Acts 5:16
Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.
Crowds also gathered
The phrase indicates a significant movement of people, suggesting that the events surrounding the apostles were drawing widespread attention. The Greek word for "crowds" (ὄχλοι, ochloi) implies a large, diverse group, emphasizing the impact of the apostles' ministry. Historically, Jerusalem was a bustling city, especially during religious festivals, which would have contributed to the gathering of such crowds. This movement of people signifies the growing influence of the early church and the compelling nature of the apostles' message and miracles.

from the towns around Jerusalem
This phrase highlights the geographical spread of the apostles' influence beyond the city of Jerusalem. The Greek preposition "from" (ἀπό, apo) indicates that people were traveling from various surrounding areas, showing the regional impact of the apostles' ministry. This movement from surrounding towns suggests that the message of the Gospel was not confined to a single location but was beginning to permeate the broader Judean region, fulfilling Jesus' command to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea" (Acts 1:8).

bringing the sick
The act of bringing the sick to the apostles underscores the desperation and hope of the people. The Greek word for "bringing" (φέροντες, pherontes) conveys a sense of carrying or bearing a burden, reflecting the physical and emotional weight of illness. In the historical context, medical knowledge was limited, and many ailments were considered incurable. The people's actions demonstrate their faith in the apostles' ability to heal through the power of Jesus Christ, echoing the healing ministry of Jesus Himself.

and those tormented by unclean spirits
This phrase addresses the spiritual afflictions that plagued many individuals. The term "tormented" (ὀχλουμένους, ochloumenous) suggests severe distress or harassment, while "unclean spirits" refers to demonic influences. In the Jewish context, spiritual purity was of utmost importance, and unclean spirits were seen as a significant threat to one's spiritual and communal life. The mention of these afflictions highlights the comprehensive nature of the apostles' ministry, addressing both physical and spiritual needs.

and all of them were healed
The phrase "all of them were healed" is a powerful testament to the completeness and effectiveness of the apostles' healing ministry. The Greek word for "healed" (ἐθεραπεύοντο, etherapeuonto) implies a restoration to health, both physically and spiritually. This universal healing reflects the boundless compassion and power of God working through the apostles. It serves as a fulfillment of Jesus' promise that His followers would do even greater works (John 14:12) and underscores the divine authority bestowed upon the early church. The comprehensive healing also symbolizes the holistic salvation offered through the Gospel, addressing every aspect of human brokenness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Crowds
Large groups of people from various towns surrounding Jerusalem who were drawn to the apostles due to their miraculous works.

2. Towns around Jerusalem
These are the neighboring areas surrounding the city of Jerusalem, indicating the widespread impact of the apostles' ministry beyond the city itself.

3. The Sick
Individuals suffering from physical ailments who were brought to the apostles for healing.

4. Those Tormented by Unclean Spirits
People afflicted by demonic influences, seeking deliverance through the apostles' ministry.

5. The Apostles
The early followers of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and healings, serving as witnesses to the resurrection and power of Jesus.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The apostles' ability to heal and deliver was not of their own power but through the Holy Spirit. Believers today are called to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment in their ministries.

Compassion for the Suffering
The apostles' ministry was marked by compassion for those who were suffering. Christians are encouraged to show compassion and seek to alleviate suffering in their communities.

The Spread of the Gospel
The gathering of crowds from surrounding towns illustrates the expansive reach of the Gospel. Believers are called to be witnesses in their local communities and beyond.

Faith and Expectation
The people brought the sick and demon-possessed to the apostles with the expectation of healing. Christians are encouraged to approach God with faith and expectation, trusting in His power to heal and deliver.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The collective effort of bringing the sick to the apostles shows the importance of community and unity in the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to support one another in faith and action.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the healing ministry of the apostles in Acts 5:16 reflect the ministry of Jesus as described in the Gospels?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, rely on the Holy Spirit to empower our ministries and daily lives?

3. What practical steps can we take to show compassion to those who are suffering in our communities?

4. How can we actively participate in spreading the Gospel in our local areas, similar to how the apostles' ministry reached towns around Jerusalem?

5. What role does faith play in our approach to God for healing and deliverance, and how can we cultivate a greater expectation of His power in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 4:24
This verse describes how Jesus' fame spread throughout Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill and demon-possessed, and He healed them. This connection highlights the continuation of Jesus' healing ministry through the apostles.

Mark 16:17-18
Jesus promised that signs would accompany those who believe, including casting out demons and healing the sick. Acts 5:16 demonstrates the fulfillment of this promise through the apostles.

