern.
κρεμάσαντες  having  hanged  [Him] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: κρεμάννυμι  
Sense: to hang up, suspend.
ξύλου  a  tree 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ξύλον  
Sense: wood.