Reference: Miracle
American
Also called a sign, wonder, or mighty work, Ac 2:32; a work so superseding in its higher forms the established laws of nature as to evince the special interposition of God. A miracle is to be distinguished from wonders wrought by designing men through artful deceptions, occult sciences, or laws of nature unknown except to adepts. The miracles wrought by Christ, for example, were such as God only could perform; were wrought in public, before numerous witnesses, both friends and foes; were open to the most perfect scrutiny; had an end in view worthy of divine sanction; were attested by witnesses whose character and conduct establish their claim to our belief; and are further confirmed by institutions still existing, intended to commemorate them, and dating from the period of the miracles. Christ appealed to his mighty works as undeniable proofs of his divinity and Messiahship, Mt 9:6; 11:4-5,23-24; Joh 10:24-27; 20:29,31. The deceptions of the magicians in Egypt, and of false prophets in ancient and in modern times, De 13:1; Mt 24:24; 2Th 2:9; Re 13:13-14, would not bear the above tests. By granting to any man the power to work a miracle, God gave the highest attestation to the truth he should teach and the message he should bring, 1Ki 18:38-39; this is God's own seal, not to be affixed to false hoods; and though the lying wonders of Satan and his agents were so plausible as to "deceive if possible the very elect," no one who truly sought to know and do the will of God could be deluded by them.
The chief object of miracles having been to authenticate the revelation God has made of his will, these mighty words ceased when the Scripture canon was completed and settled, and Christianity was fairly established. Since the close of the first century from the ascension of Christ, few or no undoubted miracles have been wrought; and whether a sufficient occasion for new miracles will ever arise is known only to God.
The following list comprises most of the miracles on record in the Bible, not including the supernatural visions and revelations of himself which God vouch-safed to his ancient servants, nor those numerous wonders of his providence which manifest his hand almost as indisputable as miracles themselves. See also PROPHECY.
Old Testament Miracles
The creation of all things, Ge 1.
The deluge, comprising many miracles, Ge 6.
The destruction of Sodom, etc., Ge 19.
The healing of Abimelech, Ge 20:17-18.
The burning bush, Ex 3:2-4.
Moses' rod made a serpent, and restored, Ex 4:3-4; 7:10.
Moses' hand made leprous, and healed, Ex 4.6-7.
Water turned into blood, Ex 4:9,30.
The Nile turned to blood, Ex 7:20.
Frogs brought and removed, Ex 8:6,13.
Lice brought, Ex 8:17.
Flies brought, and removed, Ex 8:21-31.
Murrain of beasts, Ex 9:3-6.
Boils and blains brought, Ex 9:10-11.
Hail brought, and removed, Ex 9:23,33.
Locusts brought, and removed, Ex 10:13,19.
Darkness brought, Ex 10:22.
First-born destroyed, Ex 10:29.
The Red Sea divided, Ex 14:21-22.
Egyptians overwhelmed, Ex 14:26-28.
Waters of Marah sweetened, Ex 15:27.
Quails and manna sent, Ex 16.
Water from the rock, in Horeb, Ex 17:6.
Amalek vanquished, Ex 17:11-13.
Pillar of cloud and fire, Nu 9:15-23.
Leprosy of Miriam, Nu 12:10.
Destruction of Korah, etc., Nu 16:28-35,46-50.
Aaron's rod budding, Nu 17:8.
Water from the rock, in Kadesh, Nu 20:11.
Healing by the brazen serpent, Nu 21:8-9.
Balaam's ass speaks, Nu 22:28.
Plague in the desert, Nu 25:1,9.
Water of Jordan divided, Jos 3:10-17.
Jordan restored to its course, Jos 4:18.
Jericho taken, Jos 6:6-20.
Achan discovered, Jos 7:14-21.
Sun and moon stand still, Jos 10:12-14.
Gideon's fleece wet, Jg 6:36-40.
Midianites destroyed, Jg 7:16-22.
