Acts 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.
Original Language Analysis
Διὰ
by
G1223
Διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρῶν
the hands
G5495
χειρῶν
the hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
4 of 22
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλων
of the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλων
of the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
6 of 22
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ἐγένετο
were
G1096
ἐγένετο
were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
σημεῖα
signs
G4592
σημεῖα
signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
8 of 22
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
καὶ
(and
G2532
καὶ
(and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ·
the people
G2992
λαῷ·
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
13 of 22
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
πολλὰ
many
G4183
πολλὰ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
(and
G2532
καὶ
(and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 19:11And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:2 Corinthians 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?Acts 14:3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.Acts 3:11And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.Romans 15:19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.John 10:23And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.Acts 4:30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.Mark 16:20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Historical Context
Solomon's porch (colonnade) on temple's east side offered shade for teaching. Jesus taught there (John 10:23). Early church's continued temple worship while maintaining distinct identity through baptism and Lord's Supper shows transitional period before Judaism-Christianity split. The public meeting space facilitated evangelism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do 'signs and wonders' serve gospel proclamation without becoming entertainment?
- What does meeting 'with one accord' teach about unity's role in effective witness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people' attributes miracles to divine agency through apostolic ministry. The Greek 'dia tōn cheirōn' (by the hands) emphasizes instrumentality - apostles were conduits, not sources. 'Many signs and wonders' validated the message. The church meeting 'with one accord in Solomon's porch' showed public visibility and unity despite opposition. Solomon's porch provided prominent temple location, demonstrating boldness in claiming Jewish religious space for Christian proclamation.