More Effective Than Miracles – Acts 14
“And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.” — Acts 14:11
Throughout the ministry of Jesus and the apostles, miracles were used as confirmation of their message. When Paul and Barnabas went into Iconium, the Lord allowed signs and wonders to be done by their hands (v.3). At Lystra, the people were amazed when they saw Paul heal a lame man (v.11).
As I consider these miracles, I think how helpful that must have been for them to have the power to God to heal people. It would certainly get attention and lend great credibility to their message. Yet, these signs and wonders were not a permanent thing and not something that everyone had or has the ability to do. The ability to heal and do miracles was given to the apostles to authenticate their message.
2 Corinthians 12:12 says, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
So, if these miraculous signs are not given to Christians today, then what proof do we have to authenticate our message? How do we verify that what we are saying is true.
We actually have something more sure and more powerful – the Word of God. The Apostle Peter, who did his share of miracles, said the Bible is a “more sure” than any supernatural experience (2 Peter 1:19). Hebrews 4:12 says the “Word of God is quick, and powerful…”
So, if we desire to gain the attention of people and speak with authority, then we must open and expound the Word of God. It will not convince everyone, but it is all that we need. If men will not hear it, then they will not believe the greatest miracle such as one rising from the dead (Luke 16:31).
This encourages me to know that I can speak with great authority when I open the Word of God. It excited me to know that I don’t need anything other than the Bible and God’s Holy Spirit when I stand before unbelievers. And it blesses me to know that God has given to me all that I need in His Word.