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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 5:12–16. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of the progress of the gospel, notwithstanding this terrible judgment inflicted upon two hypocrites.
I.Here is a general account of the miracles which the apostles wrought (Act 5:12):
By the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people, many miracles of mercy for one of judgment. Now the gospel power returned to its proper channel, which is that of mercy and grace. God had come out of his place to punish, but now returns to his place, to his mercy-seat again. The miracles they wrought proved their divine mission. They were not a few, but many, of divers kinds and often repeated; they were signs and wonders, such wonders as were confessedly signs of a divine presence and power. They were not done in a corner, but among the people, who were at liberty to enquire into them, and, if there had been any fraud or collusion in them, would have discovered it.
II.We are here told what were the effects of these miracles which the apostles wrought.
1.The church was hereby kept together, and confirmed in its adherence both to the apostles and to one another: They of the church were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
(1.)They met in the temple, in the open place that was called Solomon's porch. It was strange that the rulers of the temple suffered them to keep their meeting there. But God inclined their hearts to tolerate them there awhile, for the more convenient spreading of the gospel; and those who permitted buyers and sellers could not for shame prohibit such preachers and healers there. They all met in public worship; so early was the institution of religious assemblies observed in the church, which must by no means be forsaken or let fall, for in them a profession of religion is kept up.
(2.)They were there with one accord, unanimous in their doctrine, worship, and discipline; and there was no discontent nor murmuring about the death of Ananias and Sapphira, as there was against Moses and Aaron about the death of Korah and his company: You have killed the people of the Lord, Num 16:41. The separation of hypocrites, by distinguishing judgments, should make the sincere cleave so much the closer to each other and to the gospel ministry.
2.It gained the apostles, who were the prime ministers in Christ's kingdom, very great respect.
(1.)The other ministers kept their distance: Of the rest of their company durst no man join himself to them, as their equal or an associate with them; though others of them were endued with the Holy Ghost, and spoke with tongues, yet none of them at this time did such signs and wonders as the apostles did: and therefore they acknowledged their superiority, and in every thing yielded to them.
(2.)All the people magnified them, and had them in great veneration, spoke of them with respect, and represented them as the favourites of Heaven, and unspeakable blessings to this earth. Though the chief priests vilified them, and did all they could to make them contemptible, this did not hinder the people from magnifying them, who saw the thing in a true light. Observe, The apostles were far from magnifying themselves; they transmitted the glory of all they did very carefully and faithfully to Christ, and yet the people magnified them; for those that humble themselves shall be exalted, and those honoured that honour God only.
3.The church increased in number (Act 5:14): Believers were the more added to the Lord, and no doubt joined themselves to the church, when they saw that God was in it of a truth, even multitudes both of men and women. They were so far from being deterred by the example that was made of Ananias and Sapphira that they were rather invited by it into a society that kept such a strict discipline. Observe,
(1.)Believers are added to the Lord Jesus, joined to him, and so joined to his mystical body, from which nothing can separate us and cut us off, but that which separates us and cuts us off from Christ. Many have been brought to the Lord, and yet there is room for others to be added to him, added to the number of those that are united to him; and additions will still be making till the mystery of God shall be finished, and the number of the elect accomplished.
(2.)Notice is taken of the conversion of women as well as men; more notice than generally was in the Jewish church, in which they neither received the sign of circumcision nor were obliged to attend the solemn feasts; and the court of the women was one of the outer courts of the temple. But, as among those that followed Christ while he was upon earth, so among those that believed on him after he went to heaven, great notice was taken of the good women.
4.The apostles had abundance of patients, and gained abundance of reputation both to themselves and their doctrine by the cure of them all, Act 5:15, Act 5:16. So many signs and wonders were wrought by the apostles that all manner of people put in for the benefit of them, both in city and country, and had it.
(1.)In the city: They brought forth their sick into the streets; for it is probable that the priests would not suffer them to bring them into the temple to Solomon's porch, and the apostles had not leisure to go to the houses of them all. And they laid them on beds and couches (because they were so weak that they could neither go nor stand), that at the least the shadow of Peter, passing by, might overshadow some of them, though it could not reach them all; and, it should seem, it had the desired effect, as the woman's touch of the hem of Christ's garment had; and in this, among other things, that word of Christ was fulfilled, Greater works than these shall you do. God expresses his care of his people, by his being their shade on their right hand; and the benign influences of Christ as a king are compared to the shadow of a great rock. Peter comes between them and the sun, and so heals them, cuts them off from a dependence upon creature sufficiency as insufficient, that they may expect help only from that Spirit of grace with whom he was filled. And, if such miracles were wrought by Peter's shadow, we have reason to think they were so by the other apostles, as by the handkerchiefs from Paul's body (Act 19:12), no doubt both being with an actual intention in the minds of the apostles thus to heal; so that it is absurd to infer hence a healing virtue in the relics of saints that are dead and gone; we read not of any cured by the relics of Christ himself, after he was gone, as certainly we should if there had been any such thing.
