Acts 5:12

By the hands. This may be only the Hebrew way of expressing agency (cf. Ex. 35:29; Lev. 8:36; etc.). But in the NT Christ’s hands are often shown as the instrument of His miracles (see Mark 6:2, 5; Luke 4:40; etc.). The promise to Christ’s followers was: “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18). Therefore, the expression here may well be literal, although Acts 5:15 shows that the people believed that cures could also be wrought without the use of the apostles’ hands.

Signs and wonders. See on Mark 16:17, 18; John 14:12; Acts 2:22. The early church was born, even as Christ’s ministry was conducted, in the setting of the miraculous. The tragedy of Ananias and Sapphira was followed by miracles of healing and blessing.

Wrought. Rather, “were being wrought,” in other words, time after time, upon repeated occasions.

With one accord. See on chs. 1:14; 4:24. Luke takes great satisfaction in emphasizing the unity of the disciples. Since Solomon’s Porch is mentioned, this description may refer to meetings conducted by the apostles at the usual hours of prayer, about 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 p.m.

Solomon’s porch. See on John 10:23 and Acts 3:2; 11. This was a favorite place for teachers to gather with their listeners. There is no evidence, however, that the Christians had taken over this portico as a regular place for their exclusive worship (cf. ch. 3:11).