Topical Encyclopedia The apostles, chosen by Jesus Christ, were endowed with the extraordinary ability to perform miracles as a testament to their divine commission and the truth of the Gospel. This empowerment was a fulfillment of Jesus' promise and a crucial aspect of their ministry, serving to authenticate their message and demonstrate the power of God at work through them.Biblical Foundation The empowerment of the apostles to perform miracles is rooted in the direct commission given by Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles with specific instructions and authority: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8). This mandate underscores the divine authority bestowed upon them to carry out miraculous works. The Day of Pentecost The pivotal moment of empowerment occurred on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak in various tongues and perform signs and wonders. Acts 2:4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This event marked the beginning of their public ministry and the spread of the Gospel with divine power. Miracles as a Testimony The miracles performed by the apostles served as a powerful testimony to the truth of their message and the reality of the risen Christ. In Acts 3, Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. Peter declares, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). The miraculous healing not only astonished the onlookers but also provided Peter with the opportunity to preach about Jesus' resurrection and the need for repentance. Signs and Wonders Throughout the Book of Acts, the apostles performed numerous signs and wonders, which were instrumental in the growth of the early Church. Acts 5:12 notes, "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people." These acts of divine power included healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead, as seen in the account of Peter raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead in Acts 9:40. Authority Over Demons The apostles were also given authority over unclean spirits. In Acts 16, Paul commands a spirit of divination to come out of a slave girl, demonstrating the power of Christ over demonic forces. Acts 16:18 records, "Paul became so annoyed that he turned and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' And it left her at that very moment." Purpose and Impact The miracles performed by the apostles were not merely acts of compassion but served a greater purpose in God's redemptive plan. They confirmed the apostles' authority as Christ's messengers and facilitated the spread of the Gospel. The miraculous works drew crowds, opened doors for evangelism, and validated the apostles' teachings as divinely inspired. Legacy of Miraculous Empowerment The empowerment of the apostles to work miracles set a precedent for the early Church and established a foundation for the continuation of spiritual gifts. While the apostolic age was unique in its manifestation of miraculous power, the legacy of the apostles' ministry continues to inspire faith and affirm the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:1,8And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 16:20 Luke 9:1 Acts 2:43 Library Come Rest Awhile Acts III Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Luther's Separation from Rome. Luther's Separation from Rome Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace. John v. 23, 24 That the Holy Spirit is in Every Conception Separable from the ... Concerning the Ministry. Resources What is an apostle? | GotQuestions.orgIs apostolic succession biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is apostolic doctrine? | 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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