http://www.ukapologetics.net/07/apostolicsigns.htm
So the apostles were specifically required to be witnesses to the ministry of Jesus and were empowered for this purpose. They had experienced the ministry of Jesus and they could provide direct testimony of the incredible things which they witnessed - none of us can do that today. Other Scriptures to carefully consult here are Matthew 10:1,8 Mark 16:20 and Luke 9:1-2. Also, in Acts 1:21, when the apostle's noted that Judas needed to be replaced, that verse is clear about the qualifications of an apostle.
But this was a ministry for a particular time, indeed, even the New Testament writers usually referred to the miraculous 'signs of an apostle' in the past tense (note Hebrews 2:3-4, for instance) - this tends to show us that they themselves knew that it was a spectacular ministry for a special time, and as the apostles began to pass from the scene, that particular ministry would cease. Moreover, the 'church fathers' who wrote in the first few centuries of the church, also seem to have understood and accepted this.
'The things that mark an apostle - signs, wonders and miracles - were done among you with great perseverance.' (2 Corinthians 12:12, NIV throughout).
'Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.' (Acts 2:43).
'The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.' (Acts 5:12).
'...People brought their sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.' (Acts 5:15-16).
'So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.' (Acts 14:3).
'The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.' (Acts 15:12).
'God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 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.' (Acts 19:11-12).
Neither can we leave out Hebrews 2, which confirms that the first century was a very special time in which the apostles - witnesses of the ministry of Jesus - were granted the ability to perform special signs:
'How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.' (Hebrews 2:3-4).
So the apostles were specifically required to be witnesses to the ministry of Jesus and were empowered for this purpose. They had experienced the ministry of Jesus and they could provide direct testimony of the incredible things which they witnessed - none of us can do that today. Other Scriptures to carefully consult here are Matthew 10:1,8 Mark 16:20 and Luke 9:1-2. Also, in Acts 1:21, when the apostle's noted that Judas needed to be replaced, that verse is clear about the qualifications of an apostle.
But this was a ministry for a particular time, indeed, even the New Testament writers usually referred to the miraculous 'signs of an apostle' in the past tense (note Hebrews 2:3-4, for instance) - this tends to show us that they themselves knew that it was a spectacular ministry for a special time, and as the apostles began to pass from the scene, that particular ministry would cease. Moreover, the 'church fathers' who wrote in the first few centuries of the church, also seem to have understood and accepted this.
'The things that mark an apostle - signs, wonders and miracles - were done among you with great perseverance.' (2 Corinthians 12:12, NIV throughout).
'Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.' (Acts 2:43).
'The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.' (Acts 5:12).
'...People brought their sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.' (Acts 5:15-16).
'So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.' (Acts 14:3).
'The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.' (Acts 15:12).
'God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 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.' (Acts 19:11-12).
Neither can we leave out Hebrews 2, which confirms that the first century was a very special time in which the apostles - witnesses of the ministry of Jesus - were granted the ability to perform special signs:
'How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.' (Hebrews 2:3-4).
3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.