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Then we have the case of Stephen who wrought wonders and great signs among the people (Acts 6:8). Note: not just signs but great signs. Then there was Philip. He wrought many signs in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8). Subsequently, Philip was teleported (caught away) from the Ethiopian eunuch to Azotus (Acts 8:39/40). We also have the raising of the paralysed Aeneas and the dead Tabitha (Acts 9:32-43). Note here again that Peter brought the name of Christ into the healing in the first case and prayed in the second. Then we have prophecy (Acts 11:27-30). We also have the miraculous escape from prison of Peter (Acts 12); a similar occurrence to the letting out of the apostles by an angel in Acts 5:17-21. |
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Apart from the miraculous happenings in the early part of Acts there were large numbers who were converted (three thousand in Acts 2:41 and five thousand in Acts 4:4 for example). The number who became true disciples of Christ during his life here appear to have been relatively few. (The genuineness of the many that believed in John 2:23-25 may be questioned) Prophetically Christ said: "I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought and in vain" (Isaiah 49:4). The fruit from Christ's labours was almost entirely after he was glorified (Isaiah 49:5/6 and 53:10-12). The conversion of souls was in reality a |
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greater work than the curing of those who were suffering from physical ailments, because conversion has eternal consequences whereas physical healing in itself only affects us in this life, though of course it may lead to the healed person being usable in the testimony. |
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When we come to Paul's missionary activities we find that he also worked miracles, as he says in several places:- |
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2 Corinthians 12:12 "The signs indeed of the apostle were wrought among you in all endurance, signs, and wonders, and works of power". |
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Acts 15:12 "And all the multitude kept silence and listened to Barnabas and Paul relating all the signs and wonders which God had wrought among the nations by them". Note: the credit is given to God. |
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As to specific miracles we have the lame man at Lystra who was healed (Acts 14:8-20). However, it may be noted that in this case Paul did not apparently bring the Lord's name into the healing and the result was that Paul and Barnabas got the credit for the miracle and not the Lord. Paul and Barnabas had difficulty in restraining the crowds from sacrificing to them (v.18). In Philippi Paul cast out a spirit of Python, but in this case Paul was careful to act in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:18). There was also the judgement that Paul exercised in the case of Elymas the magician by smiting him with temporary blindness (Acts 13:1-12). |
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When we come to the end of Acts we find that Paul did not suffer harm from the viper that seized his hand (Acts 28:1-6). This may be said to fulfil Mark 16:18 where it says: "They shall take up serpents". Later in the same chapter we are told of the cures that Paul effected in the island of Melita (now known as Malta). What emerges from all this is that at the beginning of the Assembly's history miracles were used to get Christianity established. There was evidence of power which meant that those who refused the Gospel were doing so in spite of the evidence before their eyes that God was giving his seal of approval to the |
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apostles' message. A perusal of the miracles we have already considered above will confirm this, thus:- |
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(2) Acts 3. The healing of the infirm man resulted in five thousand men being added (perhaps two thousand if the previous three thousand are included). |
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(5) Acts 9. The healing of Aeneas led to the inhabitants of Lydda and Saron turning to the Lord (v.35) and similarly the raising of Tabitha resulted in many believing on the Lord (v. 42). |
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As in the case of Christ, we do not find the apostles doing miracles for their own benefit, that is, to relieve their own ailments or infirmities. We have Epaphroditus sick (Philippians 2:25-27) and also Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20). Further, Paul advocated wine as a medicine for Timothy's stomach and frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23). In none of these cases are we given any idea that miracles were wrought to cure them. The persons were all Christians playing a supportive role to Paul. Further, Paul himself had a thorn for the flesh which was not taken from him by the Lord, though Paul prayed about it (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). |
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July 2000 |
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