These Signs Will Follow Those Who Believe (Mark 16:17)

[Alfred Persson]

What do you think about the idea that the signs you've cited were only to be witnessed by believers, or sincere seekers, because our Lord said,

An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas Mt.12:39

It seems they were asking from doubt. I'm not sure if anyone who doubted like that ever saw Jesus do a miracle.

Taking your last first, there were may unbelievers present when Lazarus was raised up:

42 "And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"
44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."
45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.
46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.
47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.
48 "If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation."
(Jn. 11:42-48 NKJ)

What do you think about the idea that the signs you've cited were only to be witnessed by believers, or sincere seekers, because our Lord said,

An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas Mt.12:39

Contradicting that theory, Christ implored unbelievers to believe BECAUSE of the miracles He did:

37 "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;
38 "but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him (Jn. 10:37-38 NKJ)

Christ said an evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, because they were being evil and adulterous, refusing to believe the signs they saw. They insisted on more, not because they wanted proof but because they were looking for ways to accuse Him:

9 Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue.
10 And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"-- that they might accuse Him.
11 Then He said to them, "What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?
12 "Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
13 Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other.
14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. (Matt. 12:9-14 NKJ)

 

[Alfred Persson]

We can not manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit on our own as they only come by the Holy Spirit working in us.

If a Christian is messing with hypnosis, mesmerism and emotional fanaticism, then they are being disobedient to God who warned us to stay away from such things. The Bible does not support cessationism as they quote 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 to try and prove their point that the gifts of the Holy Spirit stopped when all the Apostles died and that is a lie straight from Satan deceiving them. If you read the whole chapter it's about the way of love. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will only cease when Christ returns as there will be no more need of them.

I don't agree. Paul says tongues prophecy and knowledge will cease, he doesn't say when:

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
(1 Cor. 13:8-11 NKJ)

Paul's analogy childhood/adulthood proves this. Just as childish things often cease to exist before adulthood, so also tongues prophecy and [supernatural] knowledge.

So toys can cease long before adulthood is reached.

Paul's point was, tongues prophecy and knowledge will cease, but in adulthood they wouldn't exist anyway, for then we are fully known, and know fully:

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:12-14:1 NKJ)

Unlike tongues prophecy and knowledge that were ceasing, faith hope and love are still here. But the greatest is love because it will remain in God's kingdom, but no need for "faith" or "hope" once the Perfect arrives.

So the context is clearly against your interpretation, especially Paul's analogy of child/adult. They are "realms" where different things exist, and the partial ceases before adulthood arrives. But no one will care, for then we are adults, and know just as we are fully known.


While these gifts still exist, earnestly seek them. Get them while you can!

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. (1 Cor. 14:1 NKJ)

And you misinterpreted that video, it proved much of what is happening in charismania is just old fashioned hypnotic manipulation of gullible people.

 

[journeymanisnothing]

Taking your last first, there were may unbelievers present when Lazarus was raised up:

42 "And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"
44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."
45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.
46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.
47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.
48 "If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation."
(Jn. 11:42-48 NKJ)

Contradicting that theory, Christ implored unbelievers to believe BECAUSE of the miracles He did:

37 "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;
38 "but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him (Jn. 10:37-38 NKJ)

Christ said an evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, because they were being evil and adulterous, refusing to believe the signs they saw. They insisted on more, not because they wanted proof but because they were looking for ways to accuse Him:

9 Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue.
10 And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"-- that they might accuse Him.
11 Then He said to them, "What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out?
12 "Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
13 Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other.
14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. (Matt. 12:9-14 NKJ)

Very well put!

 

[for_his_glory]

I don't agree. Paul says tongues prophecy and knowledge will cease, he doesn't say when:

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
(1 Cor. 13:8-11 NKJ)

Paul's analogy childhood/adulthood proves this. Just as childish things often cease to exist before adulthood, so also tongues prophecy and [supernatural] knowledge.

So toys can cease long before adulthood is reached.

Paul's point was, tongues prophecy and knowledge will cease, but in adulthood they wouldn't exist anyway, for then we are fully known, and know fully:

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:12-14:1 NKJ)

Unlike tongues prophecy and knowledge that were ceasing, faith hope and love are still here. But the greatest is love because it will remain in God's kingdom, but no need for "faith" or "hope" once the Perfect arrives.

So the context is clearly against your interpretation, especially Paul's analogy of child/adult. They are "realms" where different things exist, and the partial ceases before adulthood arrives. But no one will care, for then we are adults, and know just as we are fully known.


While these gifts still exist, earnestly seek them. Get them while you can!

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. (1 Cor. 14:1 NKJ)

And you misinterpreted that video, it proved much of what is happening in charismania is just old fashioned hypnotic manipulation of gullible people.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit, as Paul points out, will cease as there will be no more need of these gifts in the New Jerusalem when Christ returns. They only cease in those who hold the false doctrine that they ceased when the Apostles died. Just as the Apostles received these gifts of the Holy Spirit, we also being disciples of Christ are also given these gifts by the Holy Spirit for the edifying and uplifting of the body of Christ.

