What role does witnessing miracles play in leading others to Christ in Acts 9:35? Setting the Scene Acts 9:35 stands in the narrative where Peter heals Aeneas: “Immediately Aeneas got up. All who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” The Miracle in Focus • Aeneas, paralyzed eight years, is instantly healed (Acts 9:32-34). • Peter credits Jesus alone: “Jesus Christ heals you!” (v. 34). • The healing is public, undeniable, and witnessed by entire communities. Immediate Impact: Turning to the Lord • “All… saw him and turned to the Lord” (v. 35). – “Saw” = direct, personal observation. – “Turned” = repentance and faith (cf. Acts 3:19). • The miracle acts as a catalyst, moving observers from curiosity to conversion. Why Miracles Move Hearts • Authentication of the messenger (Hebrews 2:3-4). • Visible proof of Christ’s risen power continuing on earth (John 14:12). • Awakening spiritual hunger; God’s kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). • Removing excuses—people cannot deny what their own eyes have confirmed (John 9:25). Miracles and the Gospel Partnership • Word and deed unite: Peter proclaims Jesus, then Jesus validates the proclamation (Mark 16:20). • Miracles draw crowds; the apostolic message explains the miracle and calls for faith (Acts 2:6, 14-41). • The pattern: sign → attention → gospel → belief (Acts 4:14, 33). Personal Application Today • God still uses extraordinary works and transformed lives to spotlight the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). • Our testimony of Christ’s power—physical, emotional, or spiritual—serves as living evidence that invites others to “turn to the Lord.” |
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