“All Healed” (Acts 5:1-16)

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. (vs12-16)

Power was on the early church in an unusual way. Sinners were being killed (Ananias and Sapphira), caught in their lies, and the apostles were working miracles. All the sick were healed. There is none of this happening today in the same way. The apostles were a distinct group that no man dared join himself unto. Today, we have false apostles and deceitful workers, posing as men of God with great powers, but they do not have them, no, not a one.

When they spoke in tongues in Acts 2, which is where Pentecost took place and where we must go to learn about tongues, they spoke in actual discernible languages and dialects understood by the people around them. They spoke in languages, like someone would stand up and speak in German or Swahili, when they'd never learned it, as if I stood up to preach, only knowing English, but could be understood by 17 different dialects, even as it was in the Acts 2. It says, “And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:5-6).

Now, false prophets teach people to babble, 'blahblahblah”, and they call it speaking in tongues, but there is nothing godly about it. The apostles had to see the risen Lord, according to Peter, and all who claim the title now are false apostles, fearless before God, and bold enough to take a position that He hasn't given.

The apostles didn't try to heal people and then blame them for having no faith! Did you ever see Jesus fail? No, they actually healed everyone that came to them, because their power was real. And, this power was uniquely theirs to pass on, so that after Pentecost, no one could receive the gift of tongues, if they were not in the presence of an apostle. Simon coveted something more than salvation by Christ, “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit'” (Acts 8:18-19). Today, men chase after signs and wonders with no reverence for scripture, seeking experiences instead of the gospel that He has appointed for us.

I am not saying, nor do the scriptures teach, that miracles have ceased. You and I are saved by grace, taught Christ in the Spirit's power, and enabled to love. We worship the Lord Jesus, bow to Him, and do His will by power beyond our human ability; it is God by the gospel who makes us love. “For the purpose of the commandment [to preach Christ] is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1 Tim 2:5). Salvation's power is real; God is the God who hears prayer.

I had a severe stutter, which made preaching extremely hard, but the Lord healed me through prayer, though I knew that it wasn't promised. He says in 3 John 2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2). I knew that I could pray for God to heal my tongue, though “no” could be His answer. He could prosper my soul by keeping the stutter, and I would be content with humility and what He works by me. I also knew that He could keep me humble and loose my tongue for His glory. I prayed in faith and submission, and He healed me according to His will. Miracles do happen, but there is no one with apostolic power to speak in tongues or heal by the laying on of their hands.

Don't mistake this as a light thing; it is no light thing to say, “Thus says the Lord”, when the Lord hasn't said. It is no light thing to claim gifts that do not match the scriptures, and then draw attention away from Jesus Christ. The apostles were sent to establish the church, to say, “Thus says the Lord”, and by their miracles and their ability to pass the gifts on to others, they were revered. Their word was heard as being from God.

There is no new word from God! There is the Bible - Genesis to Revelations - the completed revelation of Jesus Christ. Don't associate with man-made pretended religion. Follow Christ by the apostle's doctrine and live reverencing them. Never join yourself to those who claim power that God hasn't given them, who take positions and pretend fresh revelations and knowledge. They would not have fooled the apostles with their babbling, and they mustn't fool us now.