Many signs and wonders

“At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people.” (1) As a result of removing sin from within the church, supernatural blessings were bestowed upon them. (a) The apostles’ hands brought about more miracles. (b) According to this verse, only the apostles performed miracles, serving as a sign of apostolic authority. (2) “And they were all together in Solomon’s portico.” It suggests that gatherings were routinely held in Solomon’s portico, where the apostles frequently performed miracles. This passage conveys the dynamic within the early church. (3) “But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. And increasingly believers in the Lord, large numbers of men and women, were being added to their number.” Around the congregation of believers, there were two types of people: (a) Those who thought they cannot confess their faith lightly and did not join the fellowship. They still respected the believers. (b) Those who came to believe in the Lord because of the supernatural signs. They became part of the ekklesia.

Peter’s authority

“To such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any of them.” (1) The authority of Peter among the apostles is notably highlighted. (a) As Peter passed by, there were those who hoped that even his shadow might touch them. (b) Not only from Jerusalem, but people from the surrounding towns also came to Peter. (c) Everyone afflicted with various diseases or tormented by evil spirits was healed. (2) Peter possessed the authority to pronounce judgment (judgement against Ananias and Sapphira’s sin). This authority is based on Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (see also John 20:23). (3) Apostle Paul also held the same authority (ref. 1 Cor. 5:4-5). There is no need to assume that similar miracles continue to occur after the apostles have died. It is biblical to consider that the miracles, which served to validate the apostolic office, ceased with their passing. We should be cautious about directly applying historical events to ourselves today. The lesson we should learn is that the teachings of the apostles had authority and credibility.