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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 178

"The signs of an apostle..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:12

UNDENIABLE PROOF

In Paul’s defence he had to produce unmistakable and undeniable proof of his apostleship. In the first century, signs and wonders were the main means of proving apostleship!

“Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you
with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.”
2 Corinthians 12:12

1. The Appointment of Apostles

a) This was first practised by the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 3:14).
b) This was extended to include Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26).
c) Criteria used:
i) The candidate must have been with Jesus from the beginning.
ii) He must have seen the Risen Saviour.

2. “The signs of an apostle”

a) More than the above criteria were employed before an appointment to be an apostle can be made.
b) Signs of an apostle were demanded.
i) Definite things must be accomplished by the said apostle in actual life and ministry.
ii) There must be “perseverance” seen in the ministry of the apostles.
iii) Signs
iv) Wonders
v) Mighty deeds (miracles)

3. The signs and wonders and mighty deeds accomplished by Paul

a) Causing Elymas, a sorcerer to be struck by blindness at Paphos (Acts 13:6-12).
b) Healing of a cripple by Lystra (Acts 14:8-10).
c) Unusual miracles by the hand of Paul (Acts 19:11).
i) Healing
ii) Demons exorcised
d) Raising Eutychus from the dead (Troas) [Acts 20:7-10].
e) Establishing churches in many regions successfully would indicate the power of God was with Paul.

4. God’s sign of approval

In Peter’s first message in Jerusalem, he had this to say about the Lord Jesus and the significance of His life and ministry. The same words were used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:12.

“A Man attested by God to you,
by miracles, wonders and signs.”
Acts 2:22