Theudas is a figure mentioned briefly in the Bible, specifically in Acts 5:36. He was referenced by Gamaliel when giving advice to the Sanhedrin on how to deal with the apostles shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here is what the Bible says about Theudas:
For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. (Acts 5:36 ESV)
Based on this verse, we can gather a few key facts about Theudas:
- He lived sometime before the days of the early church, likely in the early-to-mid 1st century AD.
- He made claims that he was an important person.
- He had a following of about 400 men who joined his cause.
- He was killed at some point, which led to his followers being scattered.
Beyond these basic facts, the Bible provides no other information about who exactly Theudas was or what he taught. However, there have been some later traditions and theories about Theudas that are worth noting:
Theudas as a Messianic Pretender
Some scholars believe Theudas was one of several Jewish messianic pretenders who arose amid Roman occupation of Judea in the 1st century AD. Theudas seems to have claimed some special authority and gathered a band of devoted followers, likely with revolutionary intentions against Rome. This would parallel other self-proclaimed messiahs of the time like Judas the Galilean (Acts 5:37) and the unnamed “Egyptian” (Acts 21:38). Theudas uses messianic language in calling himself “somebody” of importance, hinting he may have declared himself the Messiah.
Theudas and the Zealots
Theudas has also been associated specifically with the Zealots, a radical political faction among the Jews known for violent resistance against the Romans. Some align Theudas with the zealot movement and think he may have been one of its early founders or leaders. However, there is no hard evidence linking Theudas to the Zealots; the connection is mainly conjecture.
Theudas’ Uprising and Death
Theudas seems to have launched some kind of armed uprising against authorities, likely the Romans, that led to his own death and the dispersal of his 400 followers. Extra-biblical sources like Josephus refer to Theudas marching his men to the Jordan river, where he claimed he would part its waters, evoking Moses. This hints Theudas may have led a revolt meant to establish religious freedom from the Romans. But his uprising was crushed and his followers scattered.
Theudas and Judas the Galilean
An interesting issue is the relationship between Theudas and Judas the Galilean, who Gamaliel also mentions in Acts 5:37 as leading a revolt. Some see a contradiction, as Judas seems to have come after Theudas, but Acts mentions him first. However, the best solution is that Luke refers to Theudas as rising up “before these days” generally, not specifically before Judas’ revolt mentioned in the next verse. The exact timeline is uncertain.
Dating Issues
Dating when Theudas lived has proved tricky. Josephus refers to a similar uprising led by a different Theudas in the 40s AD. Some claim Luke is mistaken. But Luke does not give a specific date, so it is likely he refers to a different, earlier Theudas than Josephus. Or Josephus may have his date wrong. Regardless, Theudas seems to have preceded the nascent Christian movement by a few decades at least.
In summary, while the Bible provides only a brief mention of Theudas, later traditions paint him as a pretender to leadership in 1st century Judea, likely with messianic claims and revolutionary ambitions against Rome. He gathered a armed band that was eventually suppressed. Beyond this, details on Theudas’ identity and career remain uncertain, though he provides an interesting case study on the social unrest and aspirational leaders that marked this period of Jewish history leading up to the time of Jesus.
Key Facts About Theudas
- Lived sometime in 1st century AD before the early church
- Made unspecified but seemingly messianic claims about being “somebody” important
- Had a gathering of 400 followers
- May have led a revolt meant to establish religious freedom
- Died violently, which scattered his followers
- Possibly associated with Zealots and/or other messianic pretenders of the era
- Precise dating of his uprising is debated by scholars
Theudas in Commentaries
Looking at some key Bible commentaries can provide further insight into Theudas and how his brief mention in Acts has been interpreted:
John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
For before these days…About twelve or fifteen years ago, before the times of Christ, and his apostles:
Gill argues Theudas’ uprising preceded the Christian era based on the language of “before these days.” He suggests about a decade or so before Christ.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
Gamaliel spoke admirably. Those who distrust themselves, and doubt what they should do, should not attempt any thing till they are fully satisfied in their own minds that they are right.
