Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Acts: Chapter 5]
the following of Theudas and Judas the Galilean.
5:39 {But if it is of God} (\ei de ek theou estin\). The second
alternative is a condition of the first class, determined as
fulfilled, \ei\ with the present indicative. By the use of this
idiom Gamaliel does put the case more strongly in favor of the
apostles than against them. This condition _assumes_ that the
thing is so without _affirming_ it to be true. On the basis of
this alternative Gamaliel warns the Sanhedrin that they cannot
"overthrow" (\katalusai\) these men for they in that case must
"overthrow" God, {lest haply ye be found} (\m• pote--hureth•te\,
negative purpose with first aorist passive subjunctive) {even to
be fighting against God} (\kai theomachoi\, late adjective from
\theos\ and \machomai\, in LXX and here only in the N.T.).
5:40 {To him they agreed} (\epeisth•san aut•i\). First aorist
passive indicative of \peith•\, to persuade, the passive to be
persuaded by, to listen to, to obey. Gamaliel's shrewd advice
scored as against the Sadducaic contention (verse 17). {Not to
speak} (\m• lalein\). The Sanhedrin repeated the prohibition of
4:18 which the apostles had steadily refused to obey. The
Sanhedrin stood by their guns, but refused to shoot. It was a
"draw" with Gamaliel as tactical victor over the Sadducees.
Clearly now the disciples were set free because only the
Sadducees had become enraged while the Pharisees held aloof.
5:41 {They therefore} (\hoi men oun\). No answering \de\. {They
were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the Name}
(\kat•xi•th•san huper tou onomatos atimasth•nai\). First aorist
passive indicative of \kataxio•\, old verb to count worthy. Three
times in N.T. (Lu 20:35; Ac 5:41; 2Th 1:5). First aorist
passive infinitive of \atimaz•\, old verb to make one dishonoured
(\atimos\). Forms here an oxymoron (\oxus\, sharp, \moros\,
foolish) pointedly foolish saying "which is witty or impressive
through sheer contradiction or paradox as laborious idleness,
sublime indifference" (Vincent). The apostles felt honoured by
dishonour. Note the same use of "the Name" as in Jas 2:7; 3Jo
1:7. With the Jews this absolute use of "the Name" meant
Jehovah. The Christians now apply it to Jesus.
5:42 {Every day} (\p•san h•meran\). Accusative of extent of time,
all through every day. {In the temple and at home} (\en t•i
hier•i kai kat' oikon\). This was a distinct triumph to go back
to the temple where they had been arrested (verse 25) and at
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