Reference: Miracles
Fausets
Three distinct New Testament Greek words represent miracles: seemeion, "a sign"; teras, "a prodigy"; dunamis, "a mighty work." Septuagint uses seemeion and teras for Hebrew 'owt and mopheth (Ex 7:9). Seemeion, "sign," views the miracle as evidence of a divine commission: Joh 3:2, "no man can do these signs (Greek) which Thou doest except God be with him" (Joh 9:30,33; 15:24; Lu 7:19-22); teras, "prodigy" or "wonder," expresses the effect on the spectator; dunamis, "mighty work," marks its performance by a superhuman power (Ac 2:22; 2Co 12:12; 2Th 2:9). The "sign" is God's seal, attestation, or proof of a revelation being genuine. Jesus' miracles were not merely wonders but signs; signs not merely of His power, but of the nature of His ministry and of His divine person.
A grand distinction peculiar to Christianity is, it won the world to it in an age of high civilization, through a few preachers of humble position, on the evidence of miracles. Basing its claim on miracles the creed of the slave became eventually the faith of the Caesars. Muhammed on the contrary, even in a half-enlightened age and country, pretended no miracle. Christ and His apostles still less than Mahomet among friends would have dared to allege miracles, in the midst of hostile Jews and skeptical Romans, unless they were true. This claim is the more striking, since John the Baptist, though coming "in the spirit and power of Elias," the great miracle worker of the Old Testament, never claimed miraculous power; so far is Scripture from indiscriminately gratifying men's love of the marvelous at the cost of truth.
Similarly, Abraham, David, and other Old Testament heroes never appear as miracle workers. Early Christian writers, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and Origen, occasionally appeal to miracles in proof of Christianity; but state that their pagan opponents, admitting the facts, attributed them to magic; which accounts for the fewness of their references to miracles. The Jewish writings, as the Sepher Toldoth Jeshu, also the extant fragments of Celsus, Porphyry, and Julian, admit the fact of the miracles, though ascribing them to magic and evil spirits. In the case of the resurrection (Mt 28:11-15) and the cure of the blind man (John 9) the Jews made a self confuted charge of fraud. The early Christian apologists allege in support of Christianity:
(1) the greatness, number, completeness, and publicity of the miracles;
(2) the beneficial tendency of the doctrine;
(3) the connection of the miracles with prophecy and the whole scheme of redemption from Adam to Christ. The miracles must have been altogether different from the wonders of exorcists, magicians, etc.; else they would not have gained for the gospel so wide and permanent an acceptance. The effect of Philip's ministry on the Samaritans, in opposition to Simon Magus (Acts 8), proves this. The holy character of Christ and His apostles, and the tendency of Christianity to promote truth and virtue, are against the origination of the miracles from evil spirits or jugglery. In the fourth century miracles had ceased (Chrysostom on 1 Corinthians 11-13); in the third, miracles are alleged, but are suspicious, as wrought among those already believing and predisposed to accept prodigies credulously. The ecclesiastical miracles are not attested by inspired writers. The apostles alone could transmit the power of working miracles to others. Cornelius was an exception, being the firstfruit of the Gentiles.
But Philip could not impart it; Peter and John must come to confer on his Samaritan converts miraculous gifts, by laying on of hands (Ac 8:15-20; 10:44-46; 19:6; Mr 16:17-18). Christianity being once proved and attested to us, the analogy of God's dealings leads us to expect He would leave it to make its way by ordinary means; the edifice being erected, the scaffolding is taken down; perpetual miracle is contrary to His ways. The ecclesiastical miracles alleged are ambiguous, or tentative, or legendary, i.e. resembling known products of human credulity and imposture. Many are childish, and palpably framed for superstitious believers, rather than as evidences capable of bearing critical scrutiny. Most of them are not told until long after their presumed occurrence. Herein the New Testament miracles wholly differ from them. The Christian miracles are:
(1) Recorded by contemporaries.
(2) In the same country.
(3) Not based on transient rumor, but confirmed by subsequent investigation, and recorded in independent accounts.
(4) Not naked history, but the history combined with the institution and with the religion of our day, as also with the time and place of the miracle recorded and of Christianity's origin.
(5) With particular specification of names, places, dates, and circumstances.
(6) Not requiring merely otiose assent, as the popular superstitions on which nothing depends, but claiming to regulate the opinions and acts of people.
(7) Not like popish miracles in Roman Catholic countries, in affirmation of opinions already formed, but performed amidst enemies, converting men from their most cherished prejudices; there was no anterior persuasion to lay hold of, Jesus' miracles gave birth to the sect; frauds might mix with the progress, but could not have place in the commencement of the religion.
(8) Not an imaginary perception, as Socrates' demon; the giving sight to the blind leaves a lasting effect; in those of a mixed nature the principal miracle is momentary, but some circumstance combined with it is permanent; Peter's vision might be a dream, but the message of Cornelius could not have been; the concurrence could only be supernatural.
(9) Not tentative, where out of many trials some succeed, as the ancient oracles, cures wrought by relics, etc.
(10) Not doubtful miracles, as the liquefaction of Januarius' blood, cures of nervous ailments.
(11) Not stories which can be resolved into exaggerations.
(12) Not gradual, but instantaneous for the most part (Lu 18:43); not incomplete; not merely temporary, but complete and lasting.
(13) Witnessed to at the cost of suffering and death. (Paley, Evidences of Christianity.)
A miracle is not a "violation of the laws of nature" (Hume), but the introduction of a new agent. Such introduction accords with human experience, for we see an intelligent agent often modifying the otherwise uniform laws of nature. "Experience" informs us of human free will counteracting the lower law of gravitation. Infinitely more can the divine will introduce a new element, counteracting, without destroying, lower physical law; the higher law for a time controls and suspends the action of the lower. Or, "law" being simply the expression of God's will, in miracles God's will intervenes, for certain moral ends, to suspend His ordinary mode of working. The wise men following the star, and then receiving further guidance from the Scripture word, illustrate the twofold revelation, God's works, and God's word, the highest guide. Both meet in the Incarnate Word (Matthew 2; 2Pe 1:19-21). As disturbance has entered the world by sin, as nature visibly attests, God must needs miraculously interfere to nullify that disturbance.
Hume alleged against miracles their contrariety to "experience," and that experience shows testimony to be often false. But "experience" is not to be limited to our time and knowledge. The "experience" of the witnesses for Christianity attests the truth of miracles. However improbable miracles are under ordinary circumstances, they are probable, nay necessary, to attest a religious revelation and a divine commission. "In whatever degree it is probable that a revelation should be communicated to mankind at all, in the same degree is it probable that miracles should be wrought" (Paley, Evidences of Christianity). That they are out of the ordinary course of nature, so far from being an objection, is just what they need to be in order to be fit signs to attest a revelation. It is as easy to God to continue the ordinary course of the rest of nature, with the change of one part, as of all the phenomena without any change. It is objected, miracles "interrupt the course of nature."
But as that course really compri
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And Jesus went all through Galilee, teaching in their Synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and curing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people;
And he saw a leper who came up, and bowed to the ground before him, and said: "Master, if only you are willing, you are able to make me clean."
After Jesus had entered Capernaum, a Captain in the Roman army came up to him, entreating his help.
When Jesus went into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in- law prostrated with fever.
In the evening the people brought to Jesus many who were possessed by demons; and he drove out the spirits with a word, And cured all who were ill, In fulfillment of these words in the Prophet Isaiah--'He took our infirmities on himself, and bore the burden of our diseases.'
"Why are you so timid?" he said. "O men of little faith!" Then Jesus rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and a great calm followed.
And there some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man: "Courage, Child! Your sins are forgiven."
While Jesus was saying this, a President of a Synagogue came up and bowed to the ground before him. "My daughter," he said, "Has just died; but come and place your hand on her, and she will be restored to life."
But meanwhile a woman, who had been suffering from hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind and touched the tassel of his cloak.
As Jesus was passing on from there, he was followed by two blind men, who kept calling out: "Take pity on us, Son of David!" When he had gone indoors, the blind men came up to him; and Jesus asked them: "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Master!" they answered. read more. Upon that he touched their eyes, and said: "It shall be according to your faith." Then their eyes were opened. Jesus sternly cautioned them. "See that no one knows of it," he said.
Just as they were going out, some people brought up to Jesus a dumb man who was possessed by a demon;
Jesus went round all the towns and the villages, teaching in their Synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and curing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
Now John had heard in prison what the Christ was doing, and he sent a message by his disciples, And asked--" Are you 'The Coming One,' or are we to look for someone else?" read more. The answer of Jesus to the question was-- "Go and report to John what you hear and see--
And there he saw a man with a withered hand. Some people asked Jesus whether it was allowable to work a cure on the Sabbath- -so that they might have a charge to bring against him.
Jesus, however, became aware of it, and went away from that place. A number of people followed him, and he cured them all;
At this all the people were astounded. "Is it possible that this is the son of David?" they exclaimed.
On getting out of the boat, Jesus saw a great crowd, and his heart was moved at the sight of them; and he cured all the sick among them.
But Jesus said: "They need not go away, it is for you to give them something to eat."
Three hours after midnight, however, Jesus came towards the disciples, walking on the water.
But the people of that place, recognizing Jesus, sent out to the whole country round, and brought to him all who were ill, Begging him merely to let them touch the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched were made perfectly well.
There, a Canaanite woman of that district came out and began calling to Jesus: "Take pity on me, Master, Son of David; my daughter is grievously possessed by a demon."
Great crowds of people came to him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, or dumb, and many others. They put them down at his feet, and he cured them;
Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and, after saying the thanksgiving, broke them, and gave them to the disciples; and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
A wicked and unfaithful generation is asking for a sign, but no sign shall be given it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and went away.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter, and the brothers James and John, and led them up a high mountain alone.
"Master, take pity on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers terribly; indeed, he often falls into the fire and into the water;
Still, that we may not shock them, go and throw a line into the Sea; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth, and you will find in it a piece of money. Take that, and give it to the collectors for both of us."
Great crowds followed him, and he cured them there.
