“Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.”
As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats, that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them - the faith-logic here is almost magical, seeking contact with Peter's shadow (skia) as a conduit of healing power. This recalls the woman with the issue of blood touching Jesus's garment (Luke 8:44-48) and suggests that apostolic authority carries a tangible, transferable power. Luke records this without skepticism, implying that divine power can be mediated through proximity.
Church Fathers on Acts 5:15
the more added unto the Lord, believers, multitudes both of men and of women, insomuch that they brought out into the streets their impotent folk, and laid them upon couches and beds, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. Acts 5:12-15 For Peter was the wonderful one, and he to whom they more gave heed both because of his public harangue, the first and the second and the third, and because of the miracle; for he it was that wrought the…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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