There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
ACTS 5:16KJVWhat does Acts 5:16 mean?
Acts 5:16 describes large crowds coming from nearby towns to Jerusalem, bringing people who were sick or troubled by unclean spirits, and every one of them was healed. The verse highlights the remarkable impact of the apostles’ ministry, showing that healing and deliverance were happening for all who came.
In the setting of Acts 5, Luke is narrating how the early Christian movement in Jerusalem was drawing attention far beyond the city itself. People from surrounding cities recognized something extraordinary was happening and brought those in need, whether suffering from illness or spiritual oppression. The verse emphasizes the completeness of the healings—no one was left out.
The Greek behind Acts 5:16
- "πλήθος" (plēthos, G4128): This word means "multitude" or "large crowd." Its use here stresses the sheer number of people responding to the apostles’ ministry, not just a handful.
- "ἐνόχλεω" (enochleō, G3791): Translated as "vexed," this word carries the sense of being troubled or disturbed, especially by something persistent. It shows that those affected by "unclean spirits" were genuinely suffering.
- "πνεῦμα" (pneuma, G4151): This is the word for "spirit," and in this context, it refers to "unclean spirits," meaning forces or influences considered spiritually impure or harmful.
- "ἐθεραπεύοντο" (etherapeuonto, G2323): This verb means "were healed" and is in a form that shows ongoing or repeated action. It suggests that healing was a regular, reliable outcome for everyone brought to the apostles.
Why Acts 5:16 matters
- Acts 5:16 makes clear that the apostles’ ministry was not limited to Jerusalem but was drawing people from a wide region, showing the growing influence of the early church.
- The verse emphasizes that healing was available to all, not just a select few, which underlines the openness and power of the apostles’ work.
- By mentioning both physical sickness and spiritual oppression, Acts 5:16 shows that the early Christian message addressed the whole person—body and spirit.