Solomon's Porch : biblical origin

Solomon’s Porch was an outdoor colonnade next to Herod’s Temple, the center of worship in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. The porch extended approximately 800 feet from a series of 162 columns some of which were as much as 100 feet tall. Jesus was walking in this portion of the temple during the Feast of Dedication one winter day when He was confronted by Jewish leaders who wanted to stone Him when he made it clear to them that He is the Son of God. Because of this unequivocal declaration about himself, Solomon’s Porch should be a place where believers can claim a rich heritage of unequivocal belief and acceptance of the Lord Jesus as the Son of the Living God, and we lay claim to that heritage.

After the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Solomon’s Porch was the meeting place for the early, post Pentecost church led by the Apostles. In Acts chapter 3, we find the story of Peter and John on their way to Solomon’s Porch when they encountered and were used by the Holy Spirit to heal the lame man at the gate beautiful: Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. Clearly, Solomon’s Porch is a place which rightfully has a rich heritage of praise and rejoicing for healing and restoration and all the goodness and mercy of God, and we lay claim to that heritage.

The early church that met on Solomon’s Porch was a loving, sharing church. Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

The record is that nobody lacked for anything. As a matter of fact, members of means were known to sell houses and lands and other possessions and lay the proceeds at the feet of the Apostles for distribution to those in the church who did not have. Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, Act 4:35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Clearly, Solomon’s Porch is a place which rightfully has a rich heritage of caring, sharing, and taking care of the needs of its members, we lay claim to that heritage.

The early church that met on Solomon’s Porch was a Spirit-filled church engaged in the mission of proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ. The out pouring of God’s grace and mercy and blessing was upon them. Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Solomon’s Porch is a place which has a heritage of fulfilling the mission of the great commission with the great empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and we lay claim to that heritage and the great grace that comes with it.

The early church that met on Solomon’s Porch was led by the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. They were spirit-filled, they were united and they allowed the Spirit to use them to win men and women to Christ. 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 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women). Clearly, Solomon’s Porch is a place which rightfully has a rich heritage of dedicated, inspired, united leadership, and we humble ourselves under the hand of God and pray that we will be useful to Him in leading souls to Christ.

Let us pray that it will be in the latter rain Solomon’s Porch as it was in the former rain Solomon’s Porch as we eagerly await the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

– Elder Robert Mike, II