(2.)In the country towns: Multitudes came to Jerusalem from the cities round about, bringing sick folks that were afflicted in body, and those that were vexed with unclean spirits, that were troubled in mind, and they were healed every one; distempered bodies and distempered minds were set to rights. Thus opportunity was given to the apostles, both to convince people's judgments by these miracles of the heavenly origin of the doctrine they preached, and also to engage people's affections both to them and it, by giving them a specimen of its beneficial tendency to the welfare of this lower world.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
After this fear had come upon them, he wrought more miracles; both Peter and the rest; "And by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them," i.e. to the Apostles; "but the people magnified them," i.e. the Jewish people.
"And they were with one accord, all of them in Solomon's porch," no longer in a house, but having occupied the very Temple, they there passed their time! No longer they guarded themselves against touching the unclean; nay, without scruple they handled the dead. And observe how, while to their own people they are severe, against the aliens they do not exercise their power. "But the people," he says, "magnified them." And as he had mentioned their being "in Solomon's porch," that you may not wonder how the multitude allowed this, he tells us that they did not dare even to approach them: for "no man," he says, "durst join himself unto them."
None groaned, none lamented, all were terrified. For as their faith increased, the signs also were multiplied, and great was the fear among their own company: for the things which are from without do not so militate against our peace, as do the acts of our own people. If we be firmly joined together, no warfare will be hard: but the mischief would be the being divided and broken up. Now they went about in the public place: with boldness they attacked even the market, and in the midst of enemies they prevailed, and that saying was fulfilled, "Be Thou Ruler in the midst among Thine enemies." This was a greater miracle, that they, arrested, cast into prison, should do such acts as these!
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Summary
Acts 5:12 offers a profound snapshot of the early apostolic ministry, powerfully illustrating the divine authentication of their message through numerous miraculous signs and wonders, alongside the remarkable unity and public presence of the nascent Christian community. This verse encapsulates the dynamic growth and spiritual vitality of the early church, highlighting both God's active power among His people and their collective commitment to His purposes.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11, where their deceit led to divine judgment and instilled a profound fear throughout the church and among those who heard about it. Far from hindering the church's growth, this severe purification appears to have solidified the community's integrity and the apostles' authority. Acts 5:12 then serves as a narrative bridge, transitioning from this internal cleansing to a renewed emphasis on the external manifestation of God's power and the continued expansion of the gospel. It sets the stage for the subsequent increase in the number of believers and the escalating opposition from the Jewish authorities, as detailed in Acts 5:13-42.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is Jerusalem, specifically "Solomon's porch," a large, covered colonnade on the eastern side of the Temple courts. This was a well-known public gathering place, frequented by Jews for discussion, teaching, and commerce. Its prominence made it an ideal, albeit bold, location for the early Christians to assemble publicly. For the apostles to perform "signs and wonders" here meant their actions were highly visible, attracting both curious onlookers and religious authorities. The Jewish people of this era were deeply steeped in a worldview that expected divine intervention and miraculous displays as authentication for prophetic claims, making these "signs and wonders" a powerful, culturally resonant testimony to the truth of the apostles' message about Jesus.
Key Themes
Acts 5:12 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the Apostolic Authority and Divine Empowerment, demonstrating that the apostles were not merely human teachers but instruments through whom God Himself was working to confirm the resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This theme is foundational, as seen in earlier accounts like the healing at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3. Secondly, the verse highlights the Unity and Community of the early believers, emphasizing their "one accord" (Greek: homothymadón), a recurring motif in Acts that speaks to their shared purpose, spirit, and fellowship, crucial for their resilience and witness (e.g., Acts 2:44-47). Lastly, it emphasizes the Public Witness and Bold Proclamation of the gospel, as the believers gathered openly in a significant public space, showcasing their faith and the power of God before all who would observe, echoing the public preaching from Acts 2.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to an indication or a token, especially one that is ceremonially or supernaturally significant. In the New Testament, "signs" often point beyond themselves to a deeper spiritual reality or truth, serving to authenticate the divine origin of a message or messenger. Here, the miracles performed by the apostles were not merely spectacles but divine attestations to the truth of the gospel and the authority given to them by God.
This word denotes a prodigy or an omen, something that causes astonishment or awe due to its extraordinary nature. Paired with "signs," "wonders" emphasizes the effect these miraculous acts had on observers—they evoked amazement and drew attention. While "signs" point to meaning, "wonders" highlight the impact and awe-inspiring nature of the event itself. Together, "signs and wonders" form a common biblical phrase (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:22) signifying divine power and intervention.
An adverb meaning "unanimously" or "with one mind." This compound word signifies a deep spiritual and emotional unity, not just physical proximity or superficial agreement. It indicates a collective harmony of purpose, will, and passion among the believers, enabling them to act as a single, cohesive body. This unity was a hallmark of the early church in Acts, often associated with prayer and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Verse Breakdown
"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people"
This clause highlights the divine authentication of the apostles' ministry. The phrase "by the hands of the apostles" indicates that they were the instruments through whom God's power was manifested, not the source of the power itself. The "many signs and wonders" refer to numerous miraculous acts (healings, exorcisms, etc.) that served as undeniable proofs of God's presence and approval of their message. These acts were performed "among the people," signifying their public nature and their impact on the broader community, drawing attention to the burgeoning Christian movement.
