In the modern church, there is often debate about the place of miracles. Are they still needed? Do they have a role in evangelism or church growth today? To answer that, we must look back at the early church — specifically, the book of Acts — and ask: What role did miracles play in the growth of the church then?
The book of Acts is more than a history of the first-century believers; it’s a blueprint for mission, a testimony of the Holy Spirit’s power, and a record of how a small group of people turned the world upside down — in part, through miraculous signs and wonders.
Let’s explore the key roles miracles played in the expansion of the early church and what we can learn from them today.
🔹 1. Miracles Validated the Gospel Message
In a time when many claimed religious authority, miracles served as a divine signature, authenticating the message of Jesus Christ.
“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”
– Acts 2:43
Signs and wonders confirmed that the apostles were not preaching human ideas but divine truth. The miracles gave weight to their words, proving that God was at work among them.
🔹 2. Miracles Drew the Crowds
Throughout Acts, we see a pattern: a miracle occurs, a crowd gathers, and a Gospel sermon follows.
A prime example is Acts 3, where Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate. The miracle becomes the spark for a powerful sermon that leads to thousands believing.
“But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”
– Acts 4:4
Miracles caught attention — but they were never the end goal. They opened the door for the message of Christ.
🔹 3. Miracles Led to Salvation and Church Growth
Miracles were not merely impressive moments; they often resulted in transformed lives and growing congregations.
“The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people... more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.”
– Acts 5:12,14
People weren’t just amazed — they repented, believed, and joined the fellowship of believers. Miracles led to faith.
🔹 4. Miracles Demonstrated the Power of the Holy Spirit
Miracles in Acts weren’t limited to healing — they included deliverance, prophecy, divine protection, and boldness in preaching.
In Acts 13, when Paul blinds the sorcerer Elymas, the Roman proconsul sees the power of God and believes in Jesus.
“When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.”
– Acts 13:12
Miracles showed that the Gospel was not just words, but power.
🔹 5. Miracles Confirmed the Inclusion of All People
One of the most profound miracles in Acts wasn’t just physical healing — it was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles.
In Acts 10, while Peter is preaching at Cornelius' house, the Spirit falls, and the Gentiles speak in tongues. This miraculous moment confirms their place in God’s family.
“The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.”
– Acts 10:45
Miracles in Acts were not just signs of power — they were signs of inclusion and unity.
🔹 6. Miracles Sparked Regional Revival – Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa
The Gospel didn't stay in Jerusalem. As the apostles traveled, miracles became tools that opened entire regions to Christ.
✅ Lydda and Sharon – Acts 9:32–35
Peter heals a paralyzed man named Aeneas in Lydda. The result?
“All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
(Acts 9:35)
This wasn’t just an individual healing — it led to a regional awakening. Both towns saw the miracle and were moved to repentance and faith. One miracle led to mass conversions.
✅ Joppa – Acts 9:36–42
In Joppa, a beloved disciple named Tabitha (also called Dorcas) dies. Peter is called, and through prayer, she is raised back to life.
“This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”
(Acts 9:42)
Again, the miracle wasn’t the focus — it was the faith that followed. These stories illustrate how miracles led to revival not just in individuals, but in entire communities.
🔹 7. Miracles Were Not the Focus — But Jesus Christ
It’s important to note: miracles were not the foundation of the church, Jesus was. The church grew through:
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The preaching of the Word,
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The power of the Holy Spirit,
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Fellowship, discipleship, and sacrifice.
“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
– Acts 2:47
Miracles served the mission, not replaced it. They drew attention, but the message of Christ crucified and risen brought transformation.
🙏 What Does This Mean for Us Today?
We may not see miracles in the same frequency as Acts, but the God of Acts has not changed. When His people walk in unity, boldness, and obedience, miracles often follow. They are not for show, but for mission. Not to entertain, but to point to Jesus.
Let us seek not just the miraculous, but the Messiah behind the miracle. Let our churches not rely on signs, but also not ignore them. Let miracles — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual — serve their purpose: to glorify Jesus, strengthen faith, and lead many to salvation.
The Church in Acts grew because it was saturated in the Spirit, centered on Christ, and surrendered to God’s purposes.
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