Luke 6:17-19
Similar to Acts 5:16, this passage describes how people from all over came to hear Jesus and be healed of their diseases, emphasizing the power and compassion of God’s work through His servants.
After Judgment, RevivalW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 5:11-16
Authority and FaithDean Travers Smith.Acts 5:11-16
ContrastsApostolic PastorActs 5:11-16
Elements of InfluenceW. Clarkson Acts 5:11-16
Phases of the Young ChurchD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 5:11-16
The Power of God with the ApostlesJ. Fawcett, M. A.Acts 5:11-16
The Ungodly RepelledActs 5:11-16
Clear Shining After RainR.A. Redford Acts 5:12-16
Jerusalem's Second SummerP.C. Barker Acts 5:12-16
The Healing Personality of Christ's ServantsE. Johnson Acts 5:12-16
Bodily Healings May Prepare for Spiritual OnesR. Tuck Acts 5:15, 16
People
Ananias, Gamaliel, Israelites, Judas, Peter, Sapphira, Solomon, Theudas
Places
Jerusalem, Solomon's Portico
Topics
Afflicted, Ailing, Bearing, Beset, Bring, Bringing, Cities, Crowds, Cured, Evil, Folk, Folks, Foul, Gathered, Harassed, Healed, Ill, Inhabitants, Jerusalem, Multitude, Multitudes, Neighbourhood, Numbers, Persons, Round, Sick, Spirits, Tormented, Towns, Troubled, Unclean, Vexed, Vicinity
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 5:16

     1416   miracles, nature of
     4131   demons, kinds of
     4132   demons, malevolence
     4133   demons, possession by
     4135   demons, Christ's authority over
     4165   exorcism
     4195   spirits
     5279   crowds

Acts 5:12-16

     5285   cures

Acts 5:13-16

     8332   reputation

Acts 5:15-16

     5114   Peter, apostle
     5333   healing

Library
December 28. "The Holy Ghost, whom God Hath Given to them that Obey Him" (Acts v. 32).
"The Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts v. 32). We can only know and prove the fulness of the Spirit as we step out into the larger purposes and plans of Christ for the world. Perhaps the chief reason why the Holy Spirit has been so limited in His work in the hearts of Christians, is the shameful neglect of the unsaved and unevangelized world by the great majority of the professed followers of Christ. There are millions of professing Christians--and, perhaps, real Christians--in
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Our Captain
'Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince.' --ACTS v. 31. The word rendered 'Prince' is a rather infrequent designation of our Lord in Scripture. It is only employed in all four times--twice in Peter's earlier sermons recorded in this Book of the Acts; and twice in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In a former discourse of the Apostle's he had spoken of the crime of the Jews in killing 'the Prince of life.' Here he uses the word without any appended epithet. In the Epistle to the Hebrews
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
'Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18. And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20. Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gamaliel's Counsel
'Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.'--ACTS v. 38, 39. The little that is known of Gamaliel seems to indicate just such a man as would be likely to have given the advice in the text. His was a character which, on its good side and by its admirers, would be described as prudent, wise, cautious and calm, tolerant, opposed to fanaticism
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all Believers
John 7:37-39 -- "In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive." Nothing has rendered the cross of Christ of less effect; nothing has been a greater stumbling-block and rock of offense to weak minds, that a supposition, now current
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

