12
normative for today.
44
In his search for validation of his biblical interpretations, Wagner accepts
other sources as authoritative. The apocryphal book Acts of John describes power encounters by
the Apostle John in Ephesus. Wagner asserts, "This remarkable book helped dispel possible
doubts that the supernatural power of God continued after the days of the apostles."
45
He does
not explain how this book answers the critics doubts or why he would give it equal authority
with canonical texts.
46
The supernatural accounts are seemingly accepted at face value.
Wagners exegetical conclusions appear based more on conjecture than scholarship. In his
passage on Euodia and Syntyche Wagner writes:
Few commentators have recognized the high probability that Euodia and Syntyche of the
church at Philippi were two of Paul's personal prayer partners . . . I quote these recognized
biblical scholars not to pretend I am writing an academic monograph, but only to lend some
credibility . . . I suggest a substantial possibility that Paul is implying these two women
,,did spiritual warfare on my behalf' [emphasis Wagner's.] . . . If nothing else, it helps me
suppose that the apostle Paul would understand and approve of what I am trying to say
[emphasis added].
47
Wagners speculation continues when he states, "I have a hunch I am reading about a crisis
intercessor . . . . That sounds like the kind of assignments intercessors . . . receive from God."
48
With the elevation of experience, Wagner accepts modern revelations and "words of knowledge"
as a normal continuation of Acts instead of seeing a uniqueness in Christs or the apostles
ministries. Apparently, Wagner does not consider the canon of Scripture closed. Laurence Wood
44
Wagner, Third Wave, 17, 29.
45
Ibid., 82.
46
Ken L. Sarles, review of The Third Wave of the Holy Spirit, by C. Peter Wagner,
Bibliotheca Sacra 147 (January-March 1990): 111.
47
C. Peter Wagner, Prayer Shield (Ventura: Regal Books, 1992), 36-7.
48
Ibid., 55.