“God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul” (Acts 19:11).
A miracle is always special, so what does Luke mean here when he speaks of special miracles? Other versions of the Bible translate this word as “unusual,” “extraordinary,” or “uncommon.”
Since by definition a miracle is always something unusual, extraordinary, or uncommon, this verse is almost a play on words: “God wrought “special specials,” “extraordinary extraordinaries,” “unusual unusuals” by the hands of Paul.”
The thing that made these particular miracles so “special” was the geographical location in which Paul was ministering when they were performed. In New Testament days, the two cities most widely known for their total degeneracy and depravity were Corinth and Ephesus.
Biblical scholars tells us that these two towns were open sewers of dissolution and debauchery. Yet they were the very areas God chose in which to perform the greatest miracles recorded in the books of Acts. Why?
There is a spiritual isometric that states, “…where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20). Paul could well have been speaking of these two cities when he made that statement. The greater the sin, the greater the need of a Savior. The greater the presence of darkness, the greater the provision – and the power – of God’s redeeming light.
That should encourage us today. Perhaps none of our modern-day cities compare in wickedness with Corinth and Ephesus, but God still has “special” miracles for each of them. Claim the “special” miracles of divine deliverance the Lord has for you and your hometown!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.