Illustration created for this project
Theudas
A rebel who claimed to be somebody and gathered a following that came to nothing, cited by Gamaliel.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Ancient writers — non-biblical testimony · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleA failed rebel whose rising 'came to nothing' — cited by Gamaliel as a warning to the council.
Acts 5:36
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Gamaliel
Scan by NYPL — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Ancient writersJosephus records a Theudas who led followers to the Jordan and was killed under the governor Fadus (c. AD 45); whether it is the same man is a debated chronology.
Josephus, Antiquities 20.97–98 (Theudas beheaded at the Jordan under the procurator Cuspius Fadus, c. AD 44–46); identity with the Theudas of Acts 5:36 debated on chronology
Where in scripture
ActsFor before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out 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 dispersed, and came to nothing.
Acts 5:36 — His revolt fails
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.