"(and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch."
This parenthetical clause reveals the remarkable unity and public gathering of the early believers. "They were all with one accord" emphasizes a profound spiritual and relational unity among the entire community of believers, not just the apostles. This deep agreement and shared purpose allowed them to gather together publicly "in Solomon's porch," a prominent and well-known colonnade within the Temple complex in Jerusalem. Their presence in such a public and religiously significant location underscores their boldness, visibility, and continued engagement with the Jewish populace, even amidst growing opposition.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Synecdoche is present in "by the hands of the apostles," where "hands" stand for the apostles themselves as agents of God's power, emphasizing their instrumental role. The phrase "signs and wonders" is a classic hendiadys, using two nouns connected by "and" to express a single, intensified concept: divinely authenticated, awe-inspiring miracles. This pairing underscores both the evidential (signs) and the impactful (wonders) nature of the apostolic works. Furthermore, the description of the believers being "with one accord" highlights unity as a central theme, portraying the early church not as a disparate group but as a cohesive, harmonious body, which itself served as a powerful testimony. The mention of "Solomon's porch" provides a specific setting that grounds the miraculous events in a real, public space, enhancing the credibility and historical tangibility of the narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:12 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's active involvement in establishing His church. It demonstrates that the early Christian movement was not merely a human endeavor but a divine work, authenticated by supernatural power and sustained by supernatural unity. The "signs and wonders" were not ends in themselves but served as divine credentials for the apostles' message, confirming the resurrection of Jesus and the truth of the gospel. This divine authentication, coupled with the profound unity of the believers, created a compelling witness that drew many to faith, highlighting the essential interplay between divine power and communal harmony in the advancement of God's kingdom.
Reflection and Application
Acts 5:12 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the church, at its core, is a community empowered by God and called to a unified witness. The "signs and wonders" of the early church underscore God's desire to work powerfully through His people, not just for their benefit but for the sake of the world. While the specific manifestations of God's power may vary across times and cultures, the principle remains: God is active, and He desires to confirm His Word and presence among His people. Moreover, the emphasis on "one accord" is a timeless call to unity. Divisions within the church hinder its effectiveness, diminish its witness, and grieve the Holy Spirit. When believers set aside personal agendas and strive for genuine unity in Christ, they become a powerful, attractive force that testifies to the reconciling power of the gospel. This verse challenges us to seek both a deeper experience of God's power and a more profound commitment to communal unity, enabling us to be a more effective and compelling witness in our own generation, just as the early church was in theirs.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "Solomon's porch" in this verse?
"Solomon's porch" was a prominent, covered colonnade on the eastern side of the Temple courts in Jerusalem. Its significance lies in its public nature and its association with Jewish religious life. By gathering there, the apostles and early believers were not hiding their faith but boldly engaging with the broader Jewish community in a well-known, high-traffic area. This public presence allowed them to teach, perform miracles, and bear witness to Jesus' resurrection openly, attracting attention and demonstrating their confidence in their message, even in the very heart of the religious establishment that opposed them. It was a strategic location for public ministry and a symbol of their continued connection to Jewish heritage while proclaiming a new covenant.
How do "signs and wonders" function in the Book of Acts?
In the Book of Acts, "signs and wonders" (Greek: semeia kai terata) primarily serve as divine authentication for the message of the gospel and the ministry of the apostles. They are not merely spectacles but powerful demonstrations of God's presence and power, confirming that the apostles were indeed God's chosen messengers and that their message about Jesus Christ was true. These miraculous acts, such as healings and exorcisms, drew attention, led to conviction, and often resulted in conversions, as seen after Peter's sermon in Acts 2 and throughout the apostles' ministry. They validated the claims of the resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, providing tangible evidence of God's active work in the world.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 5:12, with its emphasis on divine power and communal unity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "signs and wonders" wrought by the apostles were a continuation of the miraculous ministry of Jesus Himself, who performed countless miracles to authenticate His divine identity and messianic claims, as recorded throughout the Gospels (e.g., John 3:2 and Acts 2:22). He was the ultimate "sign" of God's kingdom breaking into the world. Furthermore, the "one accord" of the early church reflects the unity that Jesus prayed for among His disciples in John 17:20-23, a unity that mirrors the perfect fellowship within the Trinity. This unity, empowered by the Holy Spirit whom Christ promised to send (John 14:26), enables the church to continue Christ's mission on earth, bearing witness to His resurrection and the transformative power of the gospel. Thus, the apostolic ministry described in Acts 5:12 is a direct outflow of Christ's finished work, His ongoing presence through the Spirit, and His ultimate purpose to gather a unified people for Himself.