Jesus went into the Temple Courts, and drove out all those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of the pigeon-dealers,
While he was still in the Temple Courts, some blind and some lame people came up to him, and he cured them.
For false Christs and false Prophets will arise, and will display great signs and marvels, so that, were it possible, even God's People would be led astray.
Immediately after the distress of those days, 'the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light, the stars will fall from the heavens,' and 'the forces of the heavens will be convulsed.'
While they were still on their way, some of the guard came into the city, and reported to the Chief Priests everything that had happened. So they and the Councillors met and, after holding a consultation, gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, read more. And told them to say that his disciples came in the night, and stole him while they were asleep; "And should this matter come before the Governor," they added, "we will satisfy him, and see that you have nothing to fear." So the soldiers took the money, and did as they were instructed. And this story has been current among the Jews from that day to this.
"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"
And, as soon as Jesus had got out of the boat, he met a man coming out of the tombs, who was under the power of a foul spirit,
But Jesus repeatedly cautioned them not to let any one know of it, and told them to give her something to eat.
And he could not work any miracle there, beyond placing his hands upon a few infirm persons, and curing them; And he wondered at the want of faith shown by the people. Jesus went round the villages, one after another, teaching.
"For saying that," he answered, "you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter."
Jesus insisted upon their not telling any one; but the more he insisted, the more perseveringly they made it known,
They came to Bethsaida. There some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and begged him to touch him.
Moreover these signs shall attend those who believe. In my Name they shall drive out demons; they shall speak with 'tongues'; They shall take up serpents in their hands; and, if they drink any poison, it shall not hurt them; they will place their hands on sick people and they shall recover."
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon: "Push off into deep water, and throw out your nets for a haul."
Shortly after, Jesus went to a town called Nain, his disciples and a great crowd going with him. Just as he approached the gate of the town, there was a dead man being carried out for burial--an only son, and his mother was a widow. A large number of the people of the town were with her.
Then he went up and touched the bier, and the bearers stopped; and Jesus said: "Young man, I am speaking to you--Rise!"
So he summoned two of them, and sent them to the Master to ask--"Are you 'The Coming One,' or are we to look for some one else?" When these men found Jesus, they said: "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask--'Are you 'The Coming One,' or are we to look for somebody else?'" read more. At that very time Jesus had cured many people of diseases, afflictions, and wicked spirits, and had given many blind people their sight. So his answer to the question was: "Go and report to John what you have witnessed and heard--the blind recover their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the Good News is told to the poor.
But some of them said: "He drives out demons by the help of Baal-zebub, the chief of the demons"; While others, to test him, asked him for some sign from the heavens.
And he saw before him a woman who for eighteen years had suffered from weakness owing to her having an evil spirit in her. She was bent double, and was wholly unable to raise herself.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
As Jesus was getting near Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road-side, begging.
Instantly he recovered his sight, and began to follow Jesus, praising God. And all the people, on seeing it, gave glory to God.
On which Jesus said: "Let me at least do this"; and, touching his ear, he healed the wound.
Upon this the Jews asked Jesus: "What sign are you going to show us, since you act in this way?" "Destroy this temple," was his answer, "and I will raise it in three days." read more. "This Temple," replied the Jews, "has been forty-six years in building, and are you going to 'raise it in three days'?" But Jesus was speaking of his body as a temple.
While Jesus was in Jerusalem, during the Passover Festival, many came to trust in him, when they saw the signs of his mission that he was giving.
This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: "Rabbi, we know that you are a Teacher come from God; for no one could give such signs as you are giving, unless God were with him."
When this man heard that Jesus had returned from Judea to Galilee, he went to him, and begged him to come down and cure his son; for he was at the point of death.
One man who was there had been afflicted for thirty-eight years.
But Jesus replied: "My Father works to this very hour, and I work also."
Many of the people, however, believed in him. "When the Christ comes," they said, "will he give more signs of his mission than this man has given?"
When the officers returned to the Chief Priests and Pharisees, they were asked: "Why have you not brought him?" "No man ever spoke as he speaks!" they answered.
As Jesus passed by, he saw a man who had been blind from his birth.
"Well," the man replied, "this is very strange; you do not know where he comes from, and yet he has given me my sight!
And Jesus added: "It was to put men to the test that I came into this world, in order that those that cannot see should see, and that those that can see should become blind." Hearing this, some of the Pharisees who were with him said: "Then are we blind too?" read more. "If you had been blind," replied Jesus, "you would have had no sin to answer for; but, as it is, you say 'We can see,' and so your sin remains.
If I had not done among them such work as no one else ever did, they would have had no sin to answer for; but, as it is, they have both seen and hated both me and my Father.
If I had not done among them such work as no one else ever did, they would have had no sin to answer for; but, as it is, they have both seen and hated both me and my Father.
When Jesus said 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground.
There were many other signs of his mission that Jesus gave in presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book; But these have been recorded that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God--and that, through your belief in his Name, you may have Life.
"Cast your net to the right of the boat," he said, "and you will find fish." So they cast the net, and now they could not haul it in on account of the quantity of fish.
Men of Israel, listen to what I am saying. Jesus of Nazareth, a man whose mission from God to you was proved by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God showed among you through him, as you know full well--
Men of Israel, listen to what I am saying. Jesus of Nazareth, a man whose mission from God to you was proved by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God showed among you through him, as you know full well--
But Peter added: "I have no gold or silver, but I give you what I have. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I bid you walk."
Let me tell you all and all the people of Israel, that it is by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead--it is, I say, by his Name that this man stands here before you lame no longer. Jesus is 'the stone which, scorned by you the builders, has yet become the corner stone.' read more. And Salvation is in him alone; for there is no other Name in the whole world, given to men, to which we must look for our Salvation."
And they, on their arrival, prayed that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit. (As yet the Spirit had not descended upon any of them; they had only been baptized into the Faith of the Lord Jesus). read more. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that it was through the placing of the Apostles' hands on them that the Spirit was given, he brought them a sum of money and said: "Give me also this power of yours, so that, if I place my hands upon any one, he may receive the Holy Spirit." "A curse upon you and upon your money," Peter exclaimed, "for thinking that God's free gift can be bought with gold!
Before Peter had finished saying these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the Message. Those converts from Judaism, who had come with Peter, were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed even upon the Gentiles; read more. For they heard them speaking with 'tongues' and extolling God. At this Peter asked:
And, after Paul had placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit descended upon them, and they began to speak with 'tongues' and to preach.
Yet even if we--or if an angel from Heaven were to tell you any other 'Good News' than that which we told you, may he be accursed! We have said it before, and I repeat it now--If any one tells you a 'Good News' other than that which you received, may he be accursed!
For at the Coming of the Lord there will be great activity on the part of Satan, in the form of all kinds of deceptive miracles, signs, and marvels, as well as of wicked attempts to delude--
Be sure of this, that in the last days difficult times will come. Men will be selfish, mercenary, boastful, haughty, and blasphemous; disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, impure, read more. incapable of affection, merciless, slanderous, wanting in self-control, brutal, careless of the right, treacherous, reckless, and puffed up with pride; they will love pleasure more than they love God; and while they retain the outward form of religion, they will not allow it to influence them. Turn your back on such men as these. For among them are to be found those who creep into homes and captivate weak women--women who, loaded with sins, and slaves to all kinds of passions, are always learning, and yet never able to attain to a real knowledge of the Truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these people, in their turn, oppose the Truth. Their minds are corrupted, and, as regards the Faith, they are utterly worthless.
while God himself added his testimony to it by signs, and marvels, and many different miracles, as well as by imparting the Holy Spirit as he saw fit.
And still stronger is the assurance that we have in the teaching of the Prophets; to which you will do well to pay attention (as if it were a lamp shining in a gloomy place), until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts. But first be assured of this:--There is no prophetic teaching found in Scripture that can be interpreted by man's unaided reason; read more. for no prophetic teaching ever came in the old days at the mere wish of man, but men, moved by the Holy Spirit, spoke direct from God.
'He is coming among the clouds!' Every eye shall see him, even those who pierced him; 'and all the nations of the earth shall wail for fear of him.' So shall it be. Amen.
Then I saw, rising out of the earth, another wild Beast. It had two horns like those of a lamb, and its voice was like a dragon's. It exercises all the authority of the first Beast under its very eyes; and it makes the earth and all who are living on it worship that first Beast, whose mortal wound was healed. read more. It performs great marvels, even causing fire to fall from the heavens to the earth, before men's eyes; and in consequence of the marvels which it was allowed to perform under the eyes of the Beast, it is able to deceive all who are living on the earth. It bids those who live on the earth to make a statue in honour of the Beast, who, despite the wound from the sword, yet lived. It was permitted to breathe life into the image of the Beast, so that the image of the Beast might speak; and it was also permitted to cause all who refused to worship the image of the Beast to be put to death.
The Beast was captured, and with him was taken the false Prophet, who performed the marvels before the eyes of the Beast, with which he deceived those who had received the brand of the Beast and those who worshiped his image. Alive, they were thrown, both of them, into the fiery lake 'of burning sulphur.'
Hastings
MIRACLES
1. The narratives
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"If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for Scripture says- -'He will give his angels commands about thee, And on their hands they will upbear thee, Lest ever thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'" "Scripture also says," answered Jesus, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.'"
Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying as he did so: "I am willing; become clean." Instantly he was made clean from his leprosy;
Then Jesus said to the Captain: "Go now, and it shall be according to your faith." And the man was cured that very hour.
On his taking her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and began to wait upon him.
"Why are you so timid?" he said. "O men of little faith!" Then Jesus rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and a great calm followed. The men were amazed, and exclaimed: "What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" read more. And on getting to the other side--the country of the Gadarenes--Jesus met two men who were possessed by demons, coming out of the tombs. They were so violent that no one was able to pass that way.
But, that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--then he said to the paralyzed man-- "Get up, take up your bed, and return to your home."
But, that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--then he said to the paralyzed man-- "Get up, take up your bed, and return to your home."
Turning and seeing her, Jesus said: "Courage, Daughter! your faith has delivered you." And the woman was delivered from her malady from that very hour.
But, when the people had been sent out, Jesus went in, and took the little girl's hand, and she rose.
