Signs and wonders, miracles of healing and deliverance, supernatural manifestations and protection were daily experiences in the early Church. These miracles were not performed only by Apostle Peter. The scripture reveals that, “many wonders and signs were done by the apostles,” (plural) (Acts 2:43). “And with great power gave the apostles (plural) witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,” (Acts 4:33). “And by the hands of the apostles (plural) were many signs and wonders wrought among the people,” (Acts 5:12).
Although all the Apostles preached the word and God confirmed the word with miracles, healings, wonders and signs following, “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul,” (Acts 19:11,12). The Apostle Peter also had some unique, uncommon and special manifestations of the Spirit (Acts 5:15,16).
Yet, we must not limit the working of miracles, healing of the sick and effective, dynamic praying to the Apostles. Believers can have the same power and authority (Mark 16:17,18; Luke 10:1-3,17-20; John 14:12; Acts 6:8; 8:5-8; 11:19-21; James 5:15-18). The Church and the recipients of miracles were filled with joy, but the religious leaders of the time, were filled with indignation. They imprisoned the Apostles, but the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and released them to continue preaching the saving gospel.
The angelic release was to prove that the Apostles were doing God’s will and preaching the gospel. The release was a rebuke to the religious leaders to convict them of their guilt and an encouragement to the ministers of the word to remain faithful in the holy and heavenly calling. Their angelic release was a striking proof to all the people that the message they were hearing was sent from heaven. Angelic ministrations to God’s people are still as real today as of then.
The Apostles and the disciples, all the ministers and members were persecuted for believing and preaching Christ. But they remained devoted and dedicated to the Lord and the preaching of the gospel. They were threatened, imprisoned, beaten, driven from their houses and scattered everywhere. While some were hated and rejected by their unbelieving neighbours, others were stoned and killed. Yet, they continued steadfastly with Christ, with the Church and in the ministry of preaching the saving gospel of Christ.
“Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” These persecutors acknowledged the zeal, passion and evangelistic success of the Apostles. They confirmed that the city was filled with the message of salvation and life in Christ.
The response of the Apostles showed their resolve: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” They said: “We have received our commission from God and we dare not play it down at the desire, command or threat of men.” In spite of all forms of persecution directed against the early Church, they ceased not to preach the gospel. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ,” (Acts 5:42). “Therefore, they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word,” (Acts 8:4).
• Further reading (King James Version): Acts 5:1-42; Acts 5:1-11; Joshua 7:10-13,16-25; 2 Kings 5:20-27; 6:11,12; 1 Kings 14:6-14; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Deuteronomy 13:6-8; Psalm 50:16-22; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 12:15,28; 1 Peter 1:16,17; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11. Acts 5:12-22; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 9:32-35,42; 19:11,12; John 14:12-14; Hebrews 2:1-4; Mark 16:15-20; Acts 12:7-11,20-24; Isaiah 37:36; Acts 27:23-25; Hebrews 1:7-14; Psalm 34:7. Acts 5:23-42; 4:18-20; Galatians 1:10-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6; Jeremiah 1:7-10; Ezekiel 2:4-8; Luke 12:4-9; 24:47,48; Romans 1:15,16; Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
