Belief Brings the Healing

Acts 5:12-16 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 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. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

Keyword: Solomon's Porch

Solomon’s Porch is the raised outermost part of Herod’s temple with columns that went all the way around the outer court. (John 10:23 and Acts 3:11) It is called the portico of Solomon and Solomon’s Colonnade. It was built by Herod’s laborers.[1]

Luke explains other people are cautious regarding approaching the group of believers without sincere intent. He also includes the numbers are increasing daily. Individuals would bring the sick people in hopes that his shadow would touch and heal them.

[1] Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. [2] You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. [3] Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. [4] There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. [7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1Co 12:1-11 NIV)

In verse 9, Paul explains the gift of healing is from God. God has given this spirit to some believers. Do you have this gift? What is your gift from God? Do you have more than one gift? Please use your gift as God would have you use this gift. Our gifts are to increase the number of believers.

Bibliography

“Solomon’s Porch.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1487. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Toussaint, Stanley D. “Acts.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 349-432. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

[1] “Solomon’s Porch,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1487.