In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives his apostles power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Similarly, when he sent out the seventy-two, they appear to have been given similar power (see Luke 10:17–20). In both instances the authority to perform signs and wonders is closely linked with the preaching of the kingdom (see Luke 9:2; Luke 10:9). Stephen, having been filled by the Spirit, is also given the power and authority to do wonders and signs, and, similar to the apostles, his miracles serve to authenticate the Christian message (see Hebrews 2:3–4).