Acts 5:12
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While we see the apostles performing amazing miracles, the verse subtly highlights their unity. They weren't just a collection of individuals; they were "all together in one accord" in a public, familiar place. This emphasizes that their shared purpose and commitment were just as crucial as the miraculous power they wielded.
Following the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, Luke shifts to highlight the explosive growth and outward success of the early church. The apostles are actively performing numerous miraculous signs and wonders among the people, drawing further attention and admiration. During this time, the entire Christian community was meeting together publicly in Solomon's Portico, a well-known and frequented area.
The early church wasn't shy about demonstrating God's power. This verse highlights how miracles served a crucial purpose beyond just helping people.
Signs and Wonders: More Than Just Magic
Luke tells us that "many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles." This wasn't a private show; it was public and ongoing.
The apostles and early believers weren't scattered and hiding. They met together, and their shared presence had a profound impact.
Together in Solomon's Portico
The verse concludes by stating they "were all together in Solomon’s Portico." This detail is more than just setting the scene; it speaks volumes about the early church's identity.
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.
This passage unfolds in the immediate aftermath of the apostles' first significant persecution and miraculous deliverance, highlighting the explosive growth and public impact of the early church in Jerusalem. The setting in Solomon's Portico places these events squarely within the Temple complex, a central hub of Jewish life and worship.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity, leading to the formation of the early church.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, leading to thousands of conversions and the expansion of the early church.
c. AD 30-33
Early Ministry and Persecution
The apostles begin performing numerous signs and wonders, drawing crowds but also attracting the attention and opposition of religious authorities.
c. AD 33
Arrest and Trial of Apostles
The apostles Peter and John are arrested, brought before the Sanhedrin, and miraculously released, leading to further signs and wonders and increased public awe.
This verse immediately follows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and describes similar miraculous signs and wonders, highlighting the early church's powerful beginnings.
Acts 3:1-10This passage describes a specific, notable miracle performed by apostles Peter and John in Solomon's Portico, demonstrating the type of miraculous activity occurring among the people.
Mark 16:17-18Jesus foretells that believers will perform signs and wonders, including healing the sick, which directly corresponds to the miraculous works attributed to the apostles in Acts.
John 10:23This verse places Jesus himself in Solomon's Portico during winter, establishing it as a significant and familiar location for public discourse and religious gatherings, which the apostles continue to utilize.
Acts 4:32This verse describes the believers being 'of one heart and soul,' emphasizing the unity and shared purpose mentioned in Acts 5:12 ('they were all with one accord').
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).
While we see the apostles performing amazing miracles, the verse subtly highlights their unity. They weren't just a collection of individuals; they were "all together in one accord" in a public, familiar place. This emphasizes that their shared purpose and commitment were just as crucial as the miraculous power they wielded.
Following the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, Luke shifts to highlight the explosive growth and outward success of the early church. The apostles are actively performing numerous miraculous signs and wonders among the people, drawing further attention and admiration. During this time, the entire Christian community was meeting together publicly in Solomon's Portico, a well-known and frequented area.
Following the dramatic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, Luke shifts to highlight the explosive growth and outward success of the early church. The apostles are actively performing numerous miraculous signs and wonders among the people, drawing further attention and admiration. During this time, the entire Christian community was meeting together publicly in Solomon's Portico, a well-known and frequented area.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 5:12 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 33— this verse
Apostles Performing Miracles in Solomon's Portico
Following their release, the apostles continue to perform many signs and wonders, gathering publicly in Solomon's Portico amidst growing crowds and belief.
c. AD 33
Apostles Imprisoned and Miraculously Freed
The apostles are arrested again and imprisoned, but are miraculously freed by an angel and return to teaching in the Temple, leading to another confrontation with the Sanhedrin.
c. AD 33
Gamaliel's Counsel and Release
The Sanhedrin, advised by Gamaliel, releases the apostles after they are flogged, allowing them to continue their work.
"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." — While we see the apostles performing amazing miracles, the verse subtly highlights their unity. They weren't just a collection of individuals; they were "all together in one accord" in a public, fami…
