Did Miracle Healings Pass Away with the Apostles?

No! Some folks believe miraculous healings were “signs” reserved for certain times when God was confirming new revelation, such as Moses’ Law, or Jesus’ New Covenant. This argument breaks down as there was a huge increase of miracles during the rise of the Prophets, Elijah and Elisha. Their message focused on the existing Law, so no new revelation came from them!

Further, Jesus’ said in Mark’s Great Commission that the gift of laying on of hands for physical healing would be given to the Apostles’ converts, indicating supernatural gifts and miracles would continue after them! “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18).

In addition, in Acts 2:17-21, Peter said the Holy Spirit’s outpouring and speaking in tongues on Pentecost was the beginning of signs and wonders prophesied by Joel during “the last days.” He proclaimed the duration of these gifts would be “until the great and glorious day of the Lord.” In other words, until Jesus returns!

Finally, in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul said supernatural gifts would function “until the perfect” comes, a reference to the state of complete knowledge. Some say this state was achieved at the completion of the New Testament epistles (the canon). Yet Paul received “unspeakable” revelation (2 Corinthians 12:14) and wrote much of the New Testament, and still admitted:

• He saw only “dimly.”
• He knew only “in part, not fully.”
• He did not yet know “just as he has been fully known.” Knowing what Jesus fully knows about us will never happen – on earth!
• He did not know as he will know when he is “face to face,” or when he sees the Lord in person – in heaven!

I’m certainly glad miraculous healings did not cease with the Twelve Apostles! Check out how God miraculously healed me of Stage IV melanoma cancer in 2003 (also more in my book in our free gift to cancer patients here).

The ultimate FAQ is “How do we get to heaven?”, which we answer here.

*This post is part of our series, “Frequently Asked Questions About God and Cancer!” If you subscribe to our email newsletter, we’ll send a new FAQ on a regular basis. These FAQs will live here on our blog and on our FAQ page. Feel free to give feedback or ask new questions in the comments below!