Acts 19:8-12 – Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
“This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” As in Corinth, Paul was able to minister from Ephesus for a prolonged period of time where many came to the Lord. It is also thought that he used Ephesus as a base to also minister to the surrounding areas. He would go out, and also those with him would, so that the word was spread throughout Asia.
“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” The miracles listed that were done through Paul are astonishing. Instead of concentrating on the believability of what was done we should concentrate on how this is yet another example of the love of God for the unbeliever. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:22 “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” He wrote that because the Holy Spirit lived within him and was continuously remaking his heart to become more like the heart of God. In expressing that Paul was revealing God’s heart. It is obvious that God will stop at nothing to save the lost (1 John 4:8, 2 Peter 3:9). Since the Father gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16) to save us we ought to consider how great God’s love for us is (1 John 3:1). Since Jesus was sent to live among mankind, to be ridiculed, to suffer, to be tortured and cruelly killed, certainly the love of God will stop at nothing to save the lost, including these types of awe inspiring miracles. These miracles were done through Paul but not by any power of Paul, but by the power of God flowing through Him. It is what the people of that time at that location needed and God knew it so God did it.
Family and Friends, it would not be surprising for God to do miracles like these in the world today. Since God did it before He could do it today. Certainly the world could use miracles like these to get the attention of non-believers in this world. To get the attention to point to Jesus. God knows what the world needs to believe and He will do what He needs to do. Certainly non-believers will scoff. That is to be expected. What is sad is that those who will rail most against works of God like these will be believers. Believers who put God in a box because of the doctrine they have been taught and that they embrace. Family, God will do what God will do and He has no need to conform to silly limiting doctrine. What God needs to do to save our family and friends is what He will do. He loves the lost and knows what is best. Let’s be ready to see the leading of God, whether miracles are done or not, and to walk in it. Of course it is basic that we need to know the Word, but we also need to remember that the Spirit will lead and we will follow and then we will see the greatest of all miracles, that being the salvation of a soul from eternity lost to eternity saved. Praise our all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-loving God. Yes, praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”