12By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were happening among the people. And all were with one accord in Solomon's Colonnade. [5:13] Now of the rest no one was daring to cement himself to them, but the people were magnifying them. [5:14] And more were being added — those believing in the Lord, multitudes of both men and women — [5:15] so as even to carry the sick out into the streets and put them on cots and mats, that as Peter was coming, at least his shadow might envelop some of them. [5:16] Now the multitude from the surrounding cities was also coming together into Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those being tormented by unclean spirits, who were healed — all, all of them.
ACT 5:12-16
The Apostles Heal Many
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Jewish context, the Colonnade of Solomon was a prominent public space within the Temple complex, a place where teachers gathered and crowds assembled. The apostles’ presence there signaled continuity with Jewish tradition while also asserting their authority as messengers of Jesus. The phrase 'signs and wonders' would have evoked the Exodus narrative, where God’s power was displayed through Moses. For Jewish listeners, this language framed the apostles’ actions as divinely authorized, akin to prophetic acts. The fear of joining them likely stemmed from the high-stakes environment of Jerusalem, where association with the apostles could provoke hostility from Temple authorities. The people’s magnification of the apostles reflects an honor-shame culture, where public recognition elevated their status. The belief that Peter’s shadow could heal echoes Greco-Roman and Jewish traditions of miraculous healings associated with holy figures. The influx of the sick from surrounding cities underscores Jerusalem’s role as a religious center, drawing pilgrims seeking healing and divine intervention.
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How other translations render this
ACT 5:12
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomonʼs Colonnade.
- Koinōnos
- By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were happening among the people. And all were with one accord in Solomon's Colonnade.
ACT 5:13
- KJV
- And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
- BSB
- Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them.
- Koinōnos
- Now of the rest no one was daring to cement himself to them, but the people were magnifying them.
ACT 5:14
- KJV
- And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
- BSB
- Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women.
- Koinōnos
- And more were being added — those believing in the Lord, multitudes of both men and women —
ACT 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.
- BSB
- As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peterʼs shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.
- Koinōnos
- so as even to carry the sick out into the streets and put them on cots and mats, that as Peter was coming, at least his shadow might envelop some of them.
ACT 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.
- BSB
- Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.
- Koinōnos
- Now the multitude from the surrounding cities was also coming together into Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those being tormented by unclean spirits, who were healed — all, all of them.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ACT 5:12
- were happening:The word translated 'were happening' emphasizes a continuous, ongoing process, suggesting these signs and wonders were not isolated incidents but a sustained activity.
- with one accord:The term translated 'with one accord' literally means 'with one passion' or 'with one mind,' highlighting a deep unity of purpose and emotion among the believers.
ACT 5:13
- to join:The word translated 'to join' originally referred to gluing or cementing things together, implying a strong, permanent bond or attachment, not just a casual association.
ACT 5:15
- shall envelop:The word translated 'shall envelop' carries the sense of a divine, protective covering or presence, often associated with God's power or glory, like a cloud overshadowing.