“When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you.” (II Corinthians 12:12)

At first blush, all three proofs of Paul’s apostleship may appear to be synonyms. In reality, they come from three separate Greek words: semeiois, terasin and dunamesin.

Signs do not call attention to themselves, but point to something or someone else. The the turning of water into wine in Cana by Jesus is described as “the first of his signs” (John 2:11) that manifested God’s glory.

Wonders are those events which elicit wonder from the onlookers.

The root of the Greek word translated Miracles is the same one from which “dynamite” is derived. In other words, it is an explosion of power.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul implies that self-proclaimed “super-apostles” (v. 11) do not meet these three criteria which characterized his ministry.

While Paul seems to be playing defence, he insists that signs, wonders and miracles show up in the arena of ministry.

Are these three only limited to a special category of people known as “apostles?”

Let’s take a close look at the word itself. An “apostle” is simply “one who is sent.”

As a matter of fact, the title is applied to none other than Jesus himself: “Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.” (Hebrews 3:1)

Isn’t there a sense in which all of us who follow Jesus are indeed “the sent?” He says: “As the father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)

He makes this stupendous promise in John 14:12: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Everyone who believes in Jesus is sent to do signs, wonders and miracles, as we see in Hebrews 2:4:“God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.”

Why am I presenting such quotes in copious quantities today? Simply to stress that whether it is the earthly ministry of Jesus, the early church or you and me, we can expect all three to occur with regularity.

Darren Canning and I can certainly attest to this reality as we have recently seen Stage IV cancer healed, heart blockages open up, limbs grow out, bones come into alignment, tumours disappear, embolisms dissolve…and the list goes on and on.

• Signs? Check!
• Wonders? Check!
• Miracles? Check!

As a matter of fact, I personally experienced a great demonstration of God’s dunamis power in my body that elicited wonder even in a G.I specialist and turned out to be a sign that pointed to Jesus. (You can hear all about it in this short video clip).

All of this is to say that as we come to the close of the 12:12:12 fast, my dear brothers and sisters, expect Jesus to keep His promise with signs, wonders and miracles in your life as well…today!

For He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

I look forward to hearing your testimonies–today and in the days to come.