How does Acts 2:22 affirm Jesus' divine authority through "miracles, wonders, and signs"? The Setting in Acts 2 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene was a man attested to you by God through miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.” (Acts 2:22) Peter is preaching on the day of Pentecost, explaining to a huge crowd why the outpouring of the Spirit has occurred. His first proof is Jesus’ public record of miraculous works—a record so undeniable that he can appeal to their own memory. The Meaning of “attested by God” • “Attested” carries the idea of being officially proven or accredited. • God Himself supplies the evidence, leaving no gap between claim and confirmation. • Because God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2), His attestation makes Jesus’ authority absolute. Miracles: Demonstrating Sovereign Power • Miracles (dunameis, “mighty works”) reveal raw divine power at Jesus’ command. – Calming the storm (Mark 4:39) shows authority over creation. – Feeding the 5,000 (Mark 6:41–44) shows power to create. – Raising Lazarus (John 11:43–44) shows power over life and death. • Exodus 4:17 and 1 Kings 18:36–39 teach that such power belongs to God alone, so Jesus’ exercise of it proves His divine authority. Wonders: Stirring Holy Awe • Wonders (terata) emphasize the astonishment they produce. – After the miraculous catch of fish, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees (Luke 5:8), overwhelmed. • The awe factor points people beyond the event itself to the majesty of the One performing it (Psalm 66:3). • When the crowd is struck with fear and praise (Matthew 9:8), they are responding to God’s own presence revealed in Jesus. Signs: Pointing to Prophetic Fulfillment • Signs (semeia) serve as indicators directing observers to a deeper truth. – Isaiah 35:5–6 foretells that Messiah will open blind eyes and make the lame leap. Jesus does exactly that (Matthew 11:4–5). – Jonah’s three days in the fish prefigured Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 12:39–40). • Each sign declares, “This is the promised One,” verifying Scripture in real time. The Three Together: A Full Accreditation • Miracles display divine power. • Wonders provoke reverent awe. • Signs confirm prophetic promises. Combined, they form an ironclad, multi-angled endorsement from God the Father, leaving listeners without excuse (John 15:24). The Ongoing Testimony • The apostles continue to perform miracles in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:6–9), showing His authority did not end at the Ascension. • Hebrews 2:3–4 underscores that God still corroborates the gospel “by signs, wonders, various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” Takeaway for Believers Today Acts 2:22 assures that trusting Jesus is trusting the One whom God has unmistakably authenticated. The same power, awe, and prophetic certainty that accredited Him then continue to validate Him now, inviting confident faith, wholehearted obedience, and joyful proclamation. |
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