Why did the people want Peter’s shadow to fall upon their sick?
Acts 5:15 (ESV)
15so 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.
The idea that shadows had magical powers was current in the ancient world (see Acts 19:12).1 The verse itself does not confirm that the shadow of Peter served to heal anyone (though it is implied)2 or that this practice was encouraged by the apostles.3
15 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.