Bible Reading: Isaiah 43-44; Colossians 3
“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 (KJV)
Miracles are defined as an unusual event that manifests God’s direct intervention in the life of individuals or groups. These are events that both defied human logic and also revealed God’s glorious wonder; literally, miracles are wonderful. In the New Testament, several accounts of Jesus Christ and His Apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit performed miracles repeatedly which was also recorded as “signs and wonders”.
Miracles still occur today, and they occur as the deliberate acts of God in the affairs of men. The question is not whether God still performs miracles but whether our faith and heart is open enough to believe and receive them. In this passage we see the power of God displayed in the “signs and wonders” done by the hands of the apostles among the people. People are being healed from all manner of sickness and those afflicted with unclean spirits were being delivered from the oppression of the spirits. Men are in need of what only God can do, hence the miracle of signs and wonders.
The miracles are signs and wonders that validate our faith in the instructions and leading of our Lord Jesus Christ “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;” Mark 16:17 (KJV). Signs and wonders are meant to point us to the power of God for salvation and follows everyone that believes. God is able to deliver us from sickness, diseases and death. In Christ, our salvation and deliverance from all evil and attacks of the enemy is sure.
The apostles are doing the same miracles that the Lord Jesus did in his ministry. And they now exalted and proclaimed Jesus is behind these miracles. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. – Acts 3:12, 16.
Jesus is doing the miracles through His apostles. Jesus did miracles and told people, “Come unto me.” The apostles are doing miracles but saying “Come unto the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The miracles emphasize our need for physical and spiritual healing. Only Christ can grant this kind of salvation, and so we must listen to him. The apostles didn’t point to the miracles as an end in themselves, but taught the truth of Christ, of his person and work; the good news of the kingdom of God in connection to these things and signs and wonders follow them in the Name of Jesus Christ.
As we go about proclaiming the gospel of Christ, the same power is released for signs and wonders to everyone that believes in the finished work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father, validate your word again in my life with signs and wonders in Jesus Name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel