What role does "signs and wonders" play in spreading the Gospel effectively? The Context of Romans 15:19 “by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” What Are “Signs and Wonders”? • “Signs” point to God’s reality—miracles that signify His presence. • “Wonders” awaken awe—events that cause hearers to take God seriously. • Together they reveal the supernatural backing of the message. Why God Used Them in Paul’s Ministry • Divine accreditation (Hebrews 2:3-4): God “testified with signs and wonders… by gifts of the Holy Spirit.” • Empowered proclamation (1 Corinthians 2:4): “My message and my preaching were… a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” • Swift geographic expansion (Romans 15:19b): from Jerusalem to Illyricum—roughly 1,400 miles—because miracles opened doors. How Signs and Wonders Help the Gospel Spread 1. Confirm the messenger – Acts 14:3: The Lord “confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” 2. Confront competing worldviews – Acts 13:6-12: Elymas blinded; the proconsul believed. 3. Stir spiritual hunger – Acts 2:43: “Many wonders and signs were being done… and everyone was filled with awe.” 4. Illustrate kingdom realities – Luke 7:22: “The blind receive sight… the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor.” 5. Point to Christ, not the miracle-worker – Mark 16:20: “The Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.” Key Principles for Today • The message remains central; miracles serve it, never replace it. • Authentic signs exalt Jesus, aligning with Scripture, not contradicting it. • The Holy Spirit distributes gifts “just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11); believers seek the Giver more than the gifts. • Discernment guards against counterfeit wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Living This Truth • Proclaim the gospel confidently; God still confirms His Word. • Stay submitted to Scripture, expecting the Spirit to work as He chooses. • Celebrate every genuine healing, deliverance, or providence as an invitation for people to trust Christ. |
    |