Upon that he touched their eyes, and said: "It shall be according to your faith."
And, as soon as the demon had been driven out, the dumb man spoke. The people were astonished at this, and exclaimed: "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!"
Cure the sick, raise the dead, make the lepers clean, drive out demons. You have received free of cost, give free of cost.
Then Jesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been done, because they had not repented:
Then he said to the man. "Stretch out your hand." The man stretched it out; and it had become as sound as the other.
Then some people brought to Jesus a possessed man, who was blind and dumb; and he cured him, so that the man who had been dumb both talked and saw.
And he did not work many miracles there, because of their want of faith.
Jesus ordered the people to take their seats on the grass; and, taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to Heaven, and said the blessing, and, after he had broken the loaves, gave them to his disciples; and they gave them to the crowds.
"Master," Peter exclaimed, "if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water."
"Your faith is great," was his reply to the woman; "it shall be as you wish!" And her daughter was cured that very hour.
A wicked and unfaithful generation is asking for a sign, but no sign shall be given it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and went away.
Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy; and he was cured from that very hour.
Still, that we may not shock them, go and throw a line into the Sea; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth, and you will find in it a piece of money. Take that, and give it to the collectors for both of us."
Still, that we may not shock them, go and throw a line into the Sea; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth, and you will find in it a piece of money. Take that, and give it to the collectors for both of us."
So Jesus, moved with compassion, touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight, and followed him.
And, noticing a solitary fig tree by the road-side, he went up to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. So he said to it: "Never again shall fruit be gathered off you." And suddenly the fruit tree withered up.
And, noticing a solitary fig tree by the road-side, he went up to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. So he said to it: "Never again shall fruit be gathered off you." And suddenly the fruit tree withered up.
Then Jesus came up, and spoke to them thus: "All authority in heaven and on the earth has been given to me.
And teaching them to lay to heart all the commands that I have given you; and, remember, I myself am with you every day until the close of the age."
But Jesus rebuked the spirit: "Be silent! Come out from him."
The man's ears were opened, the string of his tongue was freed, and he began to talk plainly.
Then Jesus again placed his hands on the man's eyes; and the man saw clearly, his sight was restored, and he saw everything with perfect distinctness.
Moreover these signs shall attend those who believe. In my Name they shall drive out demons; they shall speak with 'tongues'; They shall take up serpents in their hands; and, if they drink any poison, it shall not hurt them; they will place their hands on sick people and they shall recover."
They did so, and enclosed such a great shoal of fish that their nets began to break.
When Simon Peter saw this, he threw himself down at Jesus' knees, exclaiming: "Master, leave me, for I am a sinful man!"
When Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said: "Woman, you are released from your weakness."
And, when the Master of the Feast had tasted the water which had now become wine, not knowing where it had come from--although the servants who had taken out the water knew--
This, the first sign of his mission, Jesus gave at Cana in Galilee, and by it revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Jesus answered: "Unless you all see signs and wonders, you will not believe."
Jesus answered: "Unless you all see signs and wonders, you will not believe."
But the testimony which I have is of greater weight than John's; for the work that the Father has given me to carry out-- the work that I am doing--is in itself proof that the Father has sent me as his Messenger.
When the people saw the signs which Jesus gave, they said: "This is certainly 'the Prophet who was to come' into the world."
"Go," he said, "and wash your eyes in the Bath of Siloam" (a word which means 'Messenger'). So the man went and washed his eyes, and returned able to see.
So they moved the stone away; and Jesus, with uplifted eyes, said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard my prayer; I know that thou always headrest me; but I say this for the sake of the people standing near, so that they may believe that thou has sent me as thy Messenger."
The dead man came out, wrapped hand and foot in a winding- sheet; his face, too, had been wrapped in a cloth. "Set him free," said Jesus, "and let him go."
But, though Jesus had given so many signs of his mission before their eyes, they still did not believe in him,
Believe me," he said to them all, "when I say that I am in union with the Father and the Father with me, or else believe me on account of the work itself.
"Cast your net to the right of the boat," he said, "and you will find fish." So they cast the net, and now they could not haul it in on account of the quantity of fish.
A deep impression was made upon every one, and many wonders and signs were done at the hands of the Apostles.
Grasping the lame man by the right hand, Peter lifted him up. Instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong,
As Ananias heard these words, he fell down and expired; and every one who heard of it was appalled.
Instantly Sapphira fell down at Peter's feet and expired. On coming in, the young men found her dead; so they carried her out and buried her by her husband's side.
Many signs and wonders continued to occur among the people, through the instrumentality of the Apostles, whose custom it was to meet all together in the Colonnade of Solomon;
The consequence was that people would bring out their sick even into the streets, and lay them on mattresses and mats, in the hope that, as Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some one of them.
Arrested the Apostles, and had them placed in custody.
Meanwhile Stephen, divinely helped and strengthened, was showing great wonders and signs among the people.
Even Simon believed, and after his baptism attached himself to Philip, and was in his turn mystified at seeing signs and great miracles constantly occurring.
"Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ cures you. Get up, and make your bed." Aeneas got up at once;
But Peter sent everybody out of the room, and knelt down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he said: "Tabitha! stand up." She opened her eyes, and, seeing Peter, sat up.
The chains dropped from his wrists, and then the angel said: "Put on your girdle and sandals." When Peter had done so, the angel added: "Throw your cloak round you and follow me."
The hand of the Lord is upon you even now, and you will be blind for a time and unable to see the sun." Immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went feeling about for some one to guide him.
This man was listening to Paul speaking, when Paul, fixing his eyes on him, and seeing that he had the faith to be healed,
She had been doing this for several days, when Paul, much vexed, turned and said to the spirit within her: "In the Name of Jesus Christ I command you to leave her." That very moment the spirit left her.
Suddenly there was an earthquake of such violence that the Jail was shaken to its foundations; all the doors flew open, and all the prisoners' chains were loosened.
So that people would carry home to the sick handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body, and their diseases would leave them and the wicked spirits go out of them.
But Paul went down, threw himself upon him, and put his arms round him. "Do not be alarmed," he said, "he is still alive."
Paul had gathered a quantity of dry sticks and laid them on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened on his hand.
It happened that the father of Publius was lying ill of fever and dysentery. So Paul went to see him; and, after praying, he placed his hands on him and cured him.
To another the gift of preaching; to another the gift of distinguishing between true and false inspiration; to another varieties of the gift of 'tongues'; to another the power to interpret 'tongues.'
In the Church God has appointed, first, Apostles, secondly Preachers, thirdly Teachers; then he has given supernatural powers, then power to cure diseases, aptness for helping others, capacity to govern, varieties of the gift of 'tongues.'
For at the very beginning of my teaching I gave you the account which I had myself received-that Christ died for our sins (as the Scriptures had foretold), That he was buried, that on the third day he was raised (as the Scriptures had foretold),
That he was buried, that on the third day he was raised (as the Scriptures had foretold),
For at the Coming of the Lord there will be great activity on the part of Satan, in the form of all kinds of deceptive miracles, signs, and marvels, as well as of wicked attempts to delude--
Morish
No sincere believer in the inspiration of scripture can have a doubt as to real miracles having been wrought by the power of God both in O.T. and N.T. times. It is philosophy so-called, or scepticism, that mystifies the subject. Much is said about 'the laws of nature;' and it is confidently affirmed that these are irrevocable and cannot be departed from. To which is added that laws of nature previously unknown are frequently being discovered, and if our forefathers could witness the application of some of the more recent discoveries, as the computer, mobile telephone, etc., they would judge that miracles were being performed. So, it is argued, the actions recorded in scripture as miracles, were merely the bringing into use some law of nature which had been hidden up to that time.
All this is based upon a fallacy. There are no laws of nature, as if nature made its own laws: there are laws in nature, which God in His wisdom as Creator was pleased to make; but He who made those laws has surely the same power to suspend them when He pleases. Though laws in nature hitherto unknown are being discovered from time to time, they in no way account for such things as dead persons being raised to life, the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame walking, and demons being cast out of those who were possessed by them. Neither has natural philosophy discovered any law that will account for such a thing as an iron axe-head swimming in water. The simple truth is that God, for wise purposes, allowed some of the natural laws to be suspended, and at times He put forth His almighty power, as in supplying the Israelites with manna from heaven, and in feeding thousands from a few loaves and fishes, or by recalling life that had left the body.
The words translated 'miracle' in the O.T. are
1. oth, 'a sign,' as it is often translated, and in some places 'token.' Nu 14:22; De 11:3.
2. mopheth, 'a wonder,' as it is mostly translated: it is something out of the ordinary course of events. Ex 7:9; De 29:3.
3. pala, 'wonderful, marvellous.' Jg 6:13.
Moses was enabled to work miracles for two distinct objects. One was in order to convince the children of Israel that God had sent him. God gave him three signs to perform before them: his rod became a serpent, and was again a rod; his hand became leprous, and was then restored; and he could turn the water of the Nile into blood. Ex 4:1-9.
The other miracles, wrought by him in Egypt, were to show to Pharaoh the mighty power of God, who said, I will "multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt . . . . and the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt." Ex 7:3-5. The ten plagues followed, which were miracles or signs of the power of God
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And he saw a leper who came up, and bowed to the ground before him, and said: "Master, if only you are willing, you are able to make me clean." Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying as he did so: "I am willing; become clean." Instantly he was made clean from his leprosy; read more. And then Jesus said to him: "Be careful not to say a word to any one, but go and show yourself to the Priest, and offer the gift directed by Moses, as evidence of your cure." After Jesus had entered Capernaum, a Captain in the Roman army came up to him, entreating his help. "Sir," he said, "my manservant is lying ill at my house with a stroke of paralysis, and is suffering terribly." "I will come and cure him," answered Jesus. "Sir," the Captain went on, "I am unworthy to receive you under my roof; but only speak, and my manservant will be cured. For I myself am a man under the orders of others, with soldiers under me; and, if I say to one of them 'Go,' he goes, and to another 'Come,' he comes, and to my slave 'Do this,' he does it." Jesus was surprised to hear this, and said to those who were following him: "Never I tell you, in any Israelite have I met with such faith as this! Yes, and many will come in from East and West and take their places beside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of Heaven; While the heirs to the Kingdom will be 'banished into the darkness' outside; there, there will be weeping and grinding of teeth." Then Jesus said to the Captain: "Go now, and it shall be according to your faith." And the man was cured that very hour. When Jesus went into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in- law prostrated with fever. On his taking her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and began to wait upon him.
