TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
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
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
For they both raised the dead, which God alone (can do), and restored the debilitated to their integrity, which none but Christ (can do); nay, they inflicted plagues too, which Christ would not do.
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!
Continue studying Acts 5:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Acts 5:13 succinctly captures the complex public reaction to the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem following the severe judgment on Ananias and Sapphira and the apostles' continued miraculous works. It reveals a dual response: a profound sense of awe and holy fear that deterred superficial or insincere association with the apostles, alongside a widespread public respect and admiration for the genuine power and presence of God evident among them.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows two highly significant events that shaped the public's perception of the early church. First, the dramatic and divinely orchestrated deaths of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), which instilled "great fear upon all the church, and upon all that heard these things" (Acts 5:11). This judgment underscored God's commitment to the purity and integrity of His community. Second, it directly follows the declaration that "by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people" (Acts 5:12), often occurring in Solomon's Porch, a public area of the Temple. These contrasting yet complementary events—divine judgment within and divine power outwardly manifested—created a distinct boundary around the apostles and the core group of believers, setting them apart in the eyes of the general populace and influencing who dared to associate with them. The verse thus serves as a pivotal summary of the immediate social impact before the narrative shifts to further growth and escalating opposition in the subsequent verses (Acts 5:14-16).
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is Jerusalem in the immediate aftermath of Pentecost, a city steeped in religious tradition and the expectation of divine intervention. The Jewish people were familiar with the concept of God's holiness and judgment from their Old Testament history, as well as with prophets and miracle-workers. The Temple, particularly Solomon's Porch, was a central hub for religious and social life, making it a natural place for the apostles to gather and for their activities to be observed by many. The events of Acts 5:1-12 would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood the gravity of covenant breaking and the display of divine power. This context explains why "no man durst join himself to them" in a casual or deceptive manner, as the consequences of insincerity were now terrifyingly clear. Simultaneously, the undeniable miracles performed by the apostles would have commanded respect from a populace accustomed to recognizing divine authority through such signs, leading them to "magnify" the apostles, acknowledging their unique spiritual standing.
Key Themes
Acts 5:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Holiness and Purity of the Church, demonstrating God's active role in sanctifying His people and maintaining the integrity of the nascent community. The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, followed by the public's reluctance to join superficially, underscores that the church is not merely a social club but a sacred body. This leads to the theme of Awe and Holy Fear of God, where the fear described is not just terror but a profound reverence for God's power and righteous judgment, leading to a proper respect for His servants. Furthermore, the verse highlights the Divine Power and Authority of the Apostles, as their miraculous works and the divine vindication of their purity led the people to "magnify them." This public recognition, despite the fear, paved the way for the church's continued growth, as seen in Acts 5:14. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of Distinction between Genuine Faith and Superficial Association, emphasizing that true commitment to Christ's body requires sincerity and reverence, not just outward affiliation, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, for instance, in Matthew 7:21-23.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word signifies "to venture," "to be courageous," or "to be bold." When negated, as it is here ("durst no man"), it implies that no one had the audacity, courage, or presumption to associate themselves with the apostles in a casual, insincere, or deceptive manner. The recent, severe judgment on Ananias and Sapphira had instilled a holy fear that deterred any superficial or opportunistic attempts to join the community.
Derived from a word meaning "glue," this term means "to glue," "to stick," or "to cleave." It denotes a close, intimate, and committed association. The implication is that people were no longer willing to "stick themselves" to the apostles and the core group of believers without genuine conviction, fearing the divine consequences of hypocrisy. This word emphasizes the depth of commitment required, which was now guarded by divine action.
From the root for "great," this verb means "to make great," "to extol," "to praise," or "to glorify." It conveys that the general populace held the apostles in high esteem, recognizing the extraordinary power and divine presence working through them. Despite their reluctance to join superficially, they acknowledged the apostles' unique spiritual authority and the undeniable miracles as evidence of God's hand.
Verse Breakdown
"And of the rest durst no man join himself to them"
This clause describes the first part of the public's reaction. "The rest" refers to those outside the immediate circle of committed believers and apostles. The phrase "durst no man join himself" indicates a strong inhibition or reluctance, driven by a profound sense of awe and holy fear. This fear was a direct consequence of the divine judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, which served as a stark warning against hypocrisy and insincere commitment within the church. It implies that casual or opportunistic association was no longer an option; only those with genuine conviction would dare to draw near.
"but the people magnified them"
This second clause presents a striking contrast to the first, introduced by the conjunction "but." "The people" refers to the general populace of Jerusalem, distinct from the committed believers. To "magnify" means to hold in high regard, to praise, or to acknowledge as great. Despite the fear that kept some at a distance from joining, the general public recognized the authentic power and divine presence at work through the apostles. They respected their spiritual authority and the undeniable miracles, attributing greatness and honor to them, even if they were not yet ready to become full adherents.
