Acts 5:15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Insomuch {G5620} that they brought forth {G1627} the sick {G772} into {G2596} the streets {G4113}, and {G2532} laid {G5087} them on {G1909} beds {G2825} and {G2532} couches {G2895}, that {G2443} at the least {G2579} the shadow {G4639} of Peter {G4074} passing by {G2064} might overshadow {G1982} some {G5100} of them {G846}.

They went so far as to bring the sick into the streets and lay them on mattresses and stretchers, so that at least Kefa’s shadow might fall on them as he passed by.

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them.

Acts 5:15 describes the profound impact of the apostles' ministry in the early church, particularly the healing power attributed to Peter. Following the awe-inspiring judgment of Ananias and Sapphira and the apostles' continued miraculous works, the people's faith and desperation grew to such an extent that they believed even the mere presence of Peter could bring healing.

Context

This verse comes directly after a period of intense spiritual activity and growth in the nascent Christian community. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, were performing "many signs and wonders among the people" (Acts 5:12). This public display of divine power led to great reverence for the apostles and a significant increase in believers. The scene painted in Acts 5:15 illustrates the overwhelming public expectation and the desperate hope of the sick and their families, who sought any means for healing, even if it was just the shadow of an apostle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power at Work: The primary theme is God's extraordinary power working through His chosen instruments, the apostles. It wasn't Peter's inherent power, but God's power flowing through him, making him a channel for divine healing.
  • Faith and Expectation: The people's actions demonstrate immense faith, believing that even indirect contact with Peter, through his shadow, could bring about a cure. This highlights the powerful atmosphere of faith and expectation that permeated the early Christian gatherings.
  • Apostolic Authority and Influence: This verse underscores the significant spiritual authority and public influence of Peter and the other apostles in the early Jerusalem church. They were seen as direct representatives of God, endowed with supernatural abilities.
  • Compassion for the Sick: Underlying these miraculous events is God's compassion for suffering humanity, demonstrated by the healings that took place, bringing relief and hope to those afflicted.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "overshadow" is episkiazō (ἐπισκιάζω). This word is significant because it is also used in Luke 1:35, where the angel Gabriel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit would "overshadow" her, leading to the miraculous conception of Jesus. This linguistic parallel suggests that the "shadow" of Peter was not merely a physical phenomenon, but rather a symbol or a conduit for the active presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work through him, enabling God's divine intervention.

Practical Application

While we may not witness "shadow healings" today, Acts 5:15 offers timeless lessons for believers:

  • God Uses Ordinary People: Peter was a fisherman, yet God used him mightily. This reminds us that God can use anyone who is yielded to Him to accomplish His purposes, often in extraordinary ways.
  • The Importance of Faith: The people's faith, though perhaps superstitious in its form, was a catalyst for God's power. It encourages us to cultivate a strong faith in God's ability to act, even in seemingly impossible situations.
  • Focus on God, Not the Instrument: The power was from God, not Peter's shadow. We are called to look to God as the ultimate source of healing, provision, and spiritual power, not to human instruments or methods.
  • Compassion and Ministry to the Hurting: The scene portrays a community reaching out to the sick. The church today is called to be a place of healing, hope, and practical care for those who are suffering, demonstrating God's love in tangible ways.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 19:11

    And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

  • Acts 19:12

    So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

  • Matthew 14:36

    And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

  • John 14:12

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

  • Matthew 9:21

    For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

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