Then he got into the boat, followed by his disciples. Suddenly so great a storm came on upon the Sea, that the waves broke right over the boat. But Jesus was asleep; read more. And the disciples came and roused him. "Master," they cried, "save us; we are lost!" "Why are you so timid?" he said. "O men of little faith!" Then Jesus rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and a great calm followed. The men were amazed, and exclaimed: "What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" And on getting to the other side--the country of the Gadarenes--Jesus met two men who were possessed by demons, coming out of the tombs. They were so violent that no one was able to pass that way. Suddenly they shrieked out: "What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before our time?" A long way off, there was a drove of many pigs, feeding; And the foul spirits began begging Jesus: "If you drive us out, send us into the drove of pigs." "Go," he said. The spirits came out, and entered the pigs; and the whole drove rushed down the steep slope into the Sea, and died in the water. At this the men who tended them ran away and went to the town, carrying the news of all that had occurred, and of what had happened to the possessed men. At the news the whole town went out to meet Jesus, and, when they saw him, they entreated him to go away from their neighborhood.
And there some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man: "Courage, Child! Your sins are forgiven." Then some of the teachers of the Law said to themselves: "This man is blaspheming!" read more. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus exclaimed: "Why do your cherish such wicked thoughts? Which, I ask, is the easier?--to say 'Your sins are forgiven'? or to say 'Get up, and walk about'? But, that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--then he said to the paralyzed man-- "Get up, take up your bed, and return to your home." The man got up and went to his home.
While Jesus was saying this, a President of a Synagogue came up and bowed to the ground before him. "My daughter," he said, "Has just died; but come and place your hand on her, and she will be restored to life." So Jesus rose and followed him, and his disciples went also. read more. But meanwhile a woman, who had been suffering from hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind and touched the tassel of his cloak.
But meanwhile a woman, who had been suffering from hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind and touched the tassel of his cloak. "If I only touch his cloak," she said to herself, "I shall get well."
"If I only touch his cloak," she said to herself, "I shall get well." Turning and seeing her, Jesus said: "Courage, Daughter! your faith has delivered you." And the woman was delivered from her malady from that very hour.
Turning and seeing her, Jesus said: "Courage, Daughter! your faith has delivered you." And the woman was delivered from her malady from that very hour. When Jesus reached the President's house, seeing the flute- players, and a number of people all in confusion, read more. He said: "Go away, the little girl is not dead; she is asleep." They began to laugh at him; But, when the people had been sent out, Jesus went in, and took the little girl's hand, and she rose. The report of this spread through all that part of the country. As Jesus was passing on from there, he was followed by two blind men, who kept calling out: "Take pity on us, Son of David!" When he had gone indoors, the blind men came up to him; and Jesus asked them: "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Master!" they answered. Upon that he touched their eyes, and said: "It shall be according to your faith." Then their eyes were opened. Jesus sternly cautioned them. "See that no one knows of it," he said. But the men went out, and spread the news about him through all that part of the country. Just as they were going out, some people brought up to Jesus a dumb man who was possessed by a demon; And, as soon as the demon had been driven out, the dumb man spoke. The people were astonished at this, and exclaimed: "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!"
And there he saw a man with a withered hand. Some people asked Jesus whether it was allowable to work a cure on the Sabbath- -so that they might have a charge to bring against him. But Jesus said to them: "Which of you, if he had only one sheep, and that sheep fell into a pit on the Sabbath, would not lay hold of it and pull it out? read more. And how much more precious a man is than a sheep! Therefore it is allowable to do good on the Sabbath." Then he said to the man. "Stretch out your hand." The man stretched it out; and it had become as sound as the other.
Then some people brought to Jesus a possessed man, who was blind and dumb; and he cured him, so that the man who had been dumb both talked and saw.
In the evening the disciples came up to him, and said: " This is a lonely spot, and the day is now far advanced; send the crowds away, that they may go to the villages, and buy themselves food." But Jesus said: "They need not go away, it is for you to give them something to eat." read more. "We have nothing here," they said, "except five loaves and two fishes." "Bring them here to me," was his reply. Jesus ordered the people to take their seats on the grass; and, taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to Heaven, and said the blessing, and, after he had broken the loaves, gave them to his disciples; and they gave them to the crowds. Every one had sufficient to eat, and they picked up enough of the broken pieces that were left to fill twelve baskets. The men who ate were about five thousand in number, without counting women and children.
The boat was by this time some miles from shore, laboring in the waves, for the wind was against her. Three hours after midnight, however, Jesus came towards the disciples, walking on the water. read more. But, when they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they exclaimed, and cried out for fear. But Jesus at once spoke to them. "Courage!" he said, "It is I; do not be afraid!" "Master," Peter exclaimed, "if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." And Jesus said: "Come." So Peter got down from the boat, and walked on the water, and went towards Jesus; But, when he felt the wind, he was frightened, and, beginning to sink, cried out: "Master! Save me!" Instantly Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught hold of him. "O man of little faith!" he said, "Why did you falter?" When they had got into the boat, the wind dropped. But the men in the boat threw themselves on their faces before him, and said: "You are indeed God's Son."
On going away from that place, Jesus retired to the country round Tyre and Sidon. There, a Canaanite woman of that district came out and began calling to Jesus: "Take pity on me, Master, Son of David; my daughter is grievously possessed by a demon." read more. But Jesus did not answer her a word; and his disciples came up and begged him to send her away. "She keeps calling out after us," they said. "I was not sent," replied Jesus, "to any one except the lost sheep of Israel." But the woman came, and, bowing to the ground before him, said: "Master, help me." "It is not fair," replied Jesus, "to take the children's food and throw it to dogs." "Yes, Master," she said, "for even dogs do feed on the scraps that fall from their owners' table." "Your faith is great," was his reply to the woman; "it shall be as you wish!" And her daughter was cured that very hour.
Afterwards Jesus called his disciples to him, and said: "My heart is moved at the sight of all these people, for they have already been with me three days and they have nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, for fear that they should break down on the way." "Where can we," his disciples asked, "in a lonely place find enough bread for such a crowd as this?" read more. "How many loaves have you?" said Jesus. "Seven," they answered, "and a few small fish." Telling the crowd to sit down on the ground, Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and, after saying the thanksgiving, broke them, and gave them to the disciples; and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Every one had sufficient to eat, and they picked up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left. The men who ate were four thousand in number without counting women and children.
When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, and, kneeling down before him, said: "Master, take pity on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers terribly; indeed, he often falls into the fire and into the water; read more. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him." "O faithless and perverse generation!" Jesus exclaimed, "how long must I be among you? how long must I have patience with you? Bring the boy here to me." Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy; and he was cured from that very hour.
After they had reached Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple-rate came up to Peter, and said: "Does not your Master pay the Temple-rate?" "Yes," answered Peter. But, on going into the house, before he could speak, Jesus said: "What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings take taxes or tribute? From their sons, or from others?" read more. "From others," answered Peter. "Well then," continued Jesus, "their sons go free. Still, that we may not shock them, go and throw a line into the Sea; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth, and you will find in it a piece of money. Take that, and give it to the collectors for both of us."
Two blind men who were sitting by the road-side, hearing that Jesus was passing, called out: "Take pity on us, Master, Son of David!" The crowd told them to be quiet; but the men only called out the louder: "Take pity on us, Master, Son of David!" read more. Then Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he said. "Master," they replied, "we want our eyes to be opened." So Jesus, moved with compassion, touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight, and followed him.
The next morning, in returning to the city, Jesus became hungry; And, noticing a solitary fig tree by the road-side, he went up to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. So he said to it: "Never again shall fruit be gathered off you." And suddenly the fruit tree withered up. read more. When the disciples saw this, they exclaimed in astonishment: "How suddenly the fig tree withered up!" "I tell you," replied Jesus, "if you have faith, without ever a doubt, you will do what not only what has been done to the fig tree, but, even if you should say to this hill 'Be lifted up and hurled into the sea!' it would be done. And whatever you ask for in your prayers will, if you have faith, be granted you."
For false Christs and false Prophets will arise, and will display great signs and marvels, so that, were it possible, even God's People would be led astray.
Now there was in their Synagogue at the time a man under the power of a foul spirit, who called out: "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" read more. But Jesus rebuked the spirit: "Be silent! Come out from him." The foul spirit threw the man into a fit, and with a loud cry came out from him. And they were all so amazed that they kept asking: "What is this? Strange teaching indeed! He gives his commands with authority even to the foul spirits, and they obey him!" And the fame of Jesus spread at once in all directions, through the whole neighborhood of Galilee.
Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying ill with fever, and they at once told Jesus about her. Jesus went up to her and, grasping her hand, raised her up; the fever left her, and she began to wait upon them.
One day a leper came to Jesus and, falling on his knees, begged him for help. "If only you are willing," he said, "you are able to make me clean." Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying as he did so: "I am willing; become clean." read more. Instantly the leprosy left the man, and he became clean; And then Jesus, after sternly warning him, immediately sent him away, and said to him: "Be careful not to say anything to any one; but go and show yourself to the Priest, and make the offerings for your cleansing directed by Moses, as evidence of your cure." The man, however, went away, and began to speak about it publicly, and to spread the story so widely, that Jesus could no longer go openly into a town, but stayed outside in lonely places; and people came to him from every direction.
And some people came bringing to him a paralyzed man, who was being carried by four bearers. Being, however, unable to get him near to Jesus, owing to the crowd, they removed the roofing below which Jesus was; and, when they had made an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. read more. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man: "Child, your sins are forgiven." But some of the Teachers of the Law who were sitting there were debating in their minds: "Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except God?" Jesus, at once intuitively aware that they wee debating with themselves in this way, said to them: "Why are you debating in your minds about this? Which is easier?--to say to the paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven'? or to say 'Get up, and take up your mat, and walk about'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power to forgive sins on earth"--here he said to the paralyzed man-- "To you I say, Get up, take up your mat, and return to your home." The man got up, and immediately took up his mat, and went out before them all; at which they were amazed, and, as they praised God, they said: "We have never seen anything like this!"
So, leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them, just as he was, in the boat; and there were other boats with him. A violent squall came on, and the waves kept dashing into the boat, so that the boat was actually filling. read more. Jesus was in the stern asleep upon the cushion; and the disciples roused him and cried: "Teacher! is it nothing to you that we are lost?" Jesus rose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: "Hush! Be still!" Then the wind dropped, and a great calm followed. "Why are you so timid?" he exclaimed. "Have you no faith yet?" But they were struck with great awe, and said to one another: "Who can this be that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
And they came to the other side of the Sea--the country of the Gerasenes; And, as soon as Jesus had got out of the boat, he met a man coming out of the tombs, who was under the power of a foul spirit, read more. And who made his home in the tombs. No one had ever been able to secure him, even with a chain; For, though he had many times been left secured with fetters and chains, he had snapped the chains and broken the fetters to pieces, and no one could master him. Night and day alike, he was continually shrieking in the tombs and among the hills, and cutting himself with stones. Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed to the ground before him, Shrieking out in a loud voice: "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? For God's sake do not torment me!" For Jesus had said: "Come out from the man, you foul spirit." And he asked him: "What is your name?" "My name," he said, "is Legion, for there are many of us;" and he begged Jesus again and again not to send them away out of that country. There was a large drove of pigs close by, feeding on the hill- side. And the spirits begged Jesus: "Send us into the pigs, that we may take possession of them." Jesus gave them leave. They came out, and entered into the pigs; and the drove--about two thousand in number--rushed down the steep slope into the Sea and were drowned in the Sea. On this the men who tended them ran away, and carried the news to the town, and to the country round; and the people went to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the possessed man sitting there, clothed and in his right mind--the very man who had had the 'Legion' in him--and they were awe-struck. Then those who had seen it related to them all that had happened to the possessed man, as well as about the pigs; Upon which they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the possessed man begged him to let him stay with him. But Jesus refused. "Go back to your home, to your own people," he said, "and tell them of all that the Lord has done for you, and how he took pity on you." So the man went, and began to proclaim in the district of the Ten Towns all that Jesus had done for him; and every one was amazed.
And one of the Presidents of the Synagogue, whose name was Jaeirus, came and, as soon as he saw Jesus, threw himself at his feet with repeated entreaties. "My little daughter," he said, "is at the point of death; I beg you to come and place your hands on her, that her life may be spared." read more. So Jesus went with him. A great number of People followed Jesus, and kept pressing round him. Meanwhile a woman who for twelve years had suffered from hemorrhage,
Meanwhile a woman who for twelve years had suffered from hemorrhage, And undergone much at the hands of many doctors, (spending all she had without obtaining any relief, but, on the contrary, growing worse),
And undergone much at the hands of many doctors, (spending all she had without obtaining any relief, but, on the contrary, growing worse), Heard about Jesus, came behind in the crowd, and touched his cloak.
Heard about Jesus, came behind in the crowd, and touched his cloak. "If I can only touch his clothes," she said, "I shall get well!"
"If I can only touch his clothes," she said, "I shall get well!" At once the mischief was stopped, and she felt in herself that she was cured of her complaint.
At once the mischief was stopped, and she felt in herself that she was cured of her complaint. Jesus at once became aware of the power that had gone out from him, and, turning round in the crowd, he said: "Who touched my clothes?"
Jesus at once became aware of the power that had gone out from him, and, turning round in the crowd, he said: "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people pressing round you," exclaimed his disciples, "and yet you say 'Who touched me?'"
"You see the people pressing round you," exclaimed his disciples, "and yet you say 'Who touched me?'" But Jesus looked about to see who had done it.
But Jesus looked about to see who had done it. Then the woman, in fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and threw herself down before him, and told him the whole truth.
Then the woman, in fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and threw herself down before him, and told him the whole truth. "Daughter," he said, "your faith has delivered you. Go, and peace be with you; be free from your complaint."
"Daughter," he said, "your faith has delivered you. Go, and peace be with you; be free from your complaint." Before he had finished speaking, some people from the house of the President of the Synagogue came and said: "Your daughter is dead! Why should you trouble the Teacher further?" read more. But Jesus, overhearing what they were saying, said to the President of the Synagogue: "Do not be afraid; only have faith." And he allowed no one to accompany him, except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. Presently they reached the President's house, where Jesus saw a scene of confusion--people weeping and wailing incessantly. "Why this confusion and weeping?" he said on entering. "The little child is not dead; she is asleep." They began to laugh at him; but he sent them all out, and then, with the child's father and mother and his companions, went into the room where she was lying. Taking her hand, Jesus said to her: "Taleitha, koum!"--which means 'little girl, I am speaking to you--Rise!' The little girl stood up at once, and began to walk about; for she was twelve years old. And, as soon as they saw it, they were overwhelmed with amazement; But Jesus repeatedly cautioned them not to let any one know of it, and told them to give her something to eat.
When it grew late, his disciples came up to him, and said: "This is a lonely spot, and it is already late. Send the people away, so that they may go to the farms and villages around and buy themselves something to eat." read more. But Jesus answered: "It is for you to give them something to eat." "Are we to go and buy twenty pounds' worth of bread," they asked, "to give them to eat?" "How many loaves have you?" he asked; "Go, and see." When they had found out, they told him: "Five, and two fishes." Jesus directed them to make all the people take their seats on the green grass, in parties; And they sat down in groups--in hundreds, and in fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fishes, Jesus looked up to Heaven, and said the blessing; he broke the loaves into pieces, and gave them to his disciples for them to serve out to the people, and he divided the two fishes also among them all. Every one had sufficient to eat; And they picked up enough broken pieces to fill twelve baskets, as well as some of the fish. The men who ate the bread were five thousand in number.
When evening fell, the boat was out in the middle of the Sea, and Jesus on the shore alone. Seeing them laboring at the oars--for the wind was against them--about three hours after midnight Jesus came towards them, walking on the water, intending to join them. read more. But, when they saw him walking on the water, they thought it was a ghost, and cried out; For all of them saw him, and were terrified. But Jesus at once spoke to them. "Courage!" he said, "it is I; do not be afraid!" Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind dropped. The disciples were utterly amazed,
Hurried over the whole country-side, and began to carry about upon mats those who were ill, wherever they heard he was. So wherever he went--to villages, or towns, or farms--they would lay their sick in the market-places, begging him to let them touch only the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched were made well.
On leaving that place, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And he went into a house, and did not wish anyone to know it, but could not escape notice. For a woman, whose little daughter had a foul spirit in her, heard of him immediately, and came and threw herself at his feet-- read more. The woman was a foreigner, a native of Syrian Phoenicia--and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. "Let the children be satisfied first," answered Jesus. "For it is not fair to take the children's food, and throw it to dogs." "Yes, Master," she replied; "even the dogs under the table do feed on the children's crumbs." "For saying that," he answered, "you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." The woman went home, and found the child lying on her bed, and the demon gone. On returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went, by way of Sidon, to the Sea of Galilee, across the district of the Ten Towns. Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and almost dumb, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. Jesus took him aside from the crowd quietly, put his fingers into the man's ears, and touched his tongue with saliva. Then, looking up to Heaven, he sighed, and said to the man: "Ephphatha!" which means 'Be opened.' The man's ears were opened, the string of his tongue was freed, and he began to talk plainly. Jesus insisted upon their not telling any one; but the more he insisted, the more perseveringly they made it known, And a profound impression was made upon the people. "He has done everything well!" they exclaimed. "He makes even the deaf hear and the dumb speak!"
They came to Bethsaida. There some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and begged him to touch him. Taking the blind man's hand, Jesus led him to the outskirts of the village, and, when he had put saliva on the man's eyes, he placed his hands on him, and asked him: "Do you see anything?" read more. The man looked up, and said: "I see the people, for, as they walk about, they look to me like trees." Then Jesus again placed his hands on the man's eyes; and the man saw clearly, his sight was restored, and he saw everything with perfect distinctness. Jesus sent him to his home, and said: "Do not go even into the village."
When they came to the other disciples, they saw a great crowd round them, and some Teachers of the Law arguing with them. But, as soon as they saw Jesus, all the people, in great astonishment, ran up and greeted him. read more. "What are you arguing about with them?" Jesus asked. "Teacher," answered a man in the crowd, "I brought my son to see you, as he has a dumb spirit in him; And, wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down; he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth, and he is pining away. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they failed." "O faithless generation!" exclaimed Jesus. "How long must I be with you? how long must I have patience with you? Bring the boy to me." They brought him to Jesus; but no sooner did the boy see him than the spirit threw him into convulsions; and he fell on the ground, and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. "How long has he been like this?" Jesus asked the boy's father. "From his childhood," he answered; "and it has often thrown him into fire and into water to put an end to his life; but, if you can possibly do anything, take pity on us, and help us!" Why say 'possibly'?" Jesus replied. "Everything is possible for one who has faith." The boy's father immediately cried out: "I have faith; help my want of faith!" But, when Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly collecting, he rebuked the foul spirit: "Deaf and dumb spirit, it is I who command you. Come out from him and never enter him again." With a loud cry the spirit threw the boy into repeated convulsions, and then came out from him. The boy looked like a corpse, so that most of them said that he was dead. But Jesus took his hand, and lifted him; and he stood up.
They came to Jericho. When Jesus was going out of the town with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road-side. Hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to call out: "Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me." read more. Many of the people kept telling him to be quiet; but the man continued to call out all the louder: "Son of David, take pity on me." Then Jesus stopped. "Call him," he said. So they called the blind man. "Courage!" they exclaimed. "Get up; he is calling you." The man threw off his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" said Jesus, addressing him. "Rabboni," the blind man answered, "I want to recover my sight." "You may go," Jesus said; "your faith has delivered you." Immediately he recovered his sight, and began to follow Jesus along the road.
