Signs (Miracles) Of A True Apostle
Signs (Miracles) Of A True Apostle
SIGNS (MIRACLES) OF A TRUE APOSTLE (Acts 9:32-43)
Salvation had been for the Jews, now it was becoming a global phenomenon. We are seeing here a build up of miracles. Soon the gospel will be thrown open to the Gentiles.
First, we ask what is the purpose of miracles in the Bible?
"You see how God is so powerful and great? You can also do that if you only believe!" - This is the predominant belief among modern churches today (especially charismatics). But that is not the purpose of miracles and to think that way is to devalue the true meaning of miracles and to disillusion people.
The purpose of Biblical miracles are these:
1. To accredit the apostles as messengers of God (true apostleship accompany signs and miracles).
2. To point to the greater miracle that Christ is doing.
When Jesus fed the 5000, was it just because they were physically hungry? Or did it point to a deeper need (spiritual one) that only Jesus the Bread of life could satisfy?
What about the raising of Lazarus? Was it just for the sake of raising him or did it actually point to Jesus claiming Himself to be the Life and Resurrection and proving it?
When we see and hear miracles, we should not take it as something to imitate, rather that Jesus is ministering to us spiritually even as He is physically - feeding us and giving us life.
Healing of the Paralysed Man in our text
- When Jesus heals, it is not temporary or partial. It is complete and permanent, unlike modern day healing claims.
- When Jesus heals, there's no turning back to your bed (sin, bondages, past self) because He made us well to the utmost.
Healing of Tabitha in our text
- We can see many similarities between the raising of Lazarus and Tabitha. What does it mean? Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, then and now, and always!
Tabitha was raised to a mortal life again but she surely died again. Was that all that miracle was for? No. Rather, it should point us to a greater miracle which is Christ and Him giving us life - that which is eternal.