On Zeal
"It is good to be always zealously affected in a good thing." Gal. 4:18. 1. There are few subjects in the whole compass of religion, that are of greater importance than this. For without zeal it is impossible, either to make any considerable progress in religion ourselves, or to do any considerable service to our neighbour, whether in temporal or spiritual things. And yet nothing has done more disservice to religion, or more mischief to mankind, than a sort of zeal which has for several ages prevailed,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The First Sermon in the Tabernacle
This afternoon I will try to describe the subject, Christ Jesus; then, secondly, to speak for a little while upon its comprehensiveness; then to enlarge upon sundry of its excellencies; and conclude by testing its power. I. First, then, the SUBJECT. They continued both to teach and preach Jesus Christ. To preach Jesus Christ aright we must preach him in his infinite and indisputable Godhead. We may be attacked by philosophers, who will either make him no God at all, or one constituted temporarily
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Of the Recollection of God's Manifold Benefits
Open, O Lord, my heart in Thy law, and teach me to walk in the way of Thy commandments. Grant me to understand Thy will and to be mindful of Thy benefits, both general and special, with great reverence and diligent meditation, that thus I may be able worthily to give Thee thanks. Yet I know and confess that I cannot render Thee due praises for the least of Thy mercies. I am less than the least of all the good things which Thou gavest me; and when I consider Thy majesty, my spirit faileth because
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Reader Reminded How Much He Needs the Assistance of the Spirit of God to Form Him to the Temper Described Above, and what Encouragement He
1. Forward resolutions may prove ineffectual.--2. Yet religion is not to be given up in despair, but Divine grace to be sought.--3. A general view of its reality and necessity, from reason.--4. And Scripture.--5. The spirit to be sought as the spirit of Christ.--6. And in that view the great strength of the soul.--7. The encouragement there is to hope for the communication of it.--8. A concluding exhortation to pray for it. And an humble address to God pursuant to that exhortation. I HAVE now laid
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Whether Fraud Pertains to Craftiness?
Objection 1: It would seem that fraud does not pertain to craftiness. For a man does not deserve praise if he allows himself to be deceived, which is the object of craftiness; and yet a man deserves praise for allowing himself to be defrauded, according to 1 Cor. 6:1, "Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" Therefore fraud does not belong to craftiness. Objection 2: Further, fraud seems to consist in unlawfully taking or receiving external things, for it is written (Acts 5:1) that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Whatever God Does Outside the Natural Order is Miraculous?
Objection 1: It would seem that not everything which God does outside the natural order of things, is miraculous. For the creation of the world, and of souls, and the justification of the unrighteous, are done by God outside the natural order; as not being accomplished by the action of any natural cause. Yet these things are not called miracles. Therefore not everything that God does outside the natural order is a miracle. Objection 2: Further, a miracle is "something difficult, which seldom occurs,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Subjects are Bound to Obey their Superiors in all Things?
Objection 1: It seems that subjects are bound to obey their superiors in all things. For the Apostle says (Col. 3:20): "Children, obey your parents in all things," and farther on (Col. 3:22): "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh." Therefore in like manner other subjects are bound to obey their superiors in all things. Objection 2: Further, superiors stand between God and their subjects, according to Dt. 5:5, "I was the mediator and stood between the Lord and you at that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Shamefacedness is About a Disgraceful Action?
Objection 1: It would seem that shamefacedness is not about a disgraceful action. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv, 9) that "shamefacedness is fear of disgrace." Now sometimes those who do nothing wrong suffer ignominy, according to Ps. 67:8, "For thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered my face." Therefore shamefacedness is not properly about a disgraceful action. Objection 2: Further, nothing apparently is disgraceful but what is sinful. Yet man is ashamed of things that are not sins,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Anyone Should be Excommunicated for Inflicting Temporal Harm?
Objection 1: It would seem that no man should be excommunicated for inflicting a temporal harm. For the punishment should not exceed the fault. But the punishment of excommunication is the privation of a spiritual good, which surpasses all temporal goods. Therefore no man should be excommunicated for temporal injuries. Objection 2: Further, we should render to no man evil for evil, according to the precept of the Apostle (Rom. 12:17). But this would be rendering evil for evil, if a man were to be
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Human Law Binds a Man in Conscience?
Objection 1: It would seem that human law does not bind man in conscience. For an inferior power has no jurisdiction in a court of higher power. But the power of man, which frames human law, is beneath the Divine power. Therefore human law cannot impose its precept in a Divine court, such as is the court of conscience. Objection 2: Further, the judgment of conscience depends chiefly on the commandments of God. But sometimes God's commandments are made void by human laws, according to Mat. 15:6: "You
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Devil is Directly the Cause of Man's Sinning?
Objection 1: It would seem that the devil is directly the cause of man's sinning. For sin consists directly in an act of the appetite. Now Augustine says (De Trin. iv, 12) that "the devil inspires his friends with evil desires"; and Bede, commenting on Acts 5:3, says that the devil "draws the mind to evil desires"; and Isidore says (De Summo Bono ii, 41; iii, 5) that the devil "fills men's hearts with secret lusts." Therefore the devil is directly the cause of sin. Objection 2: Further, Jerome says
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking Counsel of Many, and Previously Deliberating for a Long Time?
Objection 1: It would not seem praiseworthy to enter religion without taking counsel of many, and previously deliberating for a long time. For it is written (1 Jn. 4:1): "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God." Now sometimes a man's purpose of entering religion is not of God, since it often comes to naught through his leaving the religious life; for it is written (Acts 5:38,39): "If this counsel or this work be of God, you cannot overthrow it." Therefore it would seem that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Precept of Fraternal Correction Demands that a Private Admonition Should Precede Denunciation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the precept of fraternal correction does not demand that a private admonition should precede denunciation. For, in works of charity, we should above all follow the example of God, according to Eph. 5:1,2: "Be ye followers of God, as most dear children, and walk in love." Now God sometimes punishes a man for a sin, without previously warning him in secret. Therefore it seems that there is no need for a private admonition to precede denunciation. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Wheat and the Tares
'And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.' --ACTS iv. 32. 'And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.'--ACTS v. 11. Once more Luke pauses and gives a general survey of the Church's condition. It comes in appropriately at the end of the account of the triumph over the first assault of civil authority, which assault
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by Early Christian Writers Themselves So Fully or Frequently as Might have Been Expected.
I shall consider this objection, first, as it applies to the letters of the apostles preserved in the New Testament; and secondly, as it applies to the remaining writings of other early Christians. The epistles of the apostles are either hortatory or argumentative. So far as they were occupied in delivering lessons of duty, rules of public order, admonitions against certain prevailing corruptions, against vice, or any particular species of it, or in fortifying and encouraging the constancy of the
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Holy Spirit Bearing Witness to Jesus Christ.
When our Lord was talking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion of the Comforter who after His departure was to come to take His place, He said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall bear witness of Me: and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning" (John xv. 26, 27, R. V.), and the Apostle Peter and the other disciples when they were strictly commanded
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Links
Acts 5:16 NIV
Acts 5:16 NLT
Acts 5:16 ESV
Acts 5:16 NASB
Acts 5:16 KJV

Acts 5:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Acts 5:15
Top of Page
Top of Page