Acts 5:16

KJV

There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} There came {G4905} also {G2532} a multitude {G4128} out of the cities {G4172} round about {G4038} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, bringing {G5342} sick {G772} folks, and {G2532} them which were vexed {G3791} with {G5259} unclean {G169} spirits {G4151}: and they {G3748} were healed {G2323} every one {G537}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Crowds also gathered from the towns around Yerushalayim, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits; and every one of them was healed.

Berean Standard Bible

Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.

American Standard Version

And there also came together the multitude from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folk, and them that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:16 vividly portrays the burgeoning impact of the early apostolic ministry in Jerusalem, showcasing a period of extraordinary divine activity. It describes how a vast multitude from surrounding towns converged upon the city, bringing with them individuals afflicted by various illnesses and those tormented by demonic forces, all of whom experienced complete healing. This verse underscores the undeniable power of God at work through the apostles, validating their message and drawing widespread attention and belief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 5:16 is situated within a narrative sweep that highlights both the internal purity and external power of the early church. Immediately preceding this verse, the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) instilled a profound fear and reverence for God within the community and among onlookers, establishing the sanctity of the nascent church. Following this, the apostles, undeterred, continued to perform "many signs and wonders among the people" (Acts 5:12). The passage then details the high regard in which the apostles were held, even by those outside the immediate fellowship (Acts 5:13-14), and specifically mentions people bringing the sick into the streets, hoping that Peter's shadow might fall upon them for healing (Acts 5:15). Verse 16 serves as the climactic summary of this widespread miraculous activity, demonstrating the broad reach and effectiveness of the apostles' healing ministry beyond the confines of Jerusalem itself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jerusalem was the spiritual and political heart of Judaism, a city frequently visited by pilgrims from across the Roman and Parthian empires. The Jewish people, living under Roman occupation, often looked for signs and wonders as authentication of a prophet or a messianic figure, echoing the miracles performed by Moses and Elijah. Sickness and demonic possession were widely understood as afflictions that could be supernaturally caused, and healing was often seen as a sign of divine favor and authority. The gathering of "multitudes out of the cities round about" to Jerusalem was a common phenomenon for religious festivals, but in this context, it signifies the rapid spread of the apostles' fame and the desperate hope of the afflicted. This influx of people from surrounding areas (like Judea and Samaria, and even beyond) indicates the profound impact of the apostles' ministry, which was not confined to the city walls but resonated throughout the region, drawing seekers to the epicenter of this new divine movement.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:16 contributes significantly to several major themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Power and Healing**, demonstrating God's active presence and compassion through widespread miraculous healings and deliverances. This mirrors the healing ministry of Jesus himself, who "went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people" ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaching and Healing")). Secondly, the verse reinforces the **Validation of Apostolic Ministry**. The undeniable and public nature of these miracles served as irrefutable evidence that the apostles were divinely commissioned, authenticating their message about the resurrected Christ. This divine endorsement was crucial for the rapid growth of the early church, as seen when "the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" ([Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "Acts 2:47 - The Early Church's Growth")). Thirdly, the mention of those "vexed with unclean spirits" highlights the theme of **Victory Over Spiritual Oppression**. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, continued Christ's work of confronting and defeating demonic forces, showcasing the triumph of God's kingdom over the powers of darkness, a power Jesus demonstrated when "even the unclean spirits obey Him!" ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). Finally, the influx of people from "cities round about" points to the **Expanding Influence** of the gospel, foreshadowing the broader mission to carry the message "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _plēthos'_):** This term (G4128) denotes "a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace." In Acts 5:16, it emphasizes the sheer volume of people flocking to Jerusalem, indicating the widespread fame and impact of the apostles' ministry. It suggests not just a few individuals, but a significant gathering of the populace, reflecting the broad public interest and the scale of the divine activity.
* **vexed (Greek, _ochléō'_):** Derived from _ochlos_ (meaning "mob" or "crowd"), _ochléō_ (G3791) means "to mob, i.e. (by implication) to harass." When used in the passive voice, as here, it signifies being "troubled, harassed, or oppressed." This word highlights the severe and persistent nature of the suffering experienced by those afflicted by unclean spirits, going beyond mere physical discomfort to indicate a profound and often violent spiritual torment.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** This verb (G2323) means "to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)." In the context of Acts 5:16, it specifically refers to the complete restoration from illness or affliction. The use of this word underscores the comprehensive nature of the healing, implying not just alleviation of symptoms but a full and effective cure, demonstrating God's power to fully restore.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem,"**: This clause establishes the geographical scope and the scale of the phenomenon. The reputation of the apostles' miracles had spread beyond Jerusalem, drawing large numbers of people from surrounding towns and villages, indicating a regional impact and a widespread recognition of the extraordinary events taking place.
* **"bringing sick folks,"**: This phrase specifies one category of individuals who were brought to the apostles. These were people suffering from various physical ailments and diseases, highlighting the compassionate aspect of the ministry and the desperate need for healing that existed among the populace.
* **"and them which were vexed with unclean spirits:"**: This clause identifies a second, distinct category of sufferers: those under demonic influence. The term "unclean spirits" clearly refers to malevolent spiritual entities, emphasizing that the apostles' power extended beyond physical maladies to direct confrontation with and victory over the forces of evil and spiritual oppression.
* **"and they were healed every one."**: This concluding declaration is a powerful statement of the completeness and universality of the healing. The phrase "every one" signifies that no one who was brought for healing was left unhealed, testifying to the absolute and unfailing power of God at work through the apostles, leaving no room for partial or failed attempts.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 5:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "every one," which, while perhaps not literally meaning every single person without exception, strongly emphasizes the overwhelming success and comprehensive nature of the healings, creating an impression of total efficacy. This serves to underscore the divine power at work. The verse also uses **Juxtaposition** by placing "sick folks" alongside "them which were vexed with unclean spirits," highlighting the apostles' comprehensive authority over both physical and spiritual afflictions. This contrast demonstrates the multifaceted nature of their ministry and the holistic power of God. Furthermore, the narrative functions as a form of **Validation**, where the widespread miracles serve as irrefutable evidence of God's endorsement of the apostles and their message, thereby authenticating their divine commission and the truth of the gospel they proclaimed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:16 powerfully illustrates the active presence of God's kingdom breaking into the world through the ministry of the apostles, demonstrating divine compassion and authority. The widespread healing and deliverance from demonic oppression are not merely isolated incidents but tangible manifestations of God's redemptive power at work, confirming the truth of the gospel message. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God often validates His messengers and their message through signs and wonders, providing undeniable proof of His backing and the authenticity of His word. It points to a God who is intimately concerned with human suffering, both physical and spiritual, and who actively intervenes to bring wholeness and freedom. The "every one" aspect highlights the boundless nature of God's power and willingness to heal.

