Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19; 2 Corinthians 12; Ezekiel 26; Psalm 74
2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
The apostle Paul had to defend his apostleship to the Corinthian believers because there were those who doubted his authenticity. Even though Paul was used by God to start the church, there was division and strife among the people there. He had to remind them that God worked the signs of an apostle among them. Paul had done signs, wonders and mighty deeds in Corinth. There were given to the apostles to confirm the word they were preaching. Before the New Testament was complete, the apostles were speaking the Word of God. When an apostle taught, he was speaking scripture. However, God’s plan was that the apostles’ ministry would culminate with churches planted and with a complete New Testament. When John, the last of the apostles finished the Revelation, the churches no longer had the apostles, but they did have the New Testament.
The signs were there to authenticate the messenger. Just as God had given Moses some signs to prove that he was speaking on behalf of God, he gave sign gifts to the apostles.
Mark 16:17-20 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Notice that the Lord confirmed the word with signs following. The most important part of Paul’s ministry was not the signs but the Word he preached. Too many people get caught up looking for a sign and don’t focus on the Word of God. Jesus also warns that signs can be counterfeited:
Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The apostle Paul was determined to get the Word of God to the Corinthians. His most important focus was this:
1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
The Word of God is of utmost importance – let’s believe it and proclaim it!
In Christ,
Rody