Henry focuses less on Theudas himself and more on Gamaliel’s wise counsel not to overreact against the apostles.
Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Before these days – Although Luke has not recorded the transaction, yet it was true that before this time a man by the name of Theudas had attempted an insurrection, and had been slain. It is evident that Luke does not affirm that “Theudas” lived before “Judas,” but simply before the days in which he was writing.
Barnes defends Luke’s ordering and sees no contradiction between the mentions of Theudas and Judas.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Since Luke described Theudas’ revolt as occurring before that of Judas of Galilee… he was, therefore, referring to another Theudas and another revolt…Luke did not say Theudas rose up before Judas but simply that Theudas’ revolt came sometime before Gamaliel’s speech.
This commentary agrees Luke refers to a different Theudas than Josephus and that there is no real issue with Theudas following Judas in order.
In summary, commentators emphasize the limited nature of the account in Acts, noting Theudas preceded the Christian movement by some years but lacked precise chronology. Most see no real contradiction between Theudas and Judas in Luke’s ordering.
Themes and Theology Related to Theudas
Though the account is brief, Theudas plays an important theological role in Acts as part of Gamaliel’s argument to the Sanhedrin. Reflecting on Theudas can surface several relevant biblical themes:
God’s Sovereignty Over Human Plans
Theudas’ uprising was a failed human attempt at rebellion that God overturned, showing that even the best human plans fall under God’s sovereignty.
Following False Messiahs
Misplaced messianic hopes could lead people like Theudas’ followers astray, in contrast to true hope and redemption through Jesus.
Zeal Without Wisdom
Well-meaning zeal without wisdom, as possibly exhibited by Theudas, can have disastrous results.
Jesus as the True Messiah
Theudas’ unfulfilled messianic claims point to Jesus as the one whose claims proved true.
Overall, Theudas serves as a foil – his failed efforts contrast with the success of the genuine messianic mission of Jesus and highlight key principles of God’s sovereign direction of history.
Theudas in Literature and Arts
While a minor biblical figure, Theudas has been imaginatively depicted in some later literary and artistic works, with details filled in beyond the brief account in Acts:
Theudas in Historical Novels
Some historical fiction has embellished the story of Theudas, picturing him leading a dramatic revolt before being killed on the banks of the Jordan river, scattering his band of followers.
Theudas in Drama and Stage Depictions
Dramas have also included Theudas as a character, with the events of Acts 5 dramatized for the stage. Theudas often appears as fiery rebel zealously opposed to Roman rule before being struck down.
Artistic Depictions
Paintings and other artwork over the centuries have also tried to capture Theudas and his followers marching to the Jordan. These portrayals envision the scene based on the limited details provided in Acts.
While these creative additions to Theudas’ story lack historical authority, they do illustrate ongoing interest in bringing biblical characters to life through artistic imagination.
Theudas: Lessons for Today
What lessons can be drawn from the brief mention of Theudas that still apply today?
- claiming God’s authority illegitimately can lead to disastrous results.
- Even well-motivated religious zeal needs wisdom and awareness of God’s leading.
- God is sovereign over history and human plans, even when we can’t see the full picture.
- Jesus stands apart from other failed messianic movements as God’s true Chosen One.
While details on Theudas himself are limited, reflecting on his story provides insight into human nature and how God works in history that still have relevance today.
Conclusion
In summary, Theudas provides an example from the First Century AD of the social unrest and revolutionary energy in Judea that produced a series of uprisings and self-proclaimed messianic leaders in opposition to Roman rule. Mentioned only briefly in Acts, Theudas seems to have fashioned himself a religious deliverer in the mold of Moses or Joshua, calling people to join his cause. Though his precise intentions and teachings are uncertain, Theudas met a violent end when suppressed by authorities, providing an example of failed human rebellion contrasted with God’s sovereign direction of history. Though largely forgotten today, studying Theudas and similar figures can provide insight into the cultural landscape that formed the backdrop for the life and mission of Jesus Christ in the early 1st century AD.
