Sermons From Acts - The Miracles Of The Apostles (5:12-16)

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                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                The Miracles Of The Apostles (5:12-16)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following the death of Ananias and Sapphira, we read about...
   a. The signs and wonders being done by the apostles - Ac 5:12-13
   b. Where they were able to heal all those brought to them - Ac 5:14-16

2. "The Miracles Of The Apostles" provide an opportunity to make
   observations about...
   a. The success of the apostles' miracles
   b. The purpose of the apostles' miracles

[Similar observations can be made about the miracles of Jesus and Paul,
which can serve to critique so-called miracles today (are they really
miracles?).  So let's begin by noting...]

I. THE SETTING OF THE MIRACLES

   A. IN JERUSALEM...
      1. During the early days of the church - Ac 5:12; cf. Ac 2:43
      2. Daily in the temple, in Solomon's Porch - Ac 5:12; cf. Ac 2:46;
         3:1-10
      3. Even in the streets, as the shadow of Peter went by - Ac 5:15

   B. OTHER OCCASIONS...
      1. The miracles of Jesus - Mk 6:53-56
         a. In the land of Gennesaret
         b. In villages, cities, the country
      2. The miracles of Paul - Ac 19:11-12
         a. In the city of Ephesus
         b. During his extended stay while on his third journey

[In both rural and urban settings, wonderful things happened when true
men of God were healing the sick.  So let's consider carefully...]

II. THE SUCCESS OF THE HEALINGS

   A. IN JERUSALEM...
      1. The sick were laid out in the street on beds and couches - Ac
         5:15
      2. People from surrounding cities brought the sick and possessed
         - Ac 5:16
      3. Note well:  "they were all healed"

   B. OTHER OCASSIONS...
      1. Jesus in the land of Gennesaret - Mk 6:53-56
         a. When people heard He was there, they gathered the sick
         b. Wherever He went, they brought the sick to Him, on beds
            laying them in the market
         c. Note well:  "as many as touched Him were made well"
      2. Paul at Ephesus - Ac 19:11-12
         a. God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul
         b. Even handkerchiefs brought from his body to the sick healed
            them
         c. Note well:  implied is that all who received such
            ministrations were healed

[The crowds that gathered around the apostles, Jesus, and Paul were
understandable, for the success of these three men was remarkable.  Now
for an observation or two about...]

III. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MIRACLES

   A. IN JERUSALEM...
      1. The effect of the miracles led to high esteem among the people
         - Ac 5:13
      2. The purpose of apostolic miracles was to confirm their message
         - Mk 16:17-20

   B. OTHER OCCASIONS...
      1. The purpose of Jesus' miracles was to confirm His claims - Jn
         5:36; 10:25,37-38
         a. People who saw such signs made the connection - Jn 3:2;
            9:30-33
         b. Jesus did refrain from doing miracles on one occasion for
            lack of faith - Mt 13:58
         c. But note well:  He never failed any miracle that He Himself
            attempted!
      2. The purpose of apostolic miracles was to confirm they were
         from God - Ac 14:3
         a. God bore witness to His Word by gifts of the Holy Spirit 
            - He 2:3-4
         b. The apostles did not always heals those they knew were sick
            - 2Ti 4:20
         c. But note well:  the apostles never failed any miracle they
            attempted!

CONCLUSION

1. Today, there are self-proclaimed miracle workers who say God is
   working through them...
   a. Large crowds often attend their meetings, hoping to be healed
   b. But many people leave such meetings, disappointed that they were
      not healed
   c. Despite having such healers lay their hands on them, and pray for
      them

2. When true servants of God worked miracles, everyone was healed...!
   a. Whether it was the apostles, Jesus, or Paul
   b. The purpose of miracles to confirm they were servants of God
   c. And God left no room for doubt:  all were healed!

3. It is important to remember that such miracles were for a specific
   purpose...
   a. They were to confirm the message and messengers as being from God
   b. Once the Word of God was completely revealed and confirmed, there
      is no longer a need for such miracles of confirmation - cf. 1Co 
      13:8-10
   c. Which explains why such miracles are not being done today
   d. Contrary to claims made by false teachers who mislead many

When we carefully study the miracles of Jesus and those of His apostles,
comparing them with the so-called miracle healers of today, we can easily
see the difference...
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