Where was "Solomon's Porch" (Acts 5:12)?
Also known as "Solomon's Colonnade" or "Solomon's Portico," Solomon's Porch was a
long, covered
but open gallery created by two parallel rows of columns supporting
a long wooden roof. Solomon's Porch ran along the eastern edge of the temple area,
overlooking the Kidron Valley and facing the Mount of Olives to the east.
Why did they keep gathering at
Solomon’s Porch?
It was centrally located and one of the few public places in
Jerusalem that was large enough to accommodate a large crowd. It was also
where people passed through or gathered to socialize and discuss before or
after their sacrifices and prayers at the temple, and therefore a good place
to share the Gospel.
Who are "the rest" who didn't dare to "join" (Acts 5:13)
the Christians at Solomon's Porch?
Since Solomon's Porch was next to the temple, it could be referring to the
priests and others who ruled over the people and who were inside the temple.
But given the context, it is more likely to refer to other hypocrites like
Ananias and Sapphira who "dared" not
"join them" lest they be exposed and struck dead as well (see
Acts 5).
Who were "the people" who "esteemed" the Christians
"highly" (Acts 5:14)?
The general public, among whom "many signs and wonders
were done" (Acts 5:12) by the apostles and who witnessed both the
true Christians sacrificially loving one another (see
one heart one soul), and hypocrites being struck dead (see
Ananias and Sapphira).
What did "multitudes of" (Acts 5:14) those "people"
become?
"Believers" (Acts 5:13)
How busy were the apostles during this time of rapid
church growth?
Too busy to even stop and touch or speak to those whom the Lord was healing,
and it is probable that the rest of the church was very busy as well.
Who were healed?
"All" (Acts 5:16) who were
"sick" (Acts 5:15) and "tormented by unclean spirits"
(Acts 5:16)
who were brought to the Christians in Jerusalem.
Does God still grant miraculous healing today?
Yes, but the people on television who claim miraculous healings and then demand
your money tend to be making false claims.
Did the people who were "healed" (Acts 5:16) back then
and the people whom God heals today stay alive forever?
So what is the more important question?
Where we go
when God's healing for our earthly body expires.