The Healing Epidemic (New revised,condensed edition)

The healing gifts were given to the apostles because they were witnesses of the risen Lord, and in order that they could be identified and authenticated as genuine bearers of new revelation from God. Any other gifted healers such as Philip, Stephen and Barnabas were people who lived and served 'in the shadow' of apostles. It is possible there were some other helpers besides these three apostolic assistants who were given healing gifts (by the apostles) but no others are actually named in the Scriptures. Therefore it is a gross distortion of the record to claim that healings were everyday occurrences in every local church, wrought by the hands of all kinds of believers. Clearly, if there were others (empowered to heal by apostles) there could not have been many, for this would have completely obscured the authentication of apostles, which was the supreme purpose of the healing gift, according to the Bible.

 

The authenticating signs of a true apostle were signs, wonders and mighty deeds. The NIV rendering tries to capture the sense of the original: 'The things that mark an apostle- signs, wonders and miracles - were done among you ...' If numerous 'ordinary' preachers, deacons, or church members had been gifted to perform signs, wonders and miracles, then how would anyone have known who the true apostles were? How would they have known whose words were inspired by God and whose were not? How would they have known which men were the bearers of authoritative revelation and which were imposters?

1. Authority of Scripture Undermined

2. The Texts Say No!

3. Demons, Demons Everywhere!

4. Demons Cannot Occupy At Will

5. Proving the Gifts Have Ceased

6. Implementing James 5

7. The Law of a Sound Mind

8. A Medical View of Miraculous Healing