Topical Encyclopedia The New Testament records that the first preaching of the Gospel was accompanied by miracles, which served as divine confirmation of the message and the messengers. These miraculous signs were essential in establishing the credibility and authority of the apostles and early Christian preachers, demonstrating that their message was from God.Biblical Foundation The Gospel of Mark records Jesus' promise that signs would accompany those who believe: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well" (Mark 16:17-18). This promise was fulfilled as the apostles began their ministry. Acts of the Apostles The Book of Acts provides numerous accounts of miracles accompanying the preaching of the Gospel. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues, which amazed the diverse crowd in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-12). This miraculous event drew attention and provided Peter the opportunity to preach, resulting in about three thousand conversions (Acts 2:41). Peter and John performed a notable miracle at the temple gate called Beautiful, healing a man lame from birth. This miracle astonished the people and provided Peter with another opportunity to preach the Gospel (Acts 3:1-10). The healing was a testament to the power of Jesus' name, as Peter declared, "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong" (Acts 3:16). Paul's Ministry The Apostle Paul also experienced the confirmation of his preaching through miracles. In Lystra, Paul healed a man crippled from birth, which led the people to believe the gods had come down in human form (Acts 14:8-11). This miracle, while initially misunderstood, provided Paul the chance to redirect the people's attention to the living God. In Ephesus, God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul, such that even handkerchiefs and aprons that touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and evil spirits left them (Acts 19:11-12). These acts of power validated Paul's message and led to the spread of the Gospel in the region. Purpose and Impact The miracles accompanying the first preaching of the Gospel served several purposes. They authenticated the divine origin of the message, demonstrated the power and authority of Jesus Christ, and provided tangible evidence of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world. These signs and wonders were not ends in themselves but pointed to the greater reality of salvation through Jesus Christ. The impact of these miracles was profound, leading to the rapid spread of Christianity despite opposition and persecution. The early church grew as people witnessed the power of God at work and responded to the call of the Gospel. As the writer of Hebrews notes, "God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will" (Hebrews 2:4). Conclusion The miracles that confirmed the first preaching of the Gospel were integral to the establishment and expansion of the early church. They served as divine endorsements of the apostles' message, drawing people to faith in Jesus Christ and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 16:20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 2:4 Library The Early Preaching and the First Disciples Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... The History of Simon Magus. The Foundation of the Church among the Jews The Propagation of Christianity. The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 Perishing or Being Saved The Gospel. The Evidences of Christianity, Deduced from the New Testament ... Go Teach all Nations Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
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