The First Apostles to Perform Miracles in the Name of Jesus: Exploring the Biblical Accounts

Throughout the New Testament, the actions and teachings of the apostles and disciples are recorded, providing insight into the early days of the Christian faith. In particular, the question as to who among Jesus' followers was the first to perform a miracle in His name is one that has intrigued scholars and devotees alike. This article delves into the biblical accounts and explores the roles of the apostles, disciples, and the 72 sent by Jesus.

Healing and Deliverance: A Common Practice Among Jesus' Followers

The New Testament conveys the message of the apostles and disciples spreading the gospel and performing miracles as a means of spreading the word of Jesus. In various accounts, the apostles and disciples are seen healing the sick and delivering people from demonic possession. This section will explore some of these early accounts, providing context and significance.

The Apostles and the Miracles

One of the most well-known accounts of an apostle performing a miracle is found in the Apostles' Acts. According to the narrative, it was Peter who first demonstrated this power by healing a paralyzed man (Acts 3:1-10). However, it is important to note that the book of Mark (6:13) also indicates that the apostles were healing people even while Jesus was still alive, suggesting an earlier demonstration of their miraculous abilities.

The 72 Sent by Jesus: A Larger Group of Miracle-Workers

Another significant group mentioned in the New Testament is the 72 (also referred to as 70) disciples sent out by Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke, it is described how Jesus instructed these disciples to go into towns and villages, proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God and healing the sick (Luke 10:1-16). The impact of their work is further emphasized in the biblical text, where the 72 reported back with joy, stating that even the demons were submitting to them in Jesus' name (Luke 10:17-24).

Who Exactly Were the 72?

The identities of these 72 disciples are not exhaustively listed in the biblical text, making it challenging to pinpoint exactly who the first miracle-worker among them was (Luke 10:1-16). However, some key points can be made:

Jesus sent out 72 people, suggesting a broader mission beyond the 12 apostles. It is clear that all 72 were given the authority to perform miracles and proclaim the kingdom of God. Their mission to heal the sick and proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God further emphasizes their roles as agents of divine healing.

While the specific names of only 14 of the 72 are mentioned in the Bible, the implication is that one or more of the 72 were the first to perform a miracle in the name of Jesus, carrying on the legacy of healing and deliverance initiated by Jesus himself.

Conclusion: A Broader Understanding of Jesus' Followers

It is vital to recognize that the term "disciple" in the New Testament can be broad, encompassing not only the 12 apostles but also many other followers of Jesus. This includes women like Joanna and Mary Magdalene, who played significant roles in supporting Jesus and the early church (Luke 8:1-3).

The story of the first apostles to perform miracles in the name of Jesus thus extends beyond the 12 apostles to encompass a larger group of disciples and the 72 sent by Jesus. Their actions and teachings provide an essential framework for understanding the early Christian community and its mission of spreading the gospel through miracles and healings.

Keywords: Apostles, Miracles, Jesus, Biblical Accounts