Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that "many signs and wonders" were regularly happening, not just as isolated events, but as an ongoing part of their ministry. This persistent display of divine power, taking place openly in Solomon's Portico, served to publicly authenticate the apostles' message and build trust with the people.
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the recent dramatic judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, Luke immediately shifts to describe the flourishing state of the early church. The apostles were actively performing numerous miraculous signs and wonders among the crowds, and the believers were gathering together harmoniously in Solomon's Portico. This gathering in a public, well-frequented place demonstrates their unity and boldness in faith, even as their growing numbers and the apostles' power commanded awe and respect from the surrounding populace.
Wonder after wonder, signs following signs – the early church was a spectacle of God's power. But why these public displays?
The text tells us "many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles." This wasn't just random magic; these miracles served a crucial purpose: to authenticate the apostles' message. In a world accustomed to the extraordinary, God used these powerful acts to confirm that these men spoke His truth. They were tangible proof that the gospel they proclaimed was from God Himself, a powerful way to draw people in and prepare them to believe.
Think of it like a king sending ambassadors. To show they truly represented him, they might carry his signet ring or perform acts authorized by him. The miracles were the apostles' divine 'signet ring,' validating their authority as messengers of the risen Christ.
Imagine a vibrant community, gathered openly, radiating an undeniable presence. Where did they meet, and what made their gathering so significant?
The verse continues, 'And they were all together in Solomon's Portico.' This wasn't a secret meeting in a back room. Solomon's Portico was a well-known, public space within the temple complex. The early believers, united ('with one accord'), chose to gather here.
This public gathering served multiple purposes:
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Understand the original words
semeion · Greek Noun
Extraordinary events or miracles that point beyond themselves to confirm a divine message or messenger. They serve to authenticate the authority and mission of those performing them by the power of the Holy Spirit.
teras · Greek Noun
Events that evoke astonishment or awe because they exceed the ordinary course of nature. In scripture, they are often paired with signs to emphasize the supernatural work of God.
apostolos · Greek Noun
Those sent out with a specific commission; specifically the twelve and Paul, who were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ, authorized to lay the foundation of the church through their doctrine and miracles.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the First Believers
The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the Gospel. The first church is formed, with about 3,000 people joining.
c. AD 30
Healing in Solomon's Portico
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple's Beautiful Gate (Solomon's Portico). This draws a large crowd and leads to their first arrest.
c. AD 30
Apostles Imprisoned and Freed
After preaching boldly, Peter and the apostles are arrested and imprisoned by the Sanhedrin, but are miraculously released by an angel.
c. AD 30
Apostles Arrested Again
The apostles are arrested again for continuing to teach and heal, despite the Sanhedrin's orders. They are brought before the council.
c. AD 30
Gamaliel's Counsel
The wise Pharisee Gamaliel advises the Sanhedrin to release the apostles, warning them not to fight against God.
c. AD 30— this verse
Apostles Freed and Continue Ministry
The apostles are flogged but released. They rejoice at being counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus and continue teaching and performing miracles.
This verse continues the theme of divine power working through the apostles, referencing the 'fear and awe' that accompanied the signs and wonders following Pentecost.
Mark 6:13This passage mirrors the idea of miraculous power being released through the apostles, specifically mentioning their anointing of the sick with oil and their casting out of demons.
John 10:23This verse provides context for 'Solomon's Portico' as a place frequently used for teaching and gathering, highlighting its significance as a public space where the apostles continued their ministry.
Acts 4:32This verse connects to the 'all with one accord' aspect of Acts 5:12, emphasizing the early church's unity in heart and mind, which likely contributed to their collective presence and shared ministry.
Acts 19:11-12This passage shows a continuation of extraordinary miracles performed by apostles, where even handkerchiefs and aprons touched by Paul brought healing, underscoring the potent spiritual power at work.
ellicottActs 5:12: "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."
(12) Many signs and wonders . . . .—See Note on Acts 2:22 . They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.—See Notes on Acts 3:2; John 10:23. It was, we have seen, at all times a favourite place of resort for teachers. The chronology of this period of the history is still, as before, left somewhat indefinite; but assuming some months to ha…
jfbActs 5:12-26: "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."
Ac 5:12-26. The Progress of the New Cause Leads to the Arrest of the Apostles—They Are Miraculously Delivered from Prison, Resume Their Teaching, but Allow Themselves to Be Conducted before the Samhedrim.12. Solomon's Porch—(See on [1952]Joh 10:23).
The verse emphasizes that "many signs and wonders" were regularly happening, not just as isolated events, but as an ongoing part of their ministry. This persistent display of divine power, taking place openly in Solomon's Portico, served to publicly authenticate the apostles' message and build trust with the people.
Following the recent dramatic judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, Luke immediately shifts to describe the flourishing state of the early church. The apostles were actively performing numerous miraculous signs and wonders among the crowds, and the believers were gathering together harmoniously in Solomon's Portico. This gathering in a public, well-frequented place demonstrates their unity and boldness in faith, even as their growing numbers and the apostles' power commanded awe and respect from the surrounding populace.
Following the recent dramatic judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, Luke immediately shifts to describe the flourishing state of the early church. The apostles were actively performing numerous miraculous signs and wonders among the crowds, and the believers were gathering together harmoniously in Solomon's Portico. This gathering in a public, well-frequented place demonstrates their unity and boldness in faith, even as their growing numbers and the apostles' power commanded awe and respect from the surrounding populace.
"Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico." — The verse emphasizes that "many signs and wonders" were regularly happening, not just as isolated events, but as an ongoing part of their ministry. This persistent display of divine power, taking p…
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Last reviewed October 2026