Acts 5

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

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.

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

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.

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.

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,

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.

But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

What does Acts 5:15 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:15 describes an event in the early Christian community where the apostle Peter is seen as having a powerful presence, so much so that people believed even his shadow might have healing properties.

This verse illustrates the high esteem and reverence that the early Christians held for the apostles, particularly for their ability to perform miracles in the name of Jesus Christ.

The sick were laid out on the streets on makeshift beds or couches with the hope that Peter's passing shadow might fall on them, resulting in their healing.

This reflects the belief in the sanctity associated with holy individuals and their close connection to divine power.

While the verse does not explicitly claim that people were healed by Peter's shadow, it indicates the faith and desperation of the people seeking healing, and the reputation of the apostles as capable of extraordinary deeds through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 5:15 occurs within the Book of Acts, often attributed to Luke the Evangelist, which chronicles the early history of the Christian church following Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

This event takes place in Jerusalem not long after Pentecost, a time when the apostles were performing many signs and wonders among the people (Acts 5:12).

The cultural and historical context of this event is rooted in a Jewish society that was experiencing the emergence of the Christian faith.

Miraculous healings were not unfamiliar in this context, as Jewish tradition recounts miracles performed by prophets and holy men.

The idea that a spiritual figure's presence or touch could heal was, therefore, something that would resonate within the culture of the time.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates God's power manifesting through the apostles. It reinforces the idea that through faith in Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, miraculous things can happen.

Some theologians might argue that this verse exhibits the continuation of Jesus' healing ministry through His disciples.

From another perspective, the focus on Peter's shadow in this verse might be seen as a way of highlighting the apostles' role as mere instruments of God’s power, implying that it is not Peter himself but rather God who heals.

This interpretation emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition that any miraculous works are God’s doing and not human achievements.

Practical Applications

A practical application of Acts 5:15 lies in the encouragement of faith. Individuals can draw from the example of the early Christians' faith in God's power to heal and transform lives.

It suggests that having faith in difficult situations and seeking spiritual guidance can be a powerful response to adversity.

Additionally, the verse may inspire believers to recognize the importance of their role as potential vessels for God's work, encouraging them to be open to the Holy Spirit, serve others, and promote healing and goodwill within their communities.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:20-21: "And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole."
Acts 19:11-12: "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."
James 5:14-15: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Acts 5:15, key words include:

"επισκιάζω" (episkiazō): Translated as "overshadow," this word carries a sense of enveloping or covering, possibly suggesting a protective or healing effect.
"κλίναις" (klinai): This word refers to beds, couches, or mats on which the sick were laid.

It emphasizes the makeshift, urgent care provided for those in need.

"κραββάτοις" (krabattois): Similar to klinai, this term also denotes a type of bed or mat, stressing the public nature of the healing sought after.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea that a holy person's physical presence or touch could confer healing is not unique to Christianity. For example, in ancient Greek mythology, the hero Heracles’ cloak had healing powers. In Roman times, Emperor Vespasian is reported to have performed healing miracles.

Likewise, in other religious traditions, such as some branches of Hinduism, the concept of darshan involves the beneficial gaze of a holy person, or deity, facilitating blessings or healings.

In Judaism, the clothing of the High Priest, especially the fringes (tzitzit), were considered powerful and significant.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community typically does not acknowledge the possibility of healing by supernatural means, including overshadowing by an individual.

From a modern medical and scientific perspective, healing is achieved through natural means such as the body's immune response, medical interventions, and pharmacological treatments.

However, science does recognize the placebo effect, when a patient's condition improves because they believe they are receiving treatment, even if the treatment has no medical efficacy.

The intense belief of the people in Acts 5:15 may be seen as an instance of how faith and psychology can have a real impact on people's well-being.

Commentary

Commentators offer a range of interpretations for Acts 5:15:

Some see the verse as an affirmation of the apostles' special status as God's chosen instruments for spreading the Gospel and serving as conduits for His miracles.
Others caution against a literalistic reading, suggesting it is meant to convey the power of faith and the burgeoning influence and reputation of the apostolic community rather than the actual physical healing properties of a shadow.
A critical approach might evaluate the socio-political dimension of the text, considering how such stories served to establish and grow the early Christian community's credibility and appeal in a diverse religious landscape.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentary

Want more context?

What does Acts 5:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentary

Want more context?