John Calvin Commentary Acts 5:12

"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon`s porch." — Acts 5:12 (ASV)

He returns to miracles of another sort, which are more proper to the gospel; namely, by which Christ does not only declare his power, but also his goodness, so that he might allure men to himself with the sweetness of his grace. For he came to save the world, and not to condemn it.

Therefore, since the sick are healed, and others are delivered from devils, these benefits done for the body represent the spiritual grace of Christ; and therefore, they agree with his natural office, so to speak. The fearful sign that was shown in Ananias and Sapphira was an extraordinary occurrence. Luke says that the Church was increased by miracles because they serve for faith (as we have said), to prepare some and to confirm others.

This proves again what I have said elsewhere: that miracles must never be separated from the word. Luke shows the multitude of miracles by this: that the sick were brought out everywhere so that they might be healed. For God intended in this way to present the gospel of his Son, especially at the beginning, that he might with certainty testify to the Jews that the restoring of all things was present—the restoration which was so often promised and in which all their hope rested, as they themselves claimed (and made a show of believing).

It is well known that couches were certain small beds in which people in ancient times used to rest at noon. Because they could more easily carry them out, they laid the sick in them.

And they were all with one accord. This signifies to us that they were accustomed to meet together at certain hours, not only for doctrine and prayer's sake, but also that they might win others to the Lord, as opportunity arose. For everyone lived at home in his own house, but they had their meetings there, since assuredly the body of the Church cannot otherwise continue.

For if everyone is his own teacher and prays apart by himself, and if there are no meetings and assemblies, however excellently the Church may be ordered and appointed, it must inevitably decay and come to nothing. He says that they were all of one mind, so that we may know that they all kept that order willingly, and that no one was so disorderly as to keep himself at home, neglecting the public assembly.

In this, they showed a sign not only of modesty but also of constancy. For they could not do this without danger, since the place was so famous. For this reason, their unanimous agreement to put themselves at risk was all the more worthy of commendation.