The next day, after they had left Bethany, Jesus became hungry; And, noticing a fig-tree at a distance in leaf, he went to it to see if by any chance he could find something on it; but, on coming up to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. read more. So, addressing the tree, he exclaimed: "May no man ever again eat of your fruit!" And his disciples heard what he said. They came to Jerusalem. Jesus went into the Temple Courts, and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of the pigeon-dealers, And would not allow any one to carry anything across the Temple Courts. Then he began to teach. "Does not Scripture say," he asked, "'My House shall be called a House of Prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers.'" Now the Chief Priests and the Teachers of the Law heard this and began to look for some way of putting Jesus to death; for they were afraid of him, since all the people were greatly impressed by his teaching. As soon as evening fell, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. As they passed by early in the morning, they noticed that the fig-tree was withered up from the very roots. Then Peter recollected what had occurred. "Look, Rabbi," he exclaimed, "the fig-tree which you doomed is withered up!" "Have faith in God!" replied Jesus. "I tell you that if any one should say to this hill 'Be lifted up and hurled into the sea!', without ever a doubt in his mind, but in the faith that what he says will be done, he would find that it would be. And therefore I say to you 'Have faith that whatever you ask for in prayer is already granted you, and you will find that it will be.'
He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he who refuses to believe will be condemned. Moreover these signs shall attend those who believe. In my Name they shall drive out demons; they shall speak with 'tongues'; read more. They shall take up serpents in their hands; and, if they drink any poison, it shall not hurt them; they will place their hands on sick people and they shall recover."
In the Synagogue there was a man with the spirit of a foul demon in him, who called out loudly: "Stop! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" read more. But Jesus rebuked the demon. "Be silent! Come out from him," he said. The demon flung the man down in the middle of the people, and then came out from him, without causing him further harm. And they were all lost in amazement, and kept saying to one another: "What words are these? For he gives his commands to the foul spirits with a marvelous authority, and they come out." And rumors about Jesus traveled through every place in the neighborhood. On leaving the Synagogue, Jesus went into Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a severe attack of fever, and they asked Jesus to cure her. Bending over her, he rebuked the fever; the fever left her, and she immediately got up and began to wait upon them.
Once, when the people were pressing round Jesus as the listened to God's Message, he happened to be standing by the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats close to the shore. The fishermen had gone away from them and were washing the nets. read more. So, getting into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, Jesus asked him to push off a little way from the shore, and then sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon: "Push off into deep water, and throw out your nets for a haul." "We have been hard at work all night, Sir," answered Simon, "and have not caught anything, but, at your bidding, I will throw out the nets." They did so, and enclosed such a great shoal of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; and they came and filled both the boats so full of fish that they were almost sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he threw himself down at Jesus' knees, exclaiming: "Master, leave me, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were lost in amazement at the haul of fish which they had made; And so, too, were James and John, Zebediah's sons, who were Simon's partners. "Do not be afraid," Jesus said to Simon; "from to-day you shall catch men." And, when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything, and followed him. On one occasion Jesus was staying in a town, when he saw a man who was covered with leprosy. When the leper saw Jesus, he threw himself on his face and implored his help: "Master, if only you are willing, you are able to make me clean." Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying as he did so: "I am willing; become clean." Instantly the leprosy left the man; And then Jesus impressed upon him that he was not to say a word to any one, "but," he added, "set out and show yourself to the priest, and make the offerings for your cleansing, in the manner directed by Moses, as evidence of your cure." However, the story about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came together to listen to him, and to be cured of their illnesses;
And there some men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed. They tried to get him in and lay him before Jesus; But, finding no way of getting him in owing to the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him through the tiles, with his pallet, into the middle of the people and in front of Jesus. read more. When he saw their faith, Jesus said: "Friend, your sins have been forgiven you." The Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees began debating about this. "Who is this man who speaks so blasphemously?" they asked. "Who can forgive sins except God?" When Jesus became aware of the way in which they were debating, he turned to them and exclaimed: "What are you debating with yourselves? Which is the easier?--to say 'Your sins have been forgiven you'? or to say 'Get up, and walk about'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"-- he spoke to the paralyzed man-- "To you I say, Get up, and take up your pallet, and go to your home." Instantly the man stood up before their eyes, took up what he had been lying on, and went to his home, praising God. The people, one and all, were lost in amazement, and praised God; and in great awe they said: "We have seen marvelous things to-day!"
On another Sabbath Jesus went into the Synagogue and taught; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely, to see if he would work cures on the Sabbath, so that they might find a charge to bring against him. read more. Jesus, however, knew what was in the their minds, and said to the man whose hand was withered: "Stand up and come out into the middle." The man stood up; And Jesus said to them: "I ask you, is it allowable to do good on the Sabbath--or harm? to save a life, or let it perish?" Then, looking round at them all, he said to the man: "Stretch out your hand." The man did so; and his hand had become sound. But the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees were goaded to madness, and consulted together what they could do to Jesus.
When Jesus had brought to a conclusion all that he had then had to say to the people, he entered Capernaum. A Captain in the Roman army had a slave whom he valued, and who was seriously ill--almost at the point of death. read more. And, hearing about Jesus, he sent some Jewish Councillors to him, with the request that he would come and save his slave's life. When they found Jesus, they earnestly implored him to do so. "He is a man who deserves that you should show him this favor," they said, "For he is devoted to our nation, and himself built our Synagogue for us." So Jesus went with them. But, when he was no great distance from the house, the Captain sent some friends with the message-- "Do not trouble yourself, Sir; for I am unworthy to receive you under my roof. That was why I did not even venture to come to you myself; but speak, and let my manservant be cured. For I myself am a man under the orders of others, with soldiers under me; and if I say to one of them 'Go,' he goes, and to another 'Come,' he comes, and to my slave 'Do this,' he does it." Jesus was surprised to hear these words from him; and, turning to the crowd which was following him, he said: "I tell you, nowhere in Israel have I met with such faith as this!" And, when the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave recovered. Shortly after, Jesus went to a town called Nain, his disciples and a great crowd going with him. Just as he approached the gate of the town, there was a dead man being carried out for burial--an only son, and his mother was a widow. A large number of the people of the town were with her. When he saw her, the Master was moved with compassion for her, and he said to her: "Do not weep." Then he went up and touched the bier, and the bearers stopped; and Jesus said: "Young man, I am speaking to you--Rise!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus restored him to his mother. Every one was awe-struck and began praising God. "A great Prophet has arisen among us," they said; "and God has visited his people." And this story about Jesus spread all through Judea, and in the neighboring countries as well.
One day about that time, Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and said to them: "Let us go across the lake." So they put off. While they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. A squall swept down upon the lake, and their boat was filling and they were in danger. read more. So the disciples came and roused him. "Sir, Sir," they cried, "we are lost!" Jesus rose and rebuked the wind and the rushing waves, and they fell, and a calm followed. "Where is your faith?" he exclaimed. But in great awe and amazement they said to one another: "Who can this be, that he commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him?" And they reached the country of the Gerasenes, which is on the opposite side to Galilee; And, on getting ashore, Jesus met a man, who had demons in him, coming out of the town. For a long time this man had worn no clothing, and he had not lived in a house, but in the tombs. Catching sight of Jesus, he shrieked out and threw himself down before him, and in a loud voice exclaimed: "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you not to torment me." For Jesus was commanding the foul spirit to come out from the man. On many occasions it had seized him, and, even when secured with chains and fetters, and watched, he would break through anything that bound him, and be driven by the demon into the Wilds. "What is your name?" Jesus asked. "Legion," he answered (for many demons had taken possession of him); And the demons begged Jesus not to order them away into the bottomless pit. There was a drove of many pigs close by feeding upon the hill- side; and the demons begged Jesus to give them leave to enter into them. Jesus gave them leave. They came out from the man and took possession of the pigs; and the drove rushed down the steep slope into the lake and were drowned. When the men who tended them saw what had happened, they ran away, and carried the news to the town, and to the country round. The people went out to see what had happened, and, when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting, clothed and in his right mind, at Jesus' feet; and they were awe-struck. Those who had seen it told them how the possessed man had been delivered; Upon which all the people in the neighborhood of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, for they were terrified. Jesus got into a boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone out begged Jesus to let him be with him; but Jesus sent him away. "Go back to your home," he said, "and relate the story of all that God has done for you." So the man went through the whole town and proclaimed, as he went, all that Jesus had done for him.
And a man named Jaeirus, who was a President of the Synagogue, came to Jesus, and threw himself at Jesus' feet, with entreaties that he would come to his house, Because his only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus was going, the people were pressing closely round him. read more. And a woman, who had suffered from hemorrhage for twelve years, and whom no one could cure,
And a woman, who had suffered from hemorrhage for twelve years, and whom no one could cure, Came up behind and touched the tassel of his cloak. Instantly the hemorrhage ceased.
Came up behind and touched the tassel of his cloak. Instantly the hemorrhage ceased. "Who was it that touched me?" Jesus asked; and, while everyone was denying having done so, Peter exclaimed: "Why, Sir, the people are crowding round you and pressing upon you!"
"Who was it that touched me?" Jesus asked; and, while everyone was denying having done so, Peter exclaimed: "Why, Sir, the people are crowding round you and pressing upon you!" "Somebody touched me," said Jesus; "for I felt that power had gone out from me."
"Somebody touched me," said Jesus; "for I felt that power had gone out from me." Then the woman, when she saw that she was discovered, came forward trembling, and threw herself down before him; and, in the presence of all the people, she told him her reason for touching him, and that she had been cured instantly.
Then the woman, when she saw that she was discovered, came forward trembling, and threw herself down before him; and, in the presence of all the people, she told him her reason for touching him, and that she had been cured instantly. "Daughter," he said, "your faith has delivered you. Go, and peace be with you."