Why do you choose to ignore 1 Corinthians chapter 12 as these gifts are for the body of Christ.

 

[Alfred Persson]

The gifts of the Holy Spirit, as Paul points out, will cease as there will be no more need of these gifts in the New Jerusalem when Christ returns. They only cease in those who hold the false doctrine that they ceased when the Apostles died. Just as the Apostles received these gifts of the Holy Spirit, we also being disciples of Christ are also given these gifts by the Holy Spirit for the edifying and uplifting of the body of Christ.

Why do you choose to ignore 1 Corinthians chapter 12 as these gifts are for the body of Christ.

Not ignore, I apply it to the church today and conclude the apostolic "apostles" and, "prophets" selected by Christ in the first century, have gone to be with the LORD. And Jesus did not select replacements because no one came after them able to do the same signs and wonders:

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:28 NKJ)

Many have come after them claiming to have equal authority and power, but they do not:

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
(2 Cor. 11:12-15 NKJ)

Just as the Twelve Ceased to be in the church on earth in the 1st century, so did the special revelatory gifts they manifested that confirmed THEY spoke the Work of God. Notice they are spoken of in the past tense in the book of Hebrews---WAS COFIRMED:

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,
3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Heb. 2:2-4 NKJ)

The revelation of God to the church was "once delivered" in the 1st century, there are no "second, third, fourth, etc. deliveries" in the subsequent centuries. It logically follows the "confirming signs of God's delivery" ceased after the Word the Bible was delivered:

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3 NKJ)

So I am contending for the once delivered faith when I reject the new gospel of those who claim to be equal to the apostles, but do NOT manifest the same signs and wonders God used to confirm His "apostles".

For example, if there was another delivery of apostolic revelation like the 1st century, the same signs and wonders would happen, like these:

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:2-3 NKJ)

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed (Acts 5:12-16 NKJ)

 

[for_his_glory]

Not ignore, I apply it to the church today and conclude the apostolic "apostles" and, "prophets" selected by Christ in the first century, have gone to be with the LORD. And Jesus did not select replacements because no one came after them able to do the same signs and wonders:

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:28 NKJ)

Many have come after them claiming to have equal authority and power, but they do not:

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
(2 Cor. 11:12-15 NKJ)

Just as the Twelve Ceased to be in the church on earth in the 1st century, so did the special revelatory gifts they manifested that confirmed THEY spoke the Work of God. Notice they are spoken of in the past tense in the book of Hebrews---WAS COFIRMED:

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,
3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Heb. 2:2-4 NKJ)

The revelation of God to the church was "once delivered" in the 1st century, there are no "second, third, fourth, etc. deliveries" in the subsequent centuries. It logically follows the "confirming signs of God's delivery" ceased after the Word the Bible was delivered:

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3 NKJ)

So I am contending for the once delivered faith when I reject the new gospel of those who claim to be equal to the apostles, but do NOT manifest the same signs and wonders God used to confirm His "apostles".

For example, if there was another delivery of apostolic revelation like the 1st century, the same signs and wonders would happen, like these:

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:2-3 NKJ)

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed (Acts 5:12-16 NKJ)

Again, we will never see eye to eye on this so I have said all I need to say and will move on. You have a good day.

 

[Alfred Persson]

Again, we will never see eye to eye on this so I have said all I need to say and will move on. You have a good day.

And that is unfortunate. But, you also have a good day.

 

[pierac]

14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

17 "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

[As individual Pentecostal and Non-Pentecostal believers today DO NOT DO ALL the signs (cast out demons, speak with new tongues, take up serpents, drink deadly poison) must we conclude there are no believers today on planet earth?

Of course not.

There is a transition implied by the context, from believers preached to in the world, to the special group of "believing preachers" Christ is sending who likely numbered in the thousands. These signs indicated who among them were true believers. Therefore, the pronouns "they, them" in Mark 16:17-18 refer to this group who uniquely establish the Christian faith in all the earth.

The Eleven would know if they truly believe, they would do all the signs that confirmed their word was from God (Comp. Heb. 2:3-4).

After teaching the eleven, the writer confirms the prophecy was fulfilled in the first century Mark 16:19-20). In the NT book of Acts we see Paul claimed to do all these signs of an apostle specially sent by Christ (2 Cor. 12:12; Compare Acts 16:18; 20:9-12; 28:3-5, 8; 1 Cor. 14:18).]

19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. (Mk. 16:13-20 NKJ)

These Signs Will Follow Those Who Believe (Mark 16:17)...​

Mat 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Don't know about you... But I never prophesy in Jesus name or cast out a demon, or preform a single miracle!!! You need to be more concerned how they did all this thinking they were serving Jesus... and yet... Jesus never knew them!

