Topical Encyclopedia The apostles, chosen by Jesus Christ, were endowed with miraculous powers to authenticate their divine commission and to advance the early Christian Church. This empowerment is a significant aspect of their ministry, as it demonstrated the authority and presence of God working through them.Commissioning and Empowerment The initial bestowal of miraculous power upon the apostles is recorded in the Gospels. In Matthew 10:1 , it is written, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness." This authority was not self-derived but was a direct empowerment from Christ, enabling them to perform acts that testified to the truth of their message. Purpose of Miraculous Powers The miraculous powers given to the apostles served multiple purposes. Primarily, they confirmed the divine origin of their message. In Mark 16:20 , it is noted, "And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it." These signs were essential in establishing the credibility of the apostles in a world where new teachings were often met with skepticism. Examples of Miraculous Acts The Acts of the Apostles provides numerous accounts of the miraculous acts performed by the apostles. In Acts 3:6-7 , Peter heals a lame man, saying, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" This miracle, among others, served as a powerful testament to the authority of Jesus' name and the truth of the apostolic witness. Another significant instance is found in Acts 5:12-16 , where it is recorded, "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people... Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed." These acts of healing and deliverance were instrumental in drawing people to the nascent Christian faith. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit played a crucial role in empowering the apostles. At Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:1-4 , the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to speak in various tongues and boldly proclaim the gospel. This event marked a significant turning point, as the Spirit's indwelling presence provided the apostles with the courage and ability to perform miracles and preach effectively. Continuation and Cessation While the miraculous powers of the apostles were evident in the early church, there is theological debate regarding the continuation of such gifts. Some hold that these powers were unique to the apostolic age, serving a foundational role in establishing the church. Others believe that the Holy Spirit continues to bestow miraculous gifts upon believers today, albeit in different forms and measures. Conclusion The miraculous powers given to the apostles were a divine endorsement of their mission and message. Through these acts, the apostles were able to demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom of God and the authority of Jesus Christ, laying the groundwork for the spread of Christianity throughout the world. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 10:1And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Nave's Topical Index Mark 3:15 Mark 6:7 Mark 16:17 Luke 9:1,2 Luke 10:9,17 Acts 2:4,43 Acts 5:12-16 1 Corinthians 14:18 2 Corinthians 12:12 Library Return of the Apostles. --Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand. ... Eldad and Medad The Healing Power of the Name 'Fragments' or 'Broken Pieces' The Motives of Judas in Betraying Jesus. Trial Mission of the Apostles in Galilee. (Luke, ix. ; Matt. , X. ... Acts VI Acts V Mythical view of the Miraculous Conception. --No Trace of it in ... The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Resources What are false apostles? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is the Apostles' Creed? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Apostles: A Title Distinguishing the Twelve Disciples Apostles: Authority of Commission of, Above Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above, Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Apostles: Miraculous Power Given To Apostles: Moral State of, Before Pentecost Apostles: Slow to Receive Jesus, As Messiah The Apostles were Hated by the World The Apostles were not of the World The Apostles were Unlearned Men The Apostles: Called by Christ The Apostles: Called by The Holy Spirit The Apostles: Christ Always Present With The Apostles: Christ Pre-Eminently Called "The Apostle" The Apostles: Empowered to Work Miracles The Apostles: Equal Authority Given to Each of The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon The Apostles: Instructed by the Spirit to Answer Adversaries The Apostles: Mutual Love Urged Upon The Apostles: Ordained by Christ The Apostles: Persecutions and Sufferings of The Apostles: Received Their Title from Christ The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh The Apostles: Selected from Obscure Stations The Apostles: Self-Denial Urged Upon The Apostles: Sent First to the House of Israel The Apostles: Sent to Preach the Gospel to all Nations The Apostles: Specially Devoted to the office of the Ministry The Apostles: The Holy Spirit Given To The Apostles: Warned Against a Timid Profession of Christ The Apostles: Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Related Terms |
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