Literary Devices
Acts 5:13 employs Contrast as its primary literary device, presenting two seemingly opposing reactions to the early Christian community within a single sentence. The first half of the verse highlights a deterrent effect ("no man durst join himself"), while the second half describes an attracting effect ("the people magnified them"). This juxtaposition underscores the unique nature of the early church: it was both awe-inspiring and intimidating due to the manifest presence of God. The phrase "no man" can be seen as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the fear and reluctance to associate lightly, rather than a literal absolute. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Metonymy or Synecdoche in "the people" to represent the general populace of Jerusalem, distinct from the specific group of believers, highlighting the broader societal impact of the apostles' ministry. The overall effect is to portray a community set apart by divine power and holiness, eliciting both reverence and respect from outsiders.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 5:13 profoundly illustrates the tension between divine holiness and human response, revealing God's active work in purifying His church while simultaneously drawing the world's attention. The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira established a clear boundary for the early community, demonstrating that God is serious about the integrity and sincerity of His people. This holy fear, far from hindering the gospel, actually served to validate the apostles' message and the authenticity of the Spirit's work, ensuring that those who did join were truly committed. It highlights that the church's power and witness are rooted in its purity and God's manifest presence, which naturally commands respect from outsiders, even if they are not yet ready for full commitment. This dynamic underscores that the church is meant to be distinct and set apart, a beacon of God's truth and power in the world.
Reflection and Application
Acts 5:13 offers profound insights for believers and the church today, calling us to a deeper understanding of holiness, commitment, and witness. The initial reaction of "holy fear" reminds us that genuine faith is not a casual affiliation but a profound reverence for God's presence and purity. In a world often characterized by superficiality, this verse challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment and the integrity of our local church communities. Are we a people marked by such genuine devotion and divine presence that it elicits both respectful distance from the insincere and admiration from the world? The church is called to be a distinct body, set apart by God's Spirit, where hypocrisy finds no comfortable home. When God's holiness is honored within the church, it naturally creates a powerful witness to those outside, compelling them to acknowledge the reality of God's work, even if they are not yet ready to fully embrace it. Our collective pursuit of purity and authentic devotion is not just for our own spiritual well-being but is a vital component of our evangelistic impact, drawing others to magnify the God we serve.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did "no man durst join himself to them," yet "the people magnified them"?
This verse describes two distinct, yet related, public reactions to the early Christian community. The phrase "no man durst join himself to them" refers to a reluctance to associate with the apostles and the core group of believers in a casual, insincere, or deceptive manner. This was a direct consequence of the recent, severe divine judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), which instilled a profound "great fear" (Acts 5:11) regarding hypocrisy within the church. People were deterred from superficial affiliation, fearing similar divine consequences. However, "the people magnified them" indicates that the general populace, despite this holy fear, held the apostles in high esteem and honored them. This respect stemmed from the undeniable "many signs and wonders" (Acts 5:12) performed by the apostles, which demonstrated authentic divine power. So, while the judgment deterred insincere joining, the miracles inspired genuine awe and respect, leading the public to acknowledge the apostles' unique spiritual authority and the greatness of the God working through them. It was a magnification of their divine backing, not necessarily an immediate desire to convert.
What does "magnified them" mean in this context?
To "magnify" in this context (from the Greek megalýnō) means to make great, to extol, to praise, or to glorify. It signifies that the general populace held the apostles in high regard, recognizing their extraordinary spiritual authority and the powerful works of God being performed through them. It was an acknowledgment of their divine backing and the authenticity of their message, even if the people were not yet ready to fully commit to the Christian faith themselves. This public respect contributed to the church's growing influence and demonstrated that God's power was undeniable, even to those outside the immediate community of believers. This public recognition is distinct from conversion, but it laid groundwork for future growth, as seen in Acts 5:14.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 5:13, though describing the early church's public reception, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the Head of the Church and the source of its holiness and power. The "holy fear" that deterred superficial joining points to the absolute purity and righteous judgment inherent in Christ Himself, who "knew no sin" (2 Corinthians 5:21) and whose presence demands genuine repentance and faith, not mere outward conformity. The judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, while severe, was a demonstration of Christ's commitment to purify His bride, the church, "that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that she should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). Furthermore, the fact that "the people magnified them" points to the ultimate magnification of Christ. The apostles were magnified not for their own sake, but because Christ's power was at work through them, fulfilling His promise that those who believe in Him would do "greater works" (John 14:12) through the Holy Spirit. The church's mission, empowered by the Spirit, is to live in such holiness and demonstrate such divine power that the world is compelled to "magnify" not the church itself, but the Christ who lives within it, drawing all people to Him as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The church's distinctiveness and impact are a reflection of Christ's own glory and authority, preparing hearts to receive the gospel message of salvation through Him.