Exploits of Samson, Jg 14-16.
House of Dagon destroyed, Jg 16:30.
Dagon falls before the ark, etc., 1Sa 5.
Return of the ark, 1Sa 6:12.
Thunder and rain in harvest, 1Sa 12:18.
Jeroboam's hand withered, etc., 1Ki 13:4,6.
The altar rent, 1Ki 13:5.
Drought caused, 1Ki 17:6.
Elijah fed by ravens, 1Ki 17:6.
Meal and oil supplied, 1Ki 17:14-16.
Child restored to life, 1Ki 17:22-23.
Sacrifice consumed by fire, 1Ki 18:36,38.
Rain brought, 1Ki 18:41-45.
Men destroyed by fire, 2Ki 1:10-12.
Waters of Jordan divided, 2Ki 2:14.
Oil supplied, 2Ki 4:1-7.
Child restored to life, 2Ki 4:32-35.
Gehazi's leprosy, 2Ki 5:27.
Iron caused to swim, 2Ki 6:6.
Syrians smitten blind, etc., 2Ki 19:35.
Hezekiah healed, 2Ki 20:7.
Shadow put back, 2Ki 20:11.
Pestilence in Israel, 1Ch 21:14.
Jonah preserved by a fish, Jon 1:17; 2:10.
New Testament Miracles.
The star in the east, Mt 2:3.
The Spirit like a dove, Mt 3:16.
Christ's fast and temptations, Mt 4:1-11.
Many miracles of Christ, Mt 4:23-24; 8:16; 14:14,36; 15:30; Mr 1:34; Lu 6:17-19.
Lepers cleansed, Mt 8:3-4; Lu 17:14.
Centurion's servant healed, Mt 8:5-13.
Peter's wife's mother healed, Mt 8:14.
Tempests stilled, Mt 8:23-26; 14:32.
Devils cast out, Mt 8:28-32; 9:32-33; 15:22-28; 17:14-18.
Paralytics healed, Mt 9:2-6; Mr 2:3-12.
Issue of blood healed, Mt 9:20-22.
Jairus' daughter raised to life, Mt 9:18,25.
Sight given to the blind, Mt 9:27-30; 20:34; Mr 8:22-25; Joh 9:1-7.
The dumb restored, Mt 9:32-33; 12:22; Mr 7:33-35.
Miracles by the disciples, Mt 10:1-8.
Multitudes fed, Mt 14:15-21; 15:35-38.
Christ walking on the sea, Mt 14:25-27.
Peter walking on the sea, Mt 14:29.
Christ's transfiguration, etc., Mt 17:1-8.
Tribute from a fish's mouth, Mt 17:27.
The fig tree withered, Mt 21:19.
Miracles at the crucifixion, Mt 27:51-53.
Miracles at the resurrection, Mt 28:1-7; Lu 24:6.
Draught of fishes, Lu 5:4-6; Joh 21:6.
Widow's son raised to life, Lu 7:14-15.
Miracles before John's messengers, Lu 7:21-22.
Miracles by the seventy, Lu 10:9,17.
Woman healed of infirmity, Lu 13:11-13.
Dropsy cured, Lu 14:2-4.
Malchus' ear restored, Lu 22:50-51.
Water turned to wine, Joh 2:6-10.
Nobleman's son healed, Joh 4:46-53.
Impotent man healed, Joh 5:5-9.
Sudden crossing of the sea, Joh 6:21.
Lazarus raised from the dead, Joh 11:43-44.
Christ's coming to his disciples, Joh 20:19,26.
Wonders at the Pentecost, Ac 2:1-11.
Miracles by the apostles, Ac 2:43; 5:12.
Lame man cured, Ac 3:7.
Death of Ananias and Sapphira, Ac 5:5,10.
Many sick healed, Ac 5:15-16.
Apostles delivered from prison, Ac 5:19.
Miracles by Stephen, Ac 6:8.