"Daughter," he said, "your faith has delivered you. Go, and peace be with you." Before he had finished speaking, some one came from the house of the President of the Synagogue and said: "Your daughter is dead! Do not trouble the Teacher further." read more. But Jesus, hearing this, spoke to the President: "Do not be afraid; only have faith, and she shall yet be delivered." When he reached the house, he did not allow any one to go in with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child's father and mother. And every one was weeping and mourning for her. "Do not weep," Jesus said, "she is not dead; she is asleep." They began to laugh at him, for they knew that she was dead. But, taking her by the hand, Jesus said in a loud voice: "Child, rise!" The child's spirit returned to her, and she instantly stood up; and Jesus ordered them to give her something to eat. Her parents were amazed, but Jesus impressed on them that they were not to tell any one what had happened.
The day was drawing to a close, when the twelve came up to him, and said: "Send the crowd away, so that they may make their way to the villages and farms round about, and find themselves lodgings and provisions, for we are in a lonely spot here." But Jesus said: "It is for you to give them something to eat." "We have not more than five loaves and two fishes," they answered; "unless indeed we are to go and buy food for all these people." read more. (For the men among them were about five thousand.) "Get them seated in companies," was his reply, "about fifty in each." This they did, and got all the people seated. Taking the five loaves and the two fishes, Jesus looked up to Heaven and said the blessing over them. Then he broke them in pieces, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. Every one had sufficient to eat, and what was left of the broken pieces was picked up--twelve baskets.
The next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met Jesus. And just then a man in the crowd shouted out: "Teacher, I entreat you to look at my son, for he is my only child; read more. All at once a spirit will seize him, suddenly shriek out, and throw him into convulsions till he foams, and will leave him only when he is utterly exhausted. I entreated your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not." "O faithless and perverse generation!" Jesus exclaimed; "how long must I be with you and have patience with you? Lead your son here." While the boy was coming up to Jesus, the demon dashed him down and threw him into convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the foul spirit, and cured the boy, and gave him back to his father.
Once Jesus was driving out a dumb demon, and, when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke. The people were amazed at this;
And he saw before him a woman who for eighteen years had suffered from weakness owing to her having an evil spirit in her. She was bent double, and was wholly unable to raise herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said: "Woman, you are released from your weakness." read more. He placed his hands on her, and she was instantly made straight, and began to praise God. But the President of the Synagogue, indignant that Jesus had worked the cure on the Sabbath, interposed and said to the people: "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come to be cured on one of those, and not on the Sabbath." "You hypocrites!" the Master answered him. "Does not every one of you let his ox or his ass loose from its manger, and take it out to drink, on the Sabbath? But this woman, a daughter of Abraham, who has been kept in bondage by Satan for now eighteen years, ought not she to have been released from her bondage on the Sabbath?" As he said this, his opponents all felt ashamed; but all the people rejoiced to see all the wonderful things that he was doing.
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus passed between Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. read more. Standing still, some distance off, they called out loudly: "Jesus! Sir! pity us!" When Jesus saw them, he said: "Go and show yourselves to the priest." And, as they were on their way, they were made clean. One of them, finding he was cured, came back, praising God loudly, And threw himself on his face at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done; and this man was a Samaritan. "Were not all the ten made clean? exclaimed Jesus. But the nine--where are they? Were there none to come back and praise God except this foreigner? Get up," he said to him, "and go on your way. Your faith has delivered you."
As Jesus was getting near Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road-side, begging. Hearing a crowd going by, the man asked what was the matter; read more. And, when people told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing, He shouted out: "Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me!" Those who were in front kept telling him to be quiet, but he continued to call out the louder: "Son of David, take pity on me!" Then Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. And, when he had come close up to him, Jesus asked him: "What do you want me to do for you?" "Master," he said, "I want to recover my sight." And Jesus said: "Recover your sight, your faith has delivered you." Instantly he recovered his sight, and began to follow Jesus, praising God. And all the people, on seeing it, gave glory to God.
And one of them struck the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear; On which Jesus said: "Let me at least do this"; and, touching his ear, he healed the wound.
Two days after this there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and Jesus' mother was there. Jesus himself, too, with his disciples, was invited to the wedding. read more. And, when the wine ran short, his mother said to him: "They have no wine left." "What do you want with me?" answered Jesus. "My time has not come yet." His mother said to the servants: "Do whatever he tells you." There were standing there six stone water-jars, in accordance with the Jewish rule of 'purification,' each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants: "Fill the water-jars with water;" And, when they had filled them to the brim, he added: "Now take some out, and carry it to the Master of the Feast." The servants did so. And, when the Master of the Feast had tasted the water which had now become wine, not knowing where it had come from--although the servants who had taken out the water knew-- He called the bridegroom and said to him: "Every one puts good wine on the table first, and inferior wine afterwards, when his guests have drunk freely; but you have kept back the good wine till now!" This, the first sign of his mission, Jesus gave at Cana in Galilee, and by it revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
So Jesus came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. Now there was one of the King's officers whose son was lying ill at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had returned from Judea to Galilee, he went to him, and begged him to come down and cure his son; for he was at the point of death. read more. Jesus answered: "Unless you all see signs and wonders, you will not believe." "Sir," said the officer, "come down before my child dies." And Jesus answered: "Go, your son is living." The man believed what Jesus said to him, and went; And, while he was on his way down, his servants met him, and told him that his child was living. So he asked them at what time the boy began to get better. "It was yesterday, about one o'clock," they said, "that the fever left him." By this the father knew that it was at the very time when Jesus had said to him 'Your son is living'; and he himself, with all his household, believed in Jesus. This was the second occasion on which Jesus gave a sign of his mission on coming from Judea to Galilee.
Looking up, and noticing that a great crowd was coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip: "Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?" He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he meant to do. read more. "Twenty pounds' worth of bread," answered Philip, "would not be enough for each of them to have a little." "There is a boy here," said Andrew, another of his disciples, Simon Peter's brother, "Who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what is that for so many?" "Make the people sit down," said Jesus. It was a grassy spot; so the men, who numbered about five thousand, sat down, And then Jesus took the loaves, and, after saying the thanksgiving, distributed them to those who were sitting down; and the same with the fish, giving the people as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, Jesus said to his disciples: "Collect the broken pieces that are left, so that nothing may be wasted." The disciples did so, and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves, which were left after all had eaten. When the people saw the signs which Jesus gave, they said: "This is certainly 'the Prophet who was to come' into the world."
When evening fell, his disciples went down to the Sea, And, getting into a boat, began to cross to Capernaum. By this time darkness had set in, and Jesus had not yet come back to them; read more. The Sea, too, was getting rough, for a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed three or four miles, they caught sight of him walking on the water and approaching the boat, and they were frightened. But Jesus said to them: "It is I; do not be afraid!" And after this they were glad to take him into the boat; and the boat at once arrived off the shore, for which they had been making.
Again groaning inwardly, Jesus came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against the mouth of it. "Move the stone away," said Jesus. "Master," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time the smell must be offensive, for this is the fourth day since his death." read more. "Did not I tell you," replied Jesus, "that, if you would believe in me, you should see the glory of God?" So they moved the stone away; and Jesus, with uplifted eyes, said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard my prayer; I know that thou always headrest me; but I say this for the sake of the people standing near, so that they may believe that thou has sent me as thy Messenger." Then, after saying this, Jesus called in a loud voice: "Lazarus! come out!" The dead man came out, wrapped hand and foot in a winding- sheet; his face, too, had been wrapped in a cloth. "Set him free," said Jesus, "and let him go."
Later on, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. It was in this way:--Simon Peter, Thomas, who was called 'The Twin,' Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, Zebediah's sons, and two other disciples of Jesus, were together, when Simon Peter said: read more. "I am going fishing." "We will come with you," said the others. They went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night. Just as day was breaking, Jesus came and stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was he. "My children," he said, "have you anything to eat?" "No," they answered. "Cast your net to the right of the boat," he said, "and you will find fish." So they cast the net, and now they could not haul it in on account of the quantity of fish. Upon this the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter: "It is the Master!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Master, he fastened his coat round him (for he had taken it off), and threw himself into the Sea. But the rest of the disciples came in the boat (for they were only about a hundred yards from shore), dragging the net full of fish. When they had come ashore, they found a charcoal fire ready, with some fish already on it, and some bread as well. "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught," said Jesus. So Simon Peter got into the boat and hauled the net ashore full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and yet, although there were so many, the net had not been torn. And Jesus said to them: "Come and breakfast." Not one of the disciples ventured to ask him who he was, knowing that it was the Master. Jesus went and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish too. This was the third time that Jesus showed himself to the disciples after he had risen from the dead.
There are many other things which Jesus did; but, if every one of them were to be recorded in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not hold the books that would be written.
Men of Israel, listen to what I am saying. Jesus of Nazareth, a man whose mission from God to you was proved by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God showed among you through him, as you know full well--
There was staying in the city a man named Simon, who had been practicing magic there and mystifying the Samaritan people, giving himself out to be some great Being.
After passing through the whole island, they reached Paphos, where they found an astrologer who pretended to be a Prophet--a Jew by birth, whose name was Barjoshua. He was at the court of the Governor, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who sent for Barnabas and Saul and asked to be told God's Message. read more. But Elymas, the astrologer (for that is the meaning of the word), opposed them, eager to divert the Governor's attention from the Faith.
While a number of people, who had practiced magic, collected their books and burnt them publicly; and on reckoning up the price of these, they found it amounted to five thousand pounds.
The marks of the true Apostle were exhibited among you in constant endurance, as well as by signs, by marvels, and by miracles.
For at the Coming of the Lord there will be great activity on the part of Satan, in the form of all kinds of deceptive miracles, signs, and marvels, as well as of wicked attempts to delude--
I, Paul, add this greeting in my own handwriting. It is my signature to every letter. This is how I write.
It performs great marvels, even causing fire to fall from the heavens to the earth, before men's eyes; and in consequence of the marvels which it was allowed to perform under the eyes of the Beast, it is able to deceive all who are living on the earth. It bids those who live on the earth to make a statue in honour of the Beast, who, despite the wound from the sword, yet lived.
Smith
Miracles.
