And yet everything you have referenced has been from the New Testament. Kind of a contradiction, don't you think?
Yes!!! the Bible is one book made up of 56 books written over 1500 years all of it inspired (God breathed)
OK, read the first dozen chapters of Matthew. How is it there is so many contradictions. First it is said to pray in ones closet and then He, and his disciples, goes around promoting the fact that they drive out the devil with a wave of their hand. If you say that the word of God is in the Book and those with sight can see it and the rest is chaff that is one thing but the say the whole Book is wheat is to discredit the Book.
RV, the answer to your question is in your question. Christ and His disciples had particular jobs to perform. And they used miracles for that specific time as a sign. They imparted understanding of a new religion. It is important to understand the circumstances involved with what they did.
For instance, look at the difference between the 70 disciples Christ sent to specific cities with a specific message, and with instructions that if they were not well received, to leave and wipe the dust off of their feet when they go, and Paul, who upon returning to consciousness after being beaten and thrown out of the city gates, would shake the dust off and walk right back in.
If all they did was to pray in the closet, we wouldn't know Christ.
^
That remark was instructing people on what
not to do rather than a command, and a direct shot at the Pharisees, who would publicly and piously tear their garments and beat their chests to show everyone how holy they were. It was self edifying. Which according to the Bible is the only accolades they will receive for all of their showmanship.
Better that you hide in a closet where there is you and God, and 0 pretense, than wow the crowd with your piety.
As for wheat, Christ quoted from 24 Old Testament books. He used it to combat Satan.
He had faith in it's credibility. As for the New Testament, there is a test available that confirms that God, not man is responsible for it's content.
