Miracles By The Apostles (Acts 5:12-16)

Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s portico. 13 None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them. 14 Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were added to them. 15 Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them. 16 A large number of people from the towns in the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered, bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.

This passage tells of a large number of converts that resulted from the many “signs and wonders” done by the apostles that left the community awestruck.  Members of the community did not join them most likely because of fear of the Sanhedrin and the punishment of Ananias and Sapphira by the Holy Spirit through Peter (Acts 5:11).  Solomon’s Portico was a large, covered walkway on the Eastern side of the Temple mount where early Christians gathered.  

Jesus promised that all who believe in him will do great works (Jn. 14:12) and the signs and wonders by the apostles were the result of the community’s fervent prayers (Acts 4:29-30).  In that community of faith, many sick people were placed on cots in the street so that when Peter passed by, they may be healed if his shadow passed over them.  Large numbers of people also came from towns around Jerusalem bringing the sick and possessed and all were cured.  The Church had begun to spread in Judea.  

Almighty God, grant us the strength to let our hearts be fully converted so that we may become true disciples and follow your will.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.

                Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.