* [James 5:14-15](/james/5-14-15 "James 5:14-15 - Prayer for the Sick")
* [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Empowers His Disciples")
* [Luke 4:40](/luke/4-40 "Luke 4:40 - Jesus Heals Many at Sunset")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:16 serves as a profound reminder of God's enduring desire to bring healing and deliverance to humanity. While the specific manifestations of miraculous healing may vary across different eras and contexts, the core truth remains: God is a compassionate healer who can intervene in any form of human suffering—physical, emotional, or spiritual. For contemporary believers, this verse should ignite faith in God's power to act in seemingly impossible situations. It challenges us to pray boldly for the sick and oppressed, trusting in the same God who worked through the apostles. Furthermore, it calls the church to be a community where God's compassion is tangibly expressed, where the needs of the suffering are met, and where the authority of Christ over all forms of darkness is proclaimed and demonstrated. The early church's holistic approach to ministry, addressing both physical and spiritual needs, provides a timeless model for our engagement with a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the widespread nature of the healings in Acts 5:16 challenge or encourage your understanding of God's power today?**
* **In what ways can the church today demonstrate God's compassion and power to those who are "sick" or "vexed with unclean spirits" in our communities?**
* **What does the phrase "every one" being healed teach us about God's character and His willingness to intervene?**

### FAQ
**Why were people bringing the sick and those vexed with unclean spirits to Jerusalem specifically, and to the apostles?**

Answer: People were drawn to Jerusalem because it was the epicenter of the apostles' ministry, where extraordinary signs and wonders were consistently occurring. The fame of these miracles, particularly the healing power demonstrated through the apostles, had spread rapidly to surrounding cities. The Jewish people of that era often looked for divine authentication of religious leaders or movements through miraculous displays, and the apostles' consistent and powerful healings served as undeniable evidence of God's hand upon them. Acts 5:15 even mentions people hoping that Peter's shadow might heal them, indicating the immense faith and expectation placed upon the apostles as conduits of divine power. Thus, Jerusalem became a focal point for those desperate for healing and deliverance.

**Does Acts 5:16 imply that miraculous healing should be a common occurrence in the church today, with "every one" being healed?**

Answer: Acts 5:16 describes a unique period of intense divine activity during the foundational era of the early church, where widespread miracles served to authenticate the apostles' message and establish the new covenant. While God is eternally a healer and continues to perform miracles today according to His sovereign will, the specific, universal manifestation of "every one" being healed, as described here, was characteristic of that particular time. This verse highlights God's power and compassion, and it encourages faith in His ability to heal. However, it does not establish a prescriptive norm for all times or imply that every prayer for healing will result in immediate, complete physical restoration in the same manner. The passage primarily testifies to God's power and the validation of the apostolic ministry, reminding us that God's desire is for wholeness, though His methods and timing remain sovereign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:16, while describing the apostles' ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The power to heal "every one" and cast out "unclean spirits" did not originate with the apostles but was a direct extension of the authority and compassion perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. He was the one who "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry of Healing")). The apostles' ability to perform these miracles was a direct fulfillment of Christ's promise to His disciples that "greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father" ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")). They were merely conduits of the power of the resurrected Christ, demonstrating that His victory over sin, sickness, and spiritual darkness was not confined to His earthly ministry but continued through His Spirit-empowered followers. The "healing every one" foreshadows the ultimate and complete healing that Christ will bring in His consummated kingdom, where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, Acts 5:16 points to Jesus as the true source of all healing and deliverance, the one who inaugurated the kingdom where all forms of brokenness are overcome.

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

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark 2:3

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

Mark 2:4

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken [it] up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

Matthew 8:16

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with [his] word, and healed all that were sick:

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Mark 6:54

And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,