What role do "signs and wonders" play in affirming God's power in Acts? Signs and Wonders in Acts: Showcasing God’s Power Acts Snapshots: Key Verses Acts 2:22 — “Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.” Acts 2:43 — “A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.” Acts 4:30 — “Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 5:12 — “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people…” Acts 6:8 — “Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” Acts 14:3 — “So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” Acts 15:12 — “The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.” Why Signs and Wonders Matter in Acts • Divine Authentication – God certifies Jesus (Acts 2:22) and His messengers (Acts 14:3) by unmistakable power. – Miracles answer the question, “Is this truly from God?” with a resounding yes. • Catalysts for Faith and Awe – Acts 2:43 describes awe falling on “everyone,” softening hearts for Peter’s preaching. – In Acts 9:34–35, Aeneas’ healing leads “all who lived in Lydda and Sharon” to turn to the Lord. • Doors for the Gospel across Cultures – Samaria: Philip’s signs cause crowds to pay close attention (Acts 8:6–8). – Gentile world: Lystra witnesses a crippled man leaping (Acts 14:8–18); Jerusalem Council later cites such wonders as proof of God’s work among Gentiles (Acts 15:12). • Validation of New Leaders – Stephen (Acts 6:8) and Philip (Acts 8) operate in power, showing that God’s authority is not limited to the Twelve. – Paul, a former persecutor, is accepted because God “did extraordinary miracles through Paul” (Acts 19:11). • Clash with Counterfeit Power – Elymas the sorcerer blinded (Acts 13:8–12) exposes false spiritual claims. – In Ephesus, miracles through Paul lead magicians to burn their scrolls (Acts 19:17–20). Consistent Old-Testament Echoes • Exodus backdrop: Moses “performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness” (Acts 7:36). • Prophetic expectation: Joel 2:30–32 (quoted in Acts 2:19) links end-time outpouring with “wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below.” What We Learn about God’s Power – It is present, personal, and purposeful—not spectacle for its own sake. – It always directs attention to Jesus’ name (Acts 3:6,16; 4:10). – It advances the mission—each miraculous moment in Acts is tied to proclamation. Living It Out • Expect God to confirm His Word (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3–4) while anchoring every experience to Scripture. • Seek boldness first; leave the miraculous component to God’s sovereign choice (Acts 4:29–31). • Evaluate every “sign” by its fruit: Does it magnify Christ, spread the gospel, and align with Scripture? |
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