Along with signs and wonders the disciples walked daily in the fear of God. Members of the church had seen a demonstration of what it means to lie to the Holy Spirit. Frequent signs and wonders imposed an awesome reverence for God on the entire church. This fear “came upon every soul” (Acts 2:43). The word came is in the imperfect tense and denotes a continual, abiding, long-lasting, on-going sense of awe.

Supernatural signs put the fear of the Lord not only on the New Testament Church, but also on those outside the Church. One commentary states, “the non-Christian population felt a certain apprehension over against a group in whose midst supernatural events were taking place.”

Luke refers to the fear of the Lord in the New Testament Church many times throughout Acts. 

Acts 5:11 “And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”

Acts 9:31 “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”

Acts 19:17 “And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.”

Fear can be healthy depending on the subject and the motivation for it. Fear keeps people from getting too close to the cliff’s edge. It keeps them from sticking their hands in hot fire. It keeps them from becoming reckless. The fear of God brings positive benefits.

Proverbs 14:26-27 “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”

Psalm 34:9 “Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!”

The fear of God is an awesome reverence and respect toward God, knowing He is totally righteous and full of mercy and truth; He compensates and rewards the obedient in faith; and He judges, chastens, and punishes the disobedient in faith.

A person’s fears become dominant in their life. The heart that fears the Lord is submitted to Him. The fear of the Lord shapes a God-centered way of life that acknowledges Him in all ways. A person who is aware of the presence of God and has a holy fear of Him allows no room for compromise or neutrality with sin and evil conduct.

Proverbs 8:13 “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil

and perverted speech I hate.”

A healthy fear keeps Christians from being self-assertive, proud, and boastful. It continually reminds them that they will give an account to God for their actions and words. Because of the fear of the Lord, they treat their fellow man decently. It restrains them from giving in to their base nature and keeps them from going to extremes. 

Solomon was known as the wisest man on earth. At the end of his life his conclusion was: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). That summarized it for Solomon because he knew, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:14). In the end, every secret thing will be judged by a righteous God.

Believers need to be sure they fear God, not someone or something else. For instance, the Bible says not to fear false prophets (Deuteronomy 18:22), or the face of man (Proverbs 29:25), or man-made religion (Isaiah 29:13). Many who lead people astray using fear as one of their tools. They appeal to people’s fears while pushing false doctrine, or they use fear of violence to dominate others’ lives.

Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”

All such fear is man-centered and self-centered, motivated by self-preservation and self-defence. The fear of the Lord is God-centered and motivated by true knowledge of Him, true love for Him, and commitment to do His will.

In a believer’s desire to see the blessing of God and to see the promise of God fulfilled in their life, they must not be at the center of their own life, goals, and desires. When the focus of a Christian’s faith and prayers is “God bless me, and give to me, and meet my needs, and be nice to me, me, me, me,” then their primary concern is not for God’s honour and glory but for their own benefit. To a degree they are not living in the fear of the Lord!

That does not mean God God does not want to bless them. It means that only those who fear the Lord and put Him first experience His real blessing. So, the local church needs to maintain essential teachings on the healthy fear of God.

As Spirit-filled believers, we claim to want to rediscover the life and pattern of the New Testament Church and so see awesome signs and wonders. But I am concerned that the absence of one of its most essential characteristics – the fear of God – will keep us from experiencing awesome signs and wonders. We know the comfort of the Holy Spirit. We have learned to have liberty in the prescience of the Lord. We have experienced the moving of the Holy Spirit and the joy He gives, but too often our motivation is to get whatever we can from the Lord when are in His presence. This is a deficient attitude. It produces a careless lifestyle. Some, in the past, have called it “sloppy agape”. 

The fear of the Lord should impact every aspect of a person’s life. An ever-increasing wisdom will provide new insight into handling life’s difficulties. And, most of all, relationships with others will be conducted from God’s point of view.

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

When the entire local Christian community is guided by the fear of the Lord, people will be transformed and will show forth the love and glory of God. This in itself will be another awesome sign. All onlookers will see a demonstration of God’s nature in practical everyday living, and when Christian love one another, the world will believe. 

Jerusalem Christian sought miracles with faith and proper motives. They were  not seeking money (Acts 8:18), a demonstration of human power (Acts 14:11-15), or a hypocritical ritual (Acts 19:13-16). Miracles happened as believers tapped into the mind of the Lord, walked in it, and acted in faith — not presumption. 

In fact, 1 Samuel 15:23 warns against the sin of presumption. 

“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and the sin of presumption is like the evil of idolatry.”

The Purpose of Miracles:

The purpose of miracles are as follows:

1> The deliverance and preservation of God’s people based on His love and compassion for them.

