Overview
Theudas was a Jewish insurgent who arose during the procuratorship of Cuspius Fadus (around AD 44-46) and claimed messianic status. He gathered followers promising to divide the Jordan River, but Roman authorities suppressed the rebellion, killing Theudas and dispersing his followers. Luke mentions Theudas in Acts 5 as Gamaliel references him when advising the Sanhedrin about how to handle the apostles.
Key Scriptures
"For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing." (Acts 5:36, NASB)
Gamaliel uses Theudas as an example of failed messianic movements, suggesting the apostles' message would similarly fail if it were merely human in origin—yet it would persist if it were from God.
Application
Recognize that false messiahs and movements arise throughout history, but only Jesus Christ's resurrection and gospel endure eternally.