The Greek boulé refers to a deliberate plan, a resolved purpose, or counsel — especially the predetermined will or counsel of God. It implies not a passing wish but a settled, purposeful determination.
Boulé is one of the most theologically significant words in Acts, where Luke uses it to describe the sovereign plan of God unfolding through human history. Acts 2:23: Jesus was 'handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge.' Acts 4:28: the enemies of Jesus 'did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.' Ephesians 1:11: God 'works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.' In Acts 5:38-39, Gamaliel wisely distinguishes: if a movement is human, it will fail; if it is God's boulé, nothing can stop it. Boulé grounds Christian confidence in the indestructibility of God's purposes.