Signs and Wonders in the Early Post-Apostolic Era

 

Today, believers can also engage in this work if and when needed. Our world is filled with folks who are demonically oppressed in numerous ways. When we encounter them, we may just be needed to help them break free from the enemy who has enslaved them.

Theophilus, c.180; Origen, c.248; Lactantius, c.304-313

“Even to this day, the demon-possessed are sometimes exorcised in the name of the living and true God.”

ANF 2.97

The authority and power of Jesus’ name is above all other names and adversaries. It is in His name that these works continued, and it is in His name that we continue His works today. Later, Origen and Lactantius also wrote about the power of Jesus’ name in this context:

“A similar philosophy of name applies to Jesus. His name has already been seen in an unmistakable manner to have expelled myriads of evil spirits from souls and bodies. This demonstrates how great the power was that was exerted upon those from whom the spirits were driven out” Origen, ANF 4.406

“Even at the present time, the demons and other unseen powers show that they either fear the name of Jesus as that of a Being of superior power, or else they reverentially accept Him as their lawful ruler. For if the commendation had not been given Him by God, the demons would not have withdrawn from those whom they had attacked. For they withdrew in obedience at the mere mention of His name.” Origen, ANF 4.479

“As long as there is peace among the people of God, these spirits flee from the righteous and fear them. And when they seize the bodies of men and harass their souls, they are adjured by [Christians] and are put to flight at the name of the true God.” Lactantius, ANF 7.159

The authority we have in Jesus name is more than we can imagine, but we need to understand something of this authority if we are to do works in His name.

Tertullian, c.180

“They realize that one day these woes will overtake them. Fearing Christ in God, and God in Christ, they become subject to the servants of God and Christ. So, overwhelmed by the thought and realization of those judgment fires, at our touch, our breath, and our command, they leave the bodies they have entered—unwilling and distressed. For before your very eyes, they are put to an open shame.” ANF 3.38

Here again, this time from Tertullian, we read that ordinary believers were doing this extreme ministry. If we are “servants of God and Christ”, the power we have in Christ is far superior to any power that the enemy can muster. Thus, if ministry to relatives or neighbors or street people brings us into a place where the demonic is manifest, we can rest assured the power of God is with us to enable us to do whatever is necessary is freeing slaves from Satan.

Tags: early, era, postapostolic, signs, wonders

Category: Church History, Spring 2009