12 By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
He returneth to miracles of another sort, which are more proper to the gospel; to wit, whereby Christ doth not only declare his power, but also his goodness; to the end he may allure men unto himself with the sweetness of his grace. For he came to save the world, and not to condemn it. Therefore, whereas the sick are healed, and others are delivered from devils, these benefits done to the body do represent the spiritual grace of Christ; and therefore they agree with his natural [1] office that I may so speak. That fearful sign which was showed in Ananias and Sapphira came to pass extraordinarily [2] Luke saith that the Church was increased by miracles, because they serve for faith, [3] (as we have said,) to prepare some, to confirm others. Whereby that is proved again, which I have said elsewhere that miracles must never be separated from the word. Luke showeth the multitude of miracles by this, in that the sick were brought forth everywhere, that they might be healed. For God meant thus to set forth the gospel of his Son, especially at the beginning; that he, might for a certainty testify to the Jews, that that restoring of all things was present, which was so often promised, and in which all their hope was reposed, as they themselves did pretend, (and make semblance.) It is well known that couches were certain little beds in which the men of old were wont to rest at noon. Because they might the more easily carry them out, they laid the sick in them. And they were all with one accord. He signifieth unto us that they were wont to meet together at certain hours, not only for doctrine and prayers' sake, but that they might win others unto the Lord, as occasion was given. For every man lived at home at his own house, but they had their meetings there, as assuredly no body of the Church can otherwise continue. For if every man will be his own teacher, and pray apart by himself, and if there be no meetings and assemblies, how excellently soever the Church be ordered and appointed, yet must it needs decay and come to nought. He saith that they were all of one mind, to the end we may know that they did all keep that order willingly, that no man was so disordered as to keep himself at home, [4] neglecting the public assembly. Wherein they showed a token, not only of modesty, but also of constancy. For they could not do this without danger, seeing the place was so famous. For which cause, the agreement of them all to put themselves in hazard was so much the more worthy of commendation.
1 - "Genuino," genuine.
2 - "Quasi accidentale erat," was, as it were, accidental.
3 - "Fidei subserviunt," are subservient to faith.
4 - "Intra privates parietes se teneret," as to keep himself within a private buildings.
And by the hands - By the apostles. This verse should be read in connection with the 15th, to which it belongs.
Signs and wonders - Miracles. See the notes on Acts 2:43.
With one accord - With one "mind," or intention. See the notes on Acts 1:14.
In Solomon's porch - See the Matthew 21:12 note; John 10:23 note. They were doubtless there for the purpose of worship. It does not mean that they were there constantly, but at the regular periods of worship. Probably they had two designs in this; one was, to join in the public worship of God in the usual manner with the people, for they did not design to leave the temple service; the other, that they might have opportunity to preach to the people assembled there. In the presence of the great multitudes who came up to worship, they had an opportunity of making known the doctrines of Jesus, and of confirming them by miracles, the reality of which could not be denied, and which could not be resisted, as proofs that Jesus was the Messiah.
By the hands of the apostles - This verse should be read with the 15th, to which it properly belongs.
Solomon's porch - See the note on John 10:23.
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought,.... That is, by their means, or by them as instruments, or through the imposition of their hands on persons, many miraculous and wonderful cures, as well as other extraordinary actions, were performed:
among the people; the common people, who attended in great numbers on their ministry, when the chief men and rulers of the nation despised them.
And they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch; which is to be understood not of the whole church, nor of the hundred and twenty disciples, but of the twelve apostles, who met in this place to preach the Gospel to the people; and they were agreed in their doctrine and practice, and were united in their affections to one another. Of Solomon's porch; see Gill on John 10:23. These words, with what follow to the 15th verse, are to be read in a parenthesis.
The separation of hypocrites by distinguishing judgments, should make the sincere cleave closer to each other and to the gospel ministry. Whatever tends to the purity and reputation of the church, promotes its enlargement; but that power alone which wrought such miracles by the apostles, can rescue sinners from the power of sin and Satan, and add believers to His worshippers. Christ will work by all his faithful servants; and every one who applies to him shall be healed.
THE PROGRESS OF THE NEW CAUSE LEADS TO THE ARREST OF THE APOSTLES--THEY ARE MIRACULOUSLY DELIVERED FROM PRISON, RESUME THEIR TEACHING, BUT ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE CONDUCTED BEFORE THE SAMHEDRIM. (Acts 5:12-26)
Solomon's Porch--(See on John 10:23).
By the hands of the apostles were many signs. Note that no one thus far has miraculous power but the apostles. The gift of miracles was not general. When it was imparted to others, we learn how it was imparted.
All with one accord in Solomon's porch. The apostles, in order to preach. See Acts 3:11. The brethren also with them.
And they were all - All the believers.
*More commentary available at chapter level.