Acts 5:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Vividly portrays the fervent faith and desperate hope of the early Jerusalem community, who, witnessing the apostles' miraculous works, brought their sick into the public streets. Their profound expectation was that even the mere shadow of Peter, as he passed by, might fall upon the afflicted and bring about healing, underscoring the extraordinary divine power at work through the apostles and the burgeoning spiritual influence of the nascent church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a remarkable period of growth and divine manifestation for the early church, immediately following the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira in [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Acts 5:1-11 - The Judgment of Ananias and Sapphira"). This severe divine discipline, though terrifying, served to purify the community and instill a profound reverence for God and His apostles. Consequently, "great fear came upon all the church, and upon all who heard these things" ([Acts 5:11](/acts/5-11 "Acts 5:11 - The Fear of God")). Directly preceding [Acts 5:15](/acts/5-15 "Acts 5:15 - Peter's Shadow Heals"), [Acts 5:12-14](/acts/5-12-14 "Acts 5:12-14 - Apostles Perform Many Signs and Wonders") explicitly states that "many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles," leading to a significant increase in the number of believers, both men and women. The scene described in [Acts 5:15](/acts/5-15 "Acts 5:15 - Peter's Shadow Heals") is a direct consequence of this widespread miraculous activity and the resulting public awe and desperation for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jerusalem was a city deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where belief in divine intervention and miraculous healing was not uncommon, especially in connection with prophets or men of God. The Jewish people were familiar with the concept of God working through individuals, as seen in the ministries of Elijah and Elisha. However, the scale and nature of the apostles' miracles, particularly those attributed to Peter, were unprecedented. Public streets in ancient cities were central hubs for daily life, commerce, and social interaction. Laying the sick in such visible locations was a common practice for beggars and those seeking alms or medical attention, but here it takes on a new dimension as a public demonstration of faith and a collective appeal for divine healing. The act of bringing the sick out into the open also highlights the communal nature of suffering and the desperate hope for relief in a society with limited medical resources.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 5:15](/acts/5-15 "Acts 5:15 - Peter's Shadow Heals") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Divine Power at Work** through the apostles, clearly demonstrating that the miracles were not of human origin but were God's authentication of the apostles' message and authority. Secondly, it showcases the **Authority and Influence of the Apostles**, particularly Peter, who were seen as direct conduits of God's power, leading to immense public reverence and trust. This is part of the broader theme of the Holy Spirit empowering the church to fulfill its mission, as promised in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Faith and Expectation of the People**, illustrating a powerful atmosphere of belief that even indirect contact with an apostle could bring healing. This collective faith, though perhaps tinged with superstition, became a catalyst for God's miraculous intervention. Finally, it subtly highlights God's **Compassion for the Suffering**, as the numerous healings brought tangible relief and hope to those afflicted by various ailments, reflecting the compassionate nature of the gospel message itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought forth (Greek, _ekphérō'_):** From ἐκ and φέρω; to bear out (literally or figuratively):--bear, bring forth, carry forth (out). This verb signifies an active, deliberate action of moving the sick from their homes into the public sphere. It highlights the communal effort and the desperate urgency of the people, who were actively seeking out the apostles, rather than passively waiting for them. The word conveys a sense of public display and accessibility, underscoring the widespread nature of the people's faith and the apostles' public ministry.
* **shadow (Greek, _skiá'_):** Apparently a primary word; "shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration)):--shadow. In this context, the shadow is more than a mere physical phenomenon. It functions as a **metonymy**, where a closely associated attribute (the shadow) stands for the person or, more profoundly, the divine power emanating through the person. The belief that a shadow could heal elevates it beyond its natural properties, implying a spiritual efficacy attributed to Peter's presence and the Holy Spirit's power working through him.
* **overshadow (Greek, _episkiázō'_):** From ἐπί and a derivative of σκιά; to cast a shade upon, i.e. (by analogy) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; figuratively, to invest with preternatural influence:--overshadow. This is a crucial term. Its use here echoes [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit Overshadows Mary"), where the Holy Spirit "overshadowed" Mary, leading to the miraculous conception of Jesus. This linguistic parallel strongly suggests that the "overshadowing" by Peter's shadow was not a mere physical event, but a supernatural act, a divine "enveloping" or "investing with preternatural influence" by the Holy Spirit, making the shadow a conduit for God's miraculous power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets":** This clause reveals the profound impact of the apostles' ministry. The extent of their miraculous works led the community to take extraordinary measures, actively carrying their sick, who were too weak to move themselves, out of their homes and into the public thoroughfares. This signifies a widespread, public demonstration of faith and desperation.
* **"and laid [them] on beds and couches":** This detail emphasizes the severity of the illnesses. The sick were not merely infirm but required specialized resting places, indicating their inability to stand or walk. The act of laying them down suggests a posture of waiting and expectation, a collective act of positioning themselves to receive healing.
* **"that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them":** This is the climax of the verse, articulating the people's specific hope. The phrase "at the least" conveys a humble yet fervent expectation, believing that even the most minimal, indirect contact—Peter's shadow—would be sufficient for divine power to be transmitted. The use of "overshadow" (Greek: _episkiázō_) is highly significant, implying a supernatural, rather than merely physical, influence.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 5:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where Peter's "shadow" is not merely a physical absence of light but becomes a profound symbol and conduit of divine power. It represents the active, tangible presence of the Holy Spirit working through Peter, so potent that even its indirect touch brings healing. This is further reinforced by the use of the Greek word _episkiázō_ ("overshadow"), which carries connotations of divine presence and miraculous conception (as in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit Overshadows Mary")). Another device at play is **Hyperbole**, or perhaps a form of **Synecdoche**, where the people's belief in the shadow's efficacy, while rooted in genuine faith, expresses an extreme level of expectation regarding the apostles' divine empowerment. The "shadow" stands for the entirety of Peter's Spirit-filled presence and the power of God flowing through him. The scene itself is a vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of desperate crowds, sick individuals, and the apostle moving through them, creating a powerful visual of the early church's impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:15 is a powerful testament to the extraordinary presence of God's power in the early church, demonstrating that the Holy Spirit was not merely an abstract concept but an active, tangible force working through human vessels. It underscores the truth that divine healing is ultimately God's work, not a human ability, and that He chooses to manifest His power through His chosen instruments, often in ways that transcend natural understanding. The people's faith, though perhaps mixed with a degree of superstition, was a catalyst for God's compassionate intervention, highlighting that God often responds to desperate and earnest seeking. This passage also serves as an affirmation of the apostolic authority, validating their ministry as truly from God and establishing their unique role in the foundational period of the church.

