Acts 5:12-1612. Now many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor. 14. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, 15. so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
Acts 19:1-121. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2. And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3. And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." 4. And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." 5. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7. There were about twelve of them in all. 8. And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and pleading about the kingdom of God; 9. but when some were stubborn and disbelieved, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. 11. And God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12. so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
"12. Now many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high honor" The "rest" didn't dare to join the apostles because of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira--they offered less than "all" the money they made from the sale of their land -- they held back some of their blessings -- rather than return them all to God and trust in His blessings--so they died! People didn't want to be "found out" when they had less than pure motives, or less than a devoted heart, so they were the ones who hid.
It must have been amazing to be alive at the time of Acts -- frightening, exciting, exhilirating and dangerous! Sounds pretty odd coming from someone who is intimidated by the "Scooby Doo" roller coaster in kiddie-land at Kings Dominion! But just imagine the power of the Holy Spirit being unleashed and indwelt everywhere the apostles went! The sheer radiant energy must have been amazing!
"11. And God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12. so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." Paul was a leatherworker, and the handkerchieves were probably what he used to wipe his hands periodically as he worked.
I imagine it was easy to be caught up in the excitement of being a "new believer." It's said that these apostles spoke with such authority, that people had confidence in what they said. They performed miracles because it was a dangerous time and people needed spectacular signs to spur their faith.
We don't have these disciples among us today performing signs and wonders and seeing people being healed just by passing across a shadow or touching a handkerchief that was used by an apostle! That can make it more difficult to be enthusiastic and joyous in our faith lives. But we have the risen Christ -- and we see the evidence of his sacrifice everywhere if we look around us. Mother Theresa was one of those disciples--but she was a rare child of God! But even in the neighborhood where I live, the church offers shelter to CARITAS guests at least twice a year, and Coal Pit Learning Center is supported by the generosity of the believers! The Lambs Basket feeds our neighbors through the generosity of those who are able to donate food. These may not seem like miracles -- but they are certainly signs and wonders of God's grace active and working in the lives of those who meet the needs of others, and of those who are in need.
It's not as exciting to drive a homeless family to the showers at the YMCA, but it is just as meaningful, and maintains their dignity and lets them know that the love and power of Jesus Christ is active and resident in the world. So while we may not be in physical danger for our faith, we are in danger of being thought foolish -- housing a few homeless people won't wipe out homelessness in the nation -- or the world the scoffers will say. Donating a few pounds of rice and pasta won't erradicate hunger in the city or the state and especially not in the world the cynics will point out. We are the signs and wonders of today! How we live our lives and the choices we make and the way we conduct ourselves and the things we teach our children -- those are the signs. The result of all those are the wonders!
God loves us. Jesus died for us. Those are the only signs and wonders I need to be too excited to sleep at night sometimes! Those are the truths I have come to believe and to live. Jesus died for me. And God rose Him from the dead on the third day, to show me that I have a life in heaven awaiting me. What better reward could there be? What better reason to desire and strive to be the most perfect human being I am capable of being--in honor and gratitude for the gift of eternal life!?
I hope you spend your day recognizing the signs and wonders in your world today; rejoicing in the promise of the resurrection!
Mary
