Acts 5:39

but if ¹  it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found ²  fighting against God.” He convinced them, ³ 

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."

But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."

but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it--and you better not be found fighting against God!"

But if it is of God, you will not be able to overcome them, and you are in danger of fighting against God.

but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!" They were convinced by him,

"but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it––lest you even be found to fight against God."

but if ¹  it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found ²  fighting against God.” He convinced them, ³ 

¹ tn This is expressed in a first class condition, in contrast to the condition in v. 38b, which is third class. As such, v. 39 is rhetorically presented as the more likely option.

² tn According to L&N 39.32, the verb εὑρεθῆτε (Jeureqhte, an aorist passive subjunctive) may also be translated “find yourselves” – “lest you find yourselves fighting against God.” The Jewish leader Gamaliel is shown contemplating the other possible alternative about what is occurring.

³ tn Grk “They were convinced by him.” This passive construction was converted to an active one (“He convinced them”) in keeping with contemporary English style. The phrase “He convinced them” is traditionally placed in Acts 5:40 by most English translations; the standard Greek critical text (represented by NA²⁷ and UBS⁴) places it at the end of v. 39.