Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "the hand" in biblical literature often symbolizes power, authority, and divine intervention. In the context of the early Christians, the "hand of the Lord" is frequently mentioned as a source of guidance, strength, and miraculous works, underscoring the divine support and empowerment that accompanied the nascent Church.Divine Empowerment and Guidance The phrase "the hand of the Lord" is used to describe the divine assistance that was evident in the ministry and expansion of the early Church. In Acts 11:21, it is recorded, "The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." This passage highlights the supernatural aid that facilitated the spread of the Gospel, resulting in the conversion of many to the Christian faith. The presence of God's hand signifies His active role in the mission of the apostles and the early believers, ensuring the success of their evangelistic efforts. Miraculous Works and Signs The hand of the Lord is also associated with the performance of miracles and signs, which served to authenticate the message of the Gospel and the authority of its messengers. In Acts 4:30, the early Christians prayed, "Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." This prayer reflects the reliance of the early Church on divine intervention to confirm their witness and to demonstrate the power of God at work among them. Protection and Deliverance The protective aspect of the Lord's hand is evident in the deliverance of the apostles from persecution and danger. In Acts 12:11, after Peter's miraculous escape from prison, he declares, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." The hand of the Lord here is seen as a means of deliverance, safeguarding His servants from harm and enabling them to continue their mission. Judgment and Correction While the hand of the Lord is often associated with blessing and support, it also represents judgment and correction. In Acts 13:11, Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounces judgment on Elymas the sorcerer: "Now the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind, unable to see the light of the sun." This incident illustrates the authority of the apostles to pronounce divine judgment, reinforcing the seriousness of opposing the work of God. Symbol of Authority and Commissioning The laying on of hands, a practice rooted in the Old Testament, continued in the early Church as a symbol of authority and commissioning. In Acts 13:3, the church at Antioch laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, sending them off on their missionary journey. This act signified the impartation of authority and the recognition of their divine calling, with the hand of the Lord accompanying them in their mission. In summary, the hand of the Lord with the early Christians is a multifaceted concept that encompasses divine empowerment, miraculous works, protection, judgment, and the commissioning of leaders. It underscores the belief in God's active presence and involvement in the life and mission of the early Church, ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes through His chosen people. Nave's Topical Index Acts 11:21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord. Nave's Topical Index Library Introductory Note Our Historical Scriptures were Attacked by the Early Adversaries ... Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ... The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First ... Introduction Introduction. The Lord's Prayer for Unity. Two Households Corinth Symbolism of the Church Building Resources What does the Bible say about being left-handed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Jonah 4:11 mean by people who cannot tell their right hand from their left? | GotQuestions.org What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Hand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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