The church was getting an incredible amount of attention in the first century. This was primarily because God had given the apostles abilities to perform miracles. Think of a community where you have several men performing supernatural feats… You couldn’t have ignored these guys even if you wanted to! These physical demonstrations were a key component in getting people to believe in Christ (John 20:30,31).

The average person is naturally good at observation. Notice the language used in Acts 8:6, “…the crowds PAID ATTENTION to what was being said by Philip, when they HEARD him and SAW the signs he did.” I think it is especially neat that the miracles performed in the first century were acts of service that made peoples’ lives better.

In a way, the love that we have from God can be a “sign” or “wonder.” Consider the following explanations:

1. The love we have is relentless (John 13:34) – Jesus laid down some big standards when he said, “just as I have loved you.” Before pointing people to the gate of Hell, we ought to show them the kindness of the Father (cf. John 4:7-38; John 8:1-11; Romans 2:4). We are trying to dispose of the sin, not the soul.
2. The love we have is identifying (John 13:35) – I find it interesting that previously in the Gospel, Nicodemus stated “no one can do these things unless God is with Him” (John 3:2). Nicodemus recognized the signs that Jesus performed were from God. Likewise, I believe if we are doing it correctly, people will notice the love we show is from God.
3. Love supersedes other signs (1 Cor. 13:8) – The other miracles were a great way to get the church going. Once in motion, they were no longer needed. However, true αγαπη (agapē) love, does not cease.

Sure, we may not be able to help the blind see again, or the lame walk again. However, we can still show the same exact love that the apostles did in the first century. In today’s world, Christ’s love is certainly a “sign” and “wonder” in contrast to the hate and division seen everywhere else. Be a benefit in someone’s life by showing the love of Christ.

Tyler King