Acts 5:37

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrolment, and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

'JUDAS OF GALILEE'-This particular man is mentioned by Josephus. 'He says the revolt took place under Quirinius (kwy REN ih us), at. time when an enrollment was being made.' (Reese p. 225) Josephus calls him. Gaulonite, i.e. from the country east of Galilee and he also calls him. Galilean.

'IN THE DAYS OF THE ENROLMENT'-i.e.. census, 'always an inflammatory event,. symbol of Roman rule by taxation.' (Stott p. 117) This particular enrolment is not the one mentioned in Luke 2:2. Rather, this is. second census that took place in. A.D. at the time when Judea became. province under. Roman governor.

'DREW AWAY'-'Among his followers it was unlawful to pay tribute to Caesar in any form. And it was lawful to use any weapons in defense of freedom.' (Reese p. 225) 'The purpose of the census was to arrange taxation. Judas..took up the position that God was the King of Israel; to Him alone tribute was due; and that all other taxation was impious and to pay it was. blasphemy.' (Barclay pp. 48-49)

At this point one writer notes:

'As we consider the characteristics of such men as Theudas and Judas, it is difficult to suppose that the age which produced them could have produced the Messiah of the Gospels..... Instead of giving Himself out to be somebody, Jesus is meek and lowly of heart; instead of stirring revolt in Galilee,. burning furnace of sedition, His blessing is upon the peace-makers; instead of seeking. kingly crown..He withdraws from those who would take Him by force, and make Him. king; instead of preaching revolt and licence in the name of liberty for merely selfish ends, He bade men render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. pp. 159-160)