A miracle may be defined to be a plain and manifest exercise by a man, or by God at the call of a man, of those powers which belong only to the Creator and Lord of nature; and this for the declared object of attesting that a divine mission is given to that man. It is not, therefore, the wonder, the exception to common experience, that constitutes the miracle, as is assumed both in the popular use of the word and by most objectors against miracles. No phenomenon in nature, however unusual, no event in the course of God's providence, however unexpected, is a miracle unless it can be traced to the agency of man (including prayer under the term agency), and unless it be put forth as a proof of divine mission. Prodigies and special providences are not miracles. (A miracle is not a violation of the laws of nature. It is God's acting upon nature in a degree far beyond our powers, but the same king of act as our wills are continually exerting upon nature. We do not in lifting a stone interfere with any law of nature, but exert a higher force among the laws. Prof. Tyndall says that "science does assert that without a disturbance of natural law quite as serious as the stoppage of an eclipse, or the rolling of the St. Lawrence up the falls of Niagara, no act of humiliation, individual or nation, could call one shower from heaven." And yet men by firing cannon during battle can cause a shower: does that cause such a commotion among the laws of nature? The exertion of a will upon the laws does not make a disturbance of natural law; and a miracle is simply the exertion of God's will upon nature. --ED.) Again, the term "nature" suggests to many persons the idea of a great system of things endowed with powers and forces of its own --a sort of machine, set a-going originally by a first cause, but continuing its motions of itself. Hence we are apt to imagine that a change in the motion or operation of any part of it by God would produce the same disturbance of the other parts as such a change would be likely to produce in them if made by us or by any other natural agent. But if the motions and operations of material things be produced really by the divine will, then his choosing to change, for a special purpose, the ordinary motion of one part does not necessarily or probably imply his choosing to change the ordinary motions of other parts in a way not at all requisite for the accomplishment of that special purpose. It is as easy for him to continue the ordinary course of the rest, with the change of one part, as of all the phenomena without any change at all. Thus, though the stoppage of the motion of the earth in the ordinary course of nature would be attended with terrible convulsions, the stoppage of the earth miraculously, for a special purpose to be served by that only, would not of itself be followed by any such consequences. (Indeed, by the action of gravitation it could be stopped, as a stone thrown up is stopped, in less than two minutes, and yet so gently as not to stir the smallest feather or mote on its surface. --ED.) From the same conception of nature as a machine, we are apt to think of interferences with the ordinary course of nature as implying some imperfection in it. But it is manifest that this is a false analogy; for the reason why machines are made is to save us trouble; and, therefore, they are more perfect in proportion as they answer this purpose. But no one can seriously imagine that the universe is a machine for the purpose of saving trouble to the Almighty. Again, when miracles are described as "interferences with the law of nature," this description makes them appear improbable to many minds, from their not sufficiently considering that the laws of nature interfere with one another, and that we cannot get rid of "interferences" upon any hypothesis consistent with experience. The circumstances of the Christian miracles are utterly unlike those of any pretended instances of magical wonders. This difference consists in -- (1) The greatness, number, completeness and publicity of the miracles. (2) In the character of the miracles. They were all beneficial, helpful, instructive, and worthy of God as their author. (3) The natural beneficial tendency of the doctrine they attested. (4) The connection of them with a whole scheme of revelation extending from the origin of the human race to the time of Christ.
Watsons
MIRACLES. A miracle, in the popular sense, is a prodigy, or an extraordinary event, which surprises us by its novelty. In a more accurate and philosophic sense, a miracle is an effect which does not follow from any of the regular laws of nature, or which is inconsistent with some known law of it, or contrary to the settled constitution and course of things. Accordingly, all miracles presuppose an established system of nature, within the limits of which they operate, and with the order of which they disagree. Of a miracle in the theological sense many definitions have been given. That of Dr. Samuel Clarke is: "A miracle is a work effected in a manner unusual, or different from the common and regular method of providence, by the interposition of God himself, or of some intelligent agent superior to man, for the proof or evidence of some particular doctrine, or in attestation of the authority of some particular person." Mr. Hume has insidiously or erroneously maintained that a miracle is contrary to experience; but in reality it is only different from experience. Experience informs us that one event has happened often; testimony informs us that another event has happened once or more. That diseases should be generally cured by the application of external causes, and sometimes at the mere word of a prophet, and without the visible application of causes, are facts not inconsistent with each other in the nature of things themselves, nor irreconcilable according to our ideas. Each fact may arise from its own proper cause; each may exist independently of the other; and each is known by its own proper proof, whether of sense or testimony. As secret causes often produce events contrary to those we do expect from experience, it is equally conceivable that events should sometimes be produced which we do not expect. To pronounce, therefore, a miracle to be false, because it is different from experience, is only to conclude against its general existence from the very circumstance which constitutes its particular nature; for if it were not different from experience, where would be its singularity? or what particular proof could be drawn from it, if it happened according to the ordinary train of human events, or was included in the operation of the general laws of nature? We grant that it does differ from experience; but we do not presume to make our experience the standard of the divine conduct. He that acknowledges a God must, at least, admit the possibility of a miracle. The atheist, that makes him inseparable from what is called nature, and binds him to its laws by an insurmountable necessity; that deprives him of will, and wisdom, and power, as a distinct and independent Being; may deny even the very possibility of a miraculous interposition, which can in any instance suspend or counteract those general laws by which the world is governed. But he who allows of a First Cause in itself perfect and intelligent, abstractedly from those effects which his wisdom and power have produced, must at the same time allow that this cause can be under no such restraints as to be debarred the liberty of controlling its laws as often as it sees fit. Surely, the Being that made the world can govern it, or any part of it, in such a manner as he pleases; and he that constituted the very laws by which it is in general conducted, may suspend the operation of those laws in any given instance, or impress new powers on matter, in order to produce new and extraordinary effects.
In judging of miracles there are certain criteria, peculiar to the subject, sufficient to conduct our inquiries, and warrant our determination. Assuredly they do not appeal to our ignorance, for they presuppose not only the existence of a general order of things, but our actual knowledge of the appearance which that order exhibits, and of the secondary material causes from which it, in most cases, proceeds. If a miraculous event were effected by the immediate hand of God, and yet bore no mark of distinction from the ordinary effects of his agency, it would impress no conviction, and probably awaken no attention. Our knowledge of the ordinary course of things, though limited, is real; and therefore it is essential to a miracle, both that it differ from that course, and be accompanied with peculiar and unequivocal signs of such difference. We have been told that the course of nature is fixed and unalterable, and therefore it is not consistent with the immutability of God to perform miracles. But, surely, they who reason in this manner beg the point in question. We have no right to assume that the Deity has ordained such general laws as will exclude his interposition; and we cannot suppose that he would forbear to interfere where any important end could be answered. This interposition, though it controls, in particular cases, the energy, does not diminish the utility, of those laws. It leaves them to fulfil their own proper purposes, and affects only a distinct purpose, for which they were not calculated. If the course of nature implies the general laws of matter and motion, into which the most opposite phenomena may be resolved, it is certain that we do not yet know them in their full extent; and, therefore, that events, which are related by judicious and disinterested persons, and at the same time imply no gross contradiction, are possible in themselves, and capable of a certain degree of proof. If the course of nature implies the whole order of events which God has ordained for the government of the world, it includes both his ordinary and extraordinary dispensations, and among them miracles may have their place, as a part of the universal plan. It is, indeed, consistent with sound philosophy, and not inconsistent with pure religion, to acknowledge that they might be disposed by the supreme Being at the same time with the more ordinary effects of his power; that their causes and occasions might be arranged with the same regularity; and that, in reference chiefly to their concomitant circumstances of persons and times, to the specific ends for which they were employed, and to our idea of the immediate necessity there is for a divine agent, miracles would differ from common events, in which the hand of God acts as efficaciously, though less visibly. On this consideration of the subject, miracles, instead of contradicting nature, might form a part of it. But what our limited reason and scanty experience may comprehend should never be represented as a full and exact view of the possible or actual varieties which exist in the works of God.
2. If we be asked whether miracles are credible, we reply, that, abstractedly considered, they are not incredible; that they are capable of indirect proof from analogy, and of direct, from testimony; that in the common and daily course of worldly affairs, events, the improbability of which, antecedently to all testimony, was very great, are proved to have happened, by the authority of competent and honest witnesses; that the Christian miracles were objects of real and proper experience to those who saw them; and that whatsoever the senses of mankind can perceive, their report may substantiate. Should it be asked whether miracles were necessary, and whether the end proposed to be effected by them could warrant so immediate and extraordinary an interference of the Almighty, as such extraordinary operations suppose; to this we might answer, that, if the fact be established, all reasonings a priori concerning their necessity must be frivolous, and may be false. We are not capable of deciding on a question which, however simple in appearance, is yet too complex in its parts, and too extensive in its object, to be fully comprehended by the human understanding. Whether God could or could not have effected all the ends designed to be promoted by the Gospel, without deviating from the common course of his providence, and interfering with its general laws, is a speculation that a modest inquirer would carefully avoid; for it carries on the very face of it a degree of presumption totally unbecoming the state of a mortal being. Infinitely safer is it for us to acquiesce in what the Almighty has done, than
See Verses Found in Dictionary
The answer of Jesus to the question was-- "Go and report to John what you hear and see-- The blind recover their sight and the lame walk, the lepers are made clean and the deaf hear, the dead, too, are raised to life, and the good news is told to the poor.
But the Pharisees heard of it and said: "He drives out demons only by the help of Baal-zebub the chief of the demons." Jesus, however, was aware of what was passing in their minds, and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself becomes a desolation, and any town or household divided against itself will not last. read more. So, if Satan drives Satan out, he must be divided against himself; and how, then, can his kingdom last?
We know that God never listens to bad men, but, when a man is god-fearing and does God's will, God listens to him. Since the world began, such a thing was never heard of as any one's giving sight to a person born blind. read more. If this man had not been from God, he could not have done anything at all."
"I have told you so," replied Jesus, "and you do not believe me. The work that I am doing in my Father's name bears testimony to me.
If I am not doing the work that my Father is doing, do not believe me;
Upon this the Chief Priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the High Council, and said: "What are we to do, now that this man is giving so many signs? If we let him alone as we are doing, every one will believe in him; and the Romans will come and will take from us both our City and our Nationality."