Luke doesn’t make a big deal of it, but passages like this one in Acts 14 remind us that ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit was part and parcel of how Paul worked. We see Paul and Barnabas heal a leper… but things take a very strange turn from there. The crowd assume they are Greek gods, in human form.

The apostles’ response gives us an interesting insight into how healing ministry fits into their way of operating. They are quick to point out it’s not their power—it’s God’s. Rather than lean into their success—from a worldly perspective—they use it as a chance to share the good news about Jesus. For them, the proclamation and demonstration of the Kingdom of God go hand in hand.

Unfortunately, some Jews get involved, and it doesn’t go well for Paul and Barnabas. They survive the experience, and extraordinarily, go back into the city that left them for dead, before moving on.

But back to the topic at hand… what does this passage tell us about the way Paul ministered in the spirit?