Acts 5:12-16 contains the third summary passage of the book. In contrast with the other two (Acts 2:42–47; Acts 4:32–37), Luke focuses in on the work of the apostles as opposed to the relationships and fellowship of the church members.1 Of particular interest is the emphasis on the miracles done by the hands of the apostles and how the good news of Jesus Christ is beginning to spread to and influence the towns and villages around Jerusalem.2 This passage prepares us for the second round of persecution that will be faced by the apostles (Acts 5:17–42) by helping us to understand why the authorities felt compelled to intervene once again.
12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.