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6:25; Pss 31:16; 67:1)8 in order to be saved. Thus, the Israelites did pray, “Restore us, O God; let your face shine that we may be saved” (Ps 80:3,7).9 Moreover, the dazzling beholding of God’s face expands far beyond the thaumaturgies of Jesus and Moses; they also link the Israelites to God’s statutes (Ps 119:135)10 and propagate the commandment to seek the face of God (Ps 27:8).11
So far, Jesus’ words, faith and miracles have been the primordial living signs that strengthen Christian belief via his tripartite role as Messiah, Son of God and Savior. Yet, his thaumaturgies also serve to reveal God’s presence and assure Christians with as much steadfast love and divine support as the God of Israel promised earlier to the descendants of the House of David (2 Sam 7:1,17). Not only will Christianity be caught between love and the sword, but the apostles will emulate Jesus’ miraculous deeds (Acts 2:43, 5:12), and their exorcisms and healings will be performed in Christ’s name (Acts 3:6, 16:18). Similarly, Stephen and Phillip will stupefy the crowds with great signs and wonders (Acts 6:8; 8:5,7). Peter, too, like Jesus, will heal the lame (Acts 3:1) and the paralytic (Acts 9:32) and resuscitate the dead (Acts 9:36). Just as Jesus’ cloak has healing powers, Peter’s shadow (Acts 5:15) and Paul’s holy touch of handkerchiefs and aprons (Acts 19:11,12), will cure sicknesses and exorcisms. These cycles of miracles act to enshrine Christianity and encourage Christians to believe in God’s steadfast support
8 The Learning Company. Quick Verse, Bible Study Software. USA: The Learning Company, Inc. 1999. 9 The Learning Company. Quick Verse, Bible Study Software. USA: The Learning Company, Inc., 1999. 10 The Learning Company. Quick Verse, Bible Study Software. USA: The Learning Company, Inc., 1999. 11 The Learning Company. Quick Verse, Bible Study Software. USA: The Learning Company, Inc., 1999.
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