Ten times the Gospels say Jesus was moved with compassion (pity). Miracles testify to God’s love and caring relationship with His people

Mark 1:41 “Moved with pity (compassion), he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’”

2> The encouragement of real faith, in believers and unbelievers.

The manifested power of God always causes people to stand in awe and have a healthy fear of God. Faith is sometimes built upon this kind of experimental knowledge, people literally experiencing the power of God in real life.

Acts 5:11 “And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” 

3> Miracles validated Jesus’s message and His identity.

John 14:11 “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.”

4> Miracles accompany evangelism and the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Miracles are part of the Great Commission.

Mark 16:17-20 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”

Romans 15:18-19 “For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ…”

Dunamis (power) is given to dynamite people in the Kingdom of God. Those who are not passive. When men believe the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom and see miracles, the Father is glorified in and through the Son.

Signs and wonders have not ceased or disappeared from the Church. The Word still needs confirming. Society still needs to know that the Kingdom of God has come, and the members of the Church have an ongoing need to see the demonstration of God’s power. Signs and wonders are basic elements of Church life. 

The truth and dynamics of the New Testament Church are being restored, including the working of miracles and sign and wonders. A miracle is a supernatural event that breaks into the natural. It is the spiritual breaking into the natural or the material world. 

One Greek word translated miracle is dunamis. This word is used 113 times in the New Testament. It means inherent power or the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. It refers to God’s energy, power, ability, influence, wealth, or might. It is translated power(s) 77 times; mighty or mightily, 13 times; miracle(s), 8 times; strength, 7 times; virtue, 3 times; ability, 1 time; and abundance, 1 time.

The New Testament Church carried on its mission in the power of the Holy Spirit. This pattern will continue until the second coming of Christ, according to the Bible. Spiritual power will increase greatly before the Lord’s second advent. The Church will move in great power, and so will the domaine of darkness. Therefore, believers will need to distinguish God’s miracles from other miracles. People attracted to spiritual power just for the sake of power open themselves to delusion or deception.

Key passages using dunamis include:

Revelation 11:6 “They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.”

2 Thessalonians 2:9 “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders…”

Another important word pertaining to miracles is the Greek word semeion. It refers to a distinguishing mark by which something is known or a visual sign by which something is recognized. It is used 61 times in the New Testament. It is translated as sign(s) 34 times; miracle(s), 22 times; wonder(s) 3 times; token, 1 time; and tare, 1 time. 

John uses semeion in his Gospel to refer to miracles that are signs of Christ or that reveal something about Christ’s nature. For John, miracles always pointed to something about Jesus as King or about His Kingdom.

John 6:14 “When the people saw the sign that he (Jesus) had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

John 12:18 “The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he Jesus) had done this sign.”

Signs never are an end in themselves. They are signposts, prophetic markers, or supernatural revelations of something beyond themselves. In the New Testament they were signs that the Kingdom of God has come, For example:

• • • Jesus turned the water into wine (John 2:1-11) and then cleansed the temple (2:12-25), demonstrating that the New Covenant era had come.

• • • Jesus fed the 5,000 (John 6:1-15) and then revealed Himself as the Bread of Life (6:25-59).

• • • Jesus healed a man born blind (John 9:1-7) and revealed Himself as the Light of the World (9:5).

• • • Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44) and revealed Himself as the Resurrection and the Life (11:25).

People who sought miraculous signs as an end in themselves were condemned by the Lord. They sought miracles for self-centered reasons or for personal blessing. Bored religious people even sought signs for entertainment.

A third Greek word referring to the miraculous is Ergon. It refers to a deed, action, or accomplishment. It describes something brought into being by work. It is used 177 times in the New Testament and his usually translated work(s) or deed(s). This word clearly shows that the work of God includes miracles.

John 5:20 “For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.”

John 5:36 “But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.”

John 9:3-4  “Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.’”

The work and words of God are related. Every work has within it a word. Every miracle has a message. Miracles encourage people to believe the message.

John 14:10-11 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.”

Jesus promised that the pattern of ministering the work and words of God would increase in the Church.

John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”

More next time…

In the book of the Acts of the Holy Spirit accomplished through the first apostles we read: “Then fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43). 

Supernatural signs and wonders revealed God’s presence in the early Church. Through miracles, God gave tangible, visible evidence that He, who is supernatural, was in fact present. Miraculous signs occurred frequently. They were part of the ongoing, normal lifestyle of the Church. The testimony of signs and wonders created a healthy fear of the Lord and a sense of wonder in the people. God used miracles and wonders to authenticate the leaders He sent and to prove their message was His own. Miracles also commanded the attention of people outside the church.