Paul

 

[Alfred Persson]

These Signs Will Follow Those Who Believe (Mark 16:17)...​

Mat 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Don't know about you... But I never prophesy in Jesus name or cast out a demon, or preform a single miracle!!! You need to be more concerned how they did all this thinking they were serving Jesus... and yet... Jesus never knew them!

Paul

Hilarious, You're preaching to the choir, I'm a cessationist. Read it again, all of it this time.

 

[jaybo]

Apparently none of you are aware that the "long ending" of Mark -- verse 9 onwards-- is not part of the original gospel. It was added at a later date.

If you think it is valid then good luck handling poisonous snakes and drinking poison.

 

[Alfred Persson]

Apparently none of you are aware that the "long ending" of Mark -- verse 9 onwards-- is not part of the original gospel. It was added at a later date.

If you think it is valid then good luck handling poisonous snakes and drinking poison.

Post #20 proved you wrong. Perhaps you forgot to read it.

 

[andy pandy]

The last part of Mark 16 was added by a scribe after the gospel was finished. Do your homework!

I have seen this claimed in various dissertations and I left it at that until I read David Pawsons rendering of it. He said that maybe the case, but it does not invalidate it because at any time God who is the author of scripture chose to leave it as part of scripture when it was within his power to have it removed.

 

[andy pandy]

FYI I do not know whether you consider dreams and vision part of the supernatural, but there is a body of evidence that has been attested to that thousands of muslims have come to Christ because they supernaturally saw a vision of Christ and were saved as a result. Many of them realised that the person that apeared to them was Christ. I have books written by some of those to whom this happened.

 

[Alfred Persson]

FYI I do not know whether you consider dreams and vision part of the supernatural, but there is a body of evidence that has been attested to that thousands of muslims have come to Christ because they supernaturally saw a vision of Christ and were saved as a result. Many of them realised that the person that apeared to them was Christ. I have books written by some of those to whom this happened.

Fatima, Dancing of the sun etc. Do things like that really bring people to Christ, or something else disguised as Christ?

There is "another Jesus...another spirit...another gospel" that some mistake for the genuine.

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him (2 Cor. 11:4 KJV)

 

[andy pandy]

Fatima, Dancing of the sun etc. Do things like that really bring people to Christ, or something else disguised as Christ?

There is "another Jesus...another spirit...another gospel" that some mistake for the genuine.

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him (2 Cor. 11:4 KJV)

FYI I was not talking about Fatima, dancing in the sun etc. I was talking about Jesus appearing to Muslims in dreams and visions which has been documented.

 

[Hopeful]

Not ignore, I apply it to the church today and conclude the apostolic "apostles" and, "prophets" selected by Christ in the first century, have gone to be with the LORD. And Jesus did not select replacements because no one came after them able to do the same signs and wonders:

Who are you using as your example of "the church today"?

 

[Hopeful]

These Signs Will Follow Those Who Believe (Mark 16:17)...​

Mat 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Don't know about you... But I never prophesy in Jesus name or cast out a demon, or preform a single miracle!!! You need to be more concerned how they did all this thinking they were serving Jesus... and yet... Jesus never knew them!

Paul

As the scripture says, He didn't "know them" because they continued to commit sin.

 

[Alfred Persson]

FYI I was not talking about Fatima, dancing in the sun etc. I was talking about Jesus appearing to Muslims in dreams and visions which has been documented.

49 Now John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us."
50 But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side." (Lk. 9:49-50 NKJ)

38 Now John answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us."
39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me.
40 "For he who is not against us is on our side (Mk. 9:38-40 NKJ)

 

[Alfred Persson]

Who are you using as your example of "the church today"?

None....all....some. Scripture is my authority, Jesus is my LORD. That's my example.

 

[andy pandy]

Not ignore, I apply it to the church today and conclude the apostolic "apostles" and, "prophets" selected by Christ in the first century, have gone to be with the LORD. And Jesus did not select replacements because no one came after them able to do the same signs and wonders:

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:28 NKJ)

Many have come after them claiming to have equal authority and power, but they do not:

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
(2 Cor. 11:12-15 NKJ)

Just as the Twelve Ceased to be in the church on earth in the 1st century, so did the special revelatory gifts they manifested that confirmed THEY spoke the Work of God. Notice they are spoken of in the past tense in the book of Hebrews---WAS COFIRMED:

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,
3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Heb. 2:2-4 NKJ)

The revelation of God to the church was "once delivered" in the 1st century, there are no "second, third, fourth, etc. deliveries" in the subsequent centuries. It logically follows the "confirming signs of God's delivery" ceased after the Word the Bible was delivered:

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3 NKJ)

So I am contending for the once delivered faith when I reject the new gospel of those who claim to be equal to the apostles, but do NOT manifest the same signs and wonders God used to confirm His "apostles".

For example, if there was another delivery of apostolic revelation like the 1st century, the same signs and wonders would happen, like these:

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:2-3 NKJ)

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.
13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed (Acts 5:12-16 NKJ)

Difficult for Jesus to select replacements as he was no longer on earth.