Acts 5:12
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon's Colonnade.
The apostles performed
The term "apostles" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." This highlights the divine commissioning of the apostles by Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel. Their role was foundational in the early church, serving as both leaders and witnesses to Christ's resurrection. The phrase "performed" indicates active engagement in their mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out miraculous works.

many signs and wonders
"Signs" (Greek: "semeia") and "wonders" (Greek: "terata") refer to miraculous events that serve as divine authentication of the apostles' message. In the biblical context, these terms often appear together, emphasizing both the miraculous nature and the purpose of these acts—to point people to God and confirm the truth of the Gospel. Historically, such signs and wonders were crucial in establishing the credibility of the early church in a skeptical world.

among the people
This phrase underscores the public nature of the apostles' ministry. The miracles were not performed in secret but "among the people," indicating transparency and accessibility. The early church was deeply integrated into the community, and the apostles' works were a testament to God's power and presence among His people.

and with one accord
The Greek word "homothumadon" is translated as "with one accord," signifying unity and harmony among the believers. This unity was a hallmark of the early church, reflecting the prayer of Jesus in John 17 for His followers to be one. Such unity was essential for the church's strength and witness, allowing them to face external opposition with a united front.

the believers gathered together
The act of gathering together was central to the life of the early church. It was in these gatherings that believers found encouragement, teaching, and fellowship. The Greek term "synago" implies a purposeful assembly, highlighting the intentionality behind their meetings. This practice of gathering is a model for Christian community, emphasizing the importance of corporate worship and mutual support.

in Solomon’s Colonnade
Solomon's Colonnade, also known as Solomon's Porch, was a covered area on the eastern side of the Temple in Jerusalem. It served as a meeting place for the early church, providing a public yet somewhat protected space for teaching and fellowship. Archaeologically, this location is significant as it connects the early Christian movement with the Jewish heritage, symbolizing continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Christ. The choice of this location also reflects the apostles' strategic use of familiar and significant spaces to reach the people with the Gospel message.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Apostles
The primary leaders of the early church, chosen by Jesus, who were empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel and perform miracles.

2. Signs and Wonders
Miraculous acts performed by the apostles, serving as evidence of God's power and the truth of the Gospel message.

3. The People
The broader community, including both believers and non-believers, who witnessed the apostles' miracles and were impacted by their ministry.

4. Believers
The early Christian community, united in faith and purpose, who gathered regularly for worship, teaching, and fellowship.

5. Solomon’s Colonnade
A covered area in the Temple complex in Jerusalem, where the early Christians often met. It was a public place, allowing for both teaching and outreach.
Teaching Points
Unity in the Body of Christ
The early believers gathered "with one accord," demonstrating the importance of unity in the church. Unity strengthens the witness of the church and fosters an environment where God can work powerfully.

The Role of Miracles
Signs and wonders served as a testament to the truth of the Gospel and the presence of God's kingdom. While miracles are not the foundation of faith, they can affirm and strengthen it.

Public Witness
Meeting in Solomon’s Colonnade shows the importance of a public witness. Christians are called to live out their faith openly, impacting their communities and drawing others to Christ.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The apostles' ability to perform miracles was a result of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Believers today are also called to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in their ministry.

Gathering for Worship and Fellowship
Regular gathering for worship, teaching, and fellowship is vital for spiritual growth and community building. It provides encouragement and accountability among believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the unity of the early believers in Acts 5:12 challenge our current church practices and relationships with fellow Christians?

2. In what ways can we be a public witness for Christ in our own communities, similar to the early church meeting in Solomon’s Colonnade?

3. How do signs and wonders in the early church relate to the role of miracles in the church today? What should our attitude be towards seeking or expecting miracles?

4. What are some practical ways we can rely on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in our daily lives and ministries?

5. How can regular gathering with other believers for worship and fellowship impact our spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 2:43
This verse describes how everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles, highlighting the continuity of miraculous works in the early church.

John 14:12
Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do the works He has been doing, and even greater things, because He is going to the Father. This connects to the apostles' ability to perform signs and wonders.

Hebrews 2:4
God testified to the message of salvation by signs, wonders, and various miracles, emphasizing the divine endorsement of the apostles' ministry.
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
People
Ananias, Gamaliel, Israelites, Judas, Peter, Sapphira, Solomon, Theudas
Places
Jerusalem, Solomon's Portico
Topics
Accord, Apostles, Believers, Colonnade, Common, Consent, Continued, Covered, Hands, Marvels, Meet, Met, Miraculous, Performed, Porch, Portico, Signs, Solomon, Solomon's, Taking, Wonders, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 5:12

     1415   miracles
     1449   signs, purposes
     2351   Christ, miracles
     7024   church, nature of
     7025   church, unity
     7105   believers
     7209   congregation
     7469   temple, Herod's
     7709   apostles, authority

Acts 5:11-12

     7120   Christians

Acts 5:12-16

     5285   cures
     5776   achievement

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

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