Many Signs And Wonders Done

Spring, c. 33 AD

Many Signs And Wonders Done

Despite the terrifying judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira, the church continues to experience explosive growth and unparalleled miraculous power. The believers are constantly gathering in Solomon's Portico, held in high esteem by the general public. Multitudes of men and women are being added to the Lord daily.

The healing ministry of the apostles has reached an astonishing level. People from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem are bringing their sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits. They are carrying the sick out into the streets, laying them on cots and pallets, hoping that even the shadow of Peter might fall on them as he passes by. And all of them are being healed.

"And at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico."
— Acts 5:12

Timeline Box: This period of mass healing and public esteem occurred just before the second major persecution by the Sanhedrin.

Mosaic Era, 1445 BC

Miriam And Aaron Oppose Moses

A deep fracture has occurred within the top leadership of Israel. Miriam and Aaron have begun speaking against their brother Moses because of his Cushite wife. However, their true issue is jealousy over his authority. They challenge him, asking, "Has Yahweh indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?" And Yahweh heard it.

"Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married... and they said, 'Has Yahweh indeed spoken only through Moses?'"
— Numbers 12:1-2

Timeline Box: This rebellion occurred at Hazeroth, threatening the divine chain of command.

Mosaic Era, 1445 BC

Moses Is The Humblest Man

In the midst of the vicious verbal attacks from his own brother and sister, an editorial note is inserted into the biblical record regarding the character of Moses. It states that the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth. He did not defend himself against their accusations; he allowed Yahweh to step in and vindicate him.

"(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)"
— Numbers 12:3

Timeline Box: Moses' humility stands in stark contrast to the grasping pride of Miriam and Aaron.

Editorial: The Shadow Of Authority

True spiritual authority does not need to defend itself. When Miriam and Aaron jealously attacked Moses, he remained completely silent. His extreme humility allowed God to be his defender.

In Jerusalem, Peter possessed such immense, God-given authority that people believed merely his shadow could heal them. Yet Peter never demanded the spotlight; he constantly pointed the crowds back to the resurrected Christ. When leaders try to grasp power out of jealousy, like Miriam, they invite the discipline of God. But when leaders remain humble, allowing the Lord to work through them, even their passing shadow can bring life to a broken world.

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