* [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Handkerchiefs and Aprons Heal")
* [Mark 5:25-34](/mark/5-25-34 "Mark 5:25-34 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood")
* [Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - Jesus Heals the Woman with the Issue of Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:15, while describing a unique historical phenomenon, offers timeless principles for believers today. It challenges us to consider the depth of our faith and expectation in God's ability to act, even in seemingly impossible situations. While we may not witness "shadow healings," the underlying truth remains: God is sovereign, powerful, and compassionate, and He desires to work through His people. This passage calls us to be channels of God's grace and power in our own contexts, recognizing that our effectiveness comes not from our own strength or charisma, but from the Holy Spirit working through us. It encourages us to cultivate a life yielded to God, so that His presence might be so evident in us that others are drawn to Him for healing, hope, and salvation. We are reminded that God's compassion for the suffering is unwavering, and the church is called to be a beacon of hope and practical care for those in need, demonstrating the tangible love of Christ to a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the people's desperate act of bringing the sick into the streets reveal about their understanding of Peter's ministry and God's power?**
* **How does the concept of Peter's "shadow" bringing healing challenge or affirm your understanding of how God works through individuals today?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, be "channels" of God's presence and power in our communities, even if not through miraculous shadow healings?**
* **How can the church today cultivate an atmosphere of faith and expectation that encourages people to seek God for healing and transformation?**

### FAQ
**Was it Peter's power that healed the sick, or God's?**

Answer: It was unequivocally God's power, not Peter's inherent ability. The book of Acts consistently attributes all miraculous works to God working through His apostles. Peter himself, in [Acts 3:12](/acts/3-12 "Acts 3:12 - Peter's Sermon After Healing the Lame Man"), explicitly denies that the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate was by his own power or godliness, stating, "Why look so intently at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?" The "shadow" was merely a conduit, a point of contact through which God chose to manifest His healing power, validating the apostles' message and ministry.

**Why would God use a "shadow" for healing?**

Answer: The use of Peter's "shadow" for healing is a powerful demonstration of God's extraordinary and sometimes unconventional methods of displaying His power and sovereignty. It emphasizes that God is not limited by conventional means and can use even the most indirect or seemingly insignificant things to accomplish His purposes. The specific Greek word for "overshadow" (_episkiázō_) also carries theological weight, connecting this event to the divine "overshadowing" of Mary by the Holy Spirit in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit Overshadows Mary"), suggesting a supernatural presence rather than a mere physical phenomenon. It highlights the immense spiritual authority and anointing on Peter, making even his presence (symbolized by his shadow) a channel for divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:15, with its account of Peter's shadow bringing healing, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, the true source of all healing and divine power. Peter's ministry, like that of all the apostles, was a continuation and extension of the healing ministry initiated by Jesus during His earthly life, as seen throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus Heals Many")). While Peter's shadow was a conduit for God's power, Jesus did not need a shadow; His very touch, His word, or even His garment was sufficient to bring healing, as demonstrated by the woman who touched the hem of His cloak and was healed ([Mark 5:25-34](/mark/5-25-34 "Mark 5:25-34 - The Woman with the Issue of Blood")). The "overshadowing" of Peter's shadow points to the greater reality of Christ's pervasive and all-encompassing presence and power, which is not limited by physical proximity or a mere shadow. Ultimately, Jesus is the "Sun of Righteousness" ([Malachi 4:2](/malachi/4-2 "Malachi 4:2 - Sun of Righteousness")), whose light brings healing, and He is the one who "takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not just physical healing but eternal spiritual restoration. The extraordinary power flowing through Peter was a testimony to the resurrected Christ, who continues to work through His Spirit in His church, demonstrating His ongoing Lordship and compassion for humanity ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.