Acts 5 15

Acts 5:15 kjv

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.

Acts 5:15 nkjv

so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.

Acts 5:15 niv

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

Acts 5:15 esv

so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

Acts 5:15 nlt

As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by.

Acts 5 verses

Acts 5 15 Meaning

Acts 5:15 describes the profound impact of the apostles' ministry in Jerusalem, specifically highlighting the belief and hope among the populace that even Peter's shadow could be a conduit for divine healing. This illustrates the awe and reverence people had for the power of God manifested through the apostles, leading them to bring their sick loved ones into the streets in anticipation of divine intervention.

Acts 5 15 Context

Acts chapter 5 continues the narrative of the rapidly expanding early church in Jerusalem. Following the momentous events of Pentecost and the powerful signs performed by Peter and John (Acts 3-4), the apostles' authority and the demonstration of God's power through them intensify. Chapter 5 begins with the stark judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, instilling "great fear" among the believers and the community, reinforcing the holiness and awe surrounding the presence of God among them (Acts 5:1-11). Immediately after this display of divine judgment and holiness, Luke pivots to describe the increasing favour the apostles found with the people, contrasting with the Jewish leaders' opposition. Acts 5:12 states that "many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles." This verse (5:15) directly follows, describing the popular reaction to these continuous miracles. The public, witnessing undeniable displays of divine power, were driven by desperation and faith (even if simple or naive) to bring their sick into the streets. This occurred against a backdrop where many relied on traditional medicine, often ineffective, or sought aid from various pagan cults that also promised healing, though without true divine power. The apostles' actions stood as a clear polemic against any competing claims of power or authority, highlighting that God alone was the source of these true, demonstrable healings through Jesus' name.

Acts 5 15 Word analysis

• ὥστε (hōste): A consecutive conjunction, meaning "so that," "with the result that." It shows the immediate consequence of the signs and wonders performed by the apostles mentioned in verse 12.
• καὶ (kai): "And," "even." In this context, it functions emphatically, meaning "even" or "also," highlighting the extent of people's desperation and faith.
• εἰς τὰς πλατείας (eis tas plateias): "Into the streets," or "broad ways." This indicates public places, easily accessible to all, signifying the widespread public awareness and the openness of the display of divine power.
• ἐκφέρειν (ekpherein) τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς (tous asthenēs): "To carry out the sick." This action highlights the active effort and urgency of the people, signifying their deep need and hope for healing. The word asthenes denotes physical weakness, infirmity.
• καὶ τιθέναι (kai tithenai) ἐπὶ κλινῶν (epi klinōn) καὶ κραβάττων (kai krabattōn): "And to lay them on beds and mats."
  • κλινῶν (klinōn): Refers to proper beds or couches, perhaps for more severely ill or those of higher social standing.
  • κραβάττων (krabattōn): Refers to smaller, simpler mats or stretchers, often used by the poor or for immediate transport, as seen with the paralytic in Mk 2:4-12. This detail shows that people of all conditions, or varying degrees of illness, were brought.
• ἵνα (hina): "In order that," "so that." Introduces the purpose or intention of laying the sick in the streets.
• ἐρχομένου (erchomenou) Πέτρου (Petrou): "As Peter came by" or "while Peter was coming." The focus is on Peter as the immediate instrument of God's power at that moment, demonstrating his prominence in the early apostolic ministry.
• κἂν (kan): A contracted form of kai ean, meaning "even if," or "if only," "at least." This emphasizes the minimal hope yet profound faith that people held. They believed a mere brush with Peter's presence could be sufficient.
• ἡ σκιὰ (hē skia) ἐπισκιάσῃ (episkiasē) τινὶ (tini) αὐτῶν (autōn): "His shadow might fall on some of them," or "overshadow some of them."
  • σκιὰ (skia): "Shadow." This is the pivotal word. The power was not inherent in the shadow itself, nor was it magic. It signified the tangible extension of Peter's physical presence, through whom God's power flowed. It was understood as a symbolic carrier of the divine presence and power emanating from Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is not to be interpreted as superstitious belief, but rather a simple, profound faith in the unseen power of God actively working through Peter.
  • ἐπισκιάσῃ (episkiasē): "Might overshadow." This Greek word is significant; it is used in Lk 1:35 where the Holy Spirit "overshadows" Mary, resulting in the conception of Jesus. This linguistic connection implicitly links the overshadowing by Peter's shadow to the divine, Spirit-enabled presence and power, distinguishing it from ordinary physical phenomena.

Words-group analysis

• "So that even into the streets they carried out the sick and laid them on beds and mats...": This whole phrase depicts the public's active and hopeful response. The public nature signifies a collective, demonstrable faith in the apostles' miraculous power. It points to a deep desperation, and a societal trust in God's healing manifested through these specific individuals.
• "...that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.": This segment highlights the extent of their faith. They didn't necessarily expect Peter to lay hands on every single person. The idea of the "shadow" points to the fact that God's power is not limited by physical proximity or direct touch; it can operate through less direct means. This is not about Peter's inherent power, but God's sovereign choice to use Peter as a conduit, making even his physical proximity or his shadow a means for His divine will to be accomplished. This echoes instances where divine power was channeled through objects associated with God's anointed, like the fringe of Jesus' cloak (Mk 5:28) or Paul's handkerchiefs and aprons (Acts 19:11-12). It underscores that it is God's power, operating uniquely through His apostles to validate their message about Christ.

Acts 5 15 Bonus section

The scene described in Acts 5:15 reflects a key phase in the growth and validation of the early church. The extraordinary signs and wonders were God's way of publicly authenticating His messengers and confirming the message of the risen Christ. This served not only to attract new believers but also to foster fear and respect for the apostolic authority among the people (Acts 5:13-14), contrasting sharply with the increasingly hostile Jewish religious leadership who could offer no such divine authentication. The "shadow" phenomenon symbolizes a complete envelopment or 'overshadowing' by the divine presence attached to Peter. This supernatural manifestation cemented the reputation of the apostles as true servants of the Most High God, inspiring reverence and demonstrating God's sovereign power breaking into the human realm.

Acts 5 15 Commentary

Acts 5:15 is a vivid demonstration of the mighty hand of God working through His chosen apostles in the nascent church. It underlines the authenticity and supernatural dimension of the apostolic ministry, establishing them as genuine emissaries of God. The extraordinary hope placed in Peter's mere shadow—not as a magical object, but as a symbolic extension of a man deeply empowered by God's Spirit—attests to the compelling reality of God's presence among them. The subsequent verse confirms that "they were all healed" (Acts 5:16), validating the people's faith and the power active through the apostles. This account emphasizes that God is not limited to conventional methods but can work through diverse, even seemingly indirect, means to achieve His redemptive purposes and confirm His word. The focus must always remain on God, the ultimate Healer, not on the means or the individual.