Hebrews 2:4 “God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

The word wonders describes an event or object so strange that people stop to watch or observe it. It is a prodigy or a portent. In Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, wonders is found only in plural and in combination with the word signs. The word translated signs means a mark or token that distinguishes a person or thing from others. Sighs also can also point to remarkable events soon to happen.

The phrase signs and wonders appears 16 times in the New Testament, nine times in the book of Acts (2:19,22,43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 7:36; 14:3; 15:12. See also Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; John 4:48; Romans 15:19; 2 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Acts 2:43 begins a series of verbs of the imperfect Greek tense, which attest to the continual activity in miracles.

God gave signs and wonders to the Church as gifts. They were inseparable from the life and preaching of the Church. They were an integral part of the mission of the Church. Without the supernatural, Jesus Christ would not have been born and lived among men. Without the supernatural the New Testament Church would not have begun. The New Covenant people of God are called to be supernatural people in every area of life.

Acts 5:12a “Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.”

Acts 6:8 “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.”

Acts 14:3 “So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”

The supernatural presence and power of God was evident in the following variety of ways:

HEALING: The Church ministered supernatural healing to people. As a result, the Word of God spread as it would not have otherwise.

Acts 9:34-35 “And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.’ And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.”

Acts 14:9-10 “He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ And he sprang up and began walking.”

Acts 28:8-9 “It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.”

You can also have a look at Acts 3:6 and 8:6-7

Healing included raising people from the dead

Acts 9:40-42 “But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”

DELIVERANCE: God supernaturally delivered people from difficult circumstances. Often angels participated in the deliverance.

Acts 5:19 “But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out …”

Acts 12:7 “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his hands.”

Acts 28:5 “He (Paul), however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.”

God also delivered people from evil spirits (demons). Believers confronted the domain of darkness and cast out demons

Acts 16:18 “And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.”

More next time…

We are talking about apostolic fellowship. And a simple phrase in the New Testament leads to an understanding of how Christians are to relate together in true fellowship. That phrase is one another, the Greek word alleles. Verses that contain this phrase speak of believers lives together and how they are to treat one another.

The basis of their relating to one another is the relationship they have with God. As a result of being born agin they have received the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23b). This gift of ‘eternal life’ is defined in John 17:3 which states: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” As a result of this intimacy with the Lord and our heavenly Father we can then have fellowship with one another. We can then share the most precious things together.

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Christians are to fellowship with one another in the following ways:

• • “Have peace with one another” (Mark 9:50) In this way we will be the salt of the earth.

• • “Be kindly affectionate to one another” (Romans 12:10) We are to love one another as members of one family.

• • “Giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10). We are to prefer others in specific acts of service.

• • “Be of the same mind towards one another” (Romans 12:16). We are to be unified in values and goals. (See: Romans 15:5)

• • “Receive one another” (Romans 15:7). Fully accept one another.

• • “Admonish one another” (Romans 15:14). Caution one another, reminding each other of the dangers that might lie ahead.

• • “Greet one another” (Romans 16:16). Embrace one another in a full-hearted welcome. (See: 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14).

• • “Wait for one another” (1 Corinthians 11:33). We aren’t to selfishly move ahead of one another.

• • “Have the same care for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:25) Treat every member with the same concern and affection.

• • “Serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). We are now free to dedicate ourselves to one another, being a blessing, serving in practical ways. (See: 1 Peter 4:10). Koinonia may also have reference to the collection and distribution of gifts (Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13; Hebrews 13:16).

• • “Bearing with one another” (Ephesians 4:2). We are to bear with one another’s weaknesses,. Standing strong in our devotion to one another no matter how offended we might get. (See: Colossians 3:13)
• • “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Be gracious and easy going with one another.

• • “Tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32). We Must be filled with compassion for one another, graciously forgiving one another from our hearts. (See: Colossians 3:13).

• • “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). Bring the presence of the Lord into the center of our fellowship.

• • “Submitting to one another” (Ephesians 5:21). Respect one another and respond to one another with a word of encouragement in times of crisis and discouragement. (See: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:25).

• • “Edify one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Always build each other up and not tear down; be a blessing and not a curse.

• • “Consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Positively provoke one another to press forward in the will of God.

• • “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). Be open and honest with one another.

• • “Pray for one another” (James 5:16). Stand in the gap for one another in the presence of the Lord.

• • “Having compassion for one another” (1 Peter 3:8). Be sympathetic for one another, identifying with each other at the point of need.

• • “Be hospitable to one another” (1 Peter 4:9). Have a sincere desire to host one another in our homes. 

These are summed up in 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”