Miracles by Philip, Ac 8:6-7,13.
Eneas made whole, Ac 9:34.
Dorcas restored to life, Ac 9:40.
Peter delivered from prison, Ac 12:6-10.
Elymas struck blind, Ac 13:11.
Miracles by Paul and Barnabas, Ac 14:3.
Lame man cured, Ac 14:10.
Unclean spirit cast out, Ac 16:18.
Paul and Silas delivered, Ac 16:25-26.
Special miracles, Ac 19:11-12.
Eutchus restored to life, Ac 20:10-12.
Viper's bite made harmless, Ac 28:5.
Father of Publius, etc., healed, Ac 28:8-9.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Reports of this soon reached the king, and greatly agitated not only him but all the people of Jerusalem.
and Jesus was baptized, and immediately went up from the water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him,
At that time Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the Desert in order to be tempted by the Devil. There He fasted for forty days and nights; and after that He suffered from hunger. read more. So the Tempter came and said, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into loaves." "It is written," replied Jesus, "'It is not on bread alone that a man shall live, but on whatsoever God shall appoint.'" Then the Devil took Him to the Holy City and caused Him to stand on the roof of the Temple, and said, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, "'To His angels He will give orders concerning thee, and on their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any moment thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'" "Again it is written," replied Jesus, "'Thou shalt not put the Lord thy God to the proof.'" Then the Devil took Him to the top of an exceedingly lofty mountain, from which he caused Him to see all the Kingdoms of the world and their splendour, and said to Him, "All this I will give you, if you will kneel down and do me homage." "Begone, Satan!" Jesus replied; "for it is written, 'To the Lord thy God thou shalt do homage, and to Him alone shalt thou render worship.'" Thereupon the Devil left Him, and angels at once came and ministered to Him.
Then Jesus travelled through all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and curing every kind of disease and infirmity among the people. Thus His fame spread through all Syria; and they brought all the sick to Him, the people who were suffering from various diseases and pains--demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He cured them.
So Jesus put out His hand and touched him, and said, "I am willing: be cleansed." Instantly he was cleansed from his leprosy; and Jesus said to him, "Be careful to tell no one, but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift which Moses appointed as evidence for them." read more. After His entry into Capernaum a Captain came to Him, and entreated Him. "Sir," he said, "my servant at home is lying ill with paralysis, and is suffering great pain." "I will come and cure him," said Jesus. "Sir," replied the Captain, "I am not a fit person to receive you under my roof: merely say the word, and my servant will be cured. For I myself am also under authority, and have soldiers under me. To one I say 'Go,' and he goes, to another 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave 'Do this or that,' and he does it." Jesus listened to this reply, and was astonished, and said to the people following Him, "I solemnly tell you that in no Israelite have I found faith as great as this. And I tell you that many will come from the east and from the west and will recline at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of the Heavens, while the natural heirs of the Kingdom will be driven out into the darkness outside: there will be the weeping aloud and the gnashing of teeth." And Jesus said to the Captain, "Go, and just as you have believed, so be it for you." And the servant recovered precisely at that time. After this Jesus went to the house of Peter, whose mother-in-law he found ill in bed with fever.
In the evening many demoniacs were brought to Him, and with a word He expelled the demons; and He cured all the sick,
Then He went on board a fishing-boat, and His disciples followed Him. But suddenly there arose a great storm on the Lake, so that the waves threatened to engulf the boat; but He was asleep. read more. So they came and woke Him, crying, "Master, save us, we are drowning!" "Why are you so easily frightened," He replied, "you men of little faith?" Then He rose and reproved the winds and the waves, and there was a perfect calm;
On His arrival at the other side, in the country of the Gadarenes, there met Him two men possessed by demons, coming from among the tombs: they were so dangerously fierce that no one was able to pass that way. They cried aloud, "What hast Thou to do with us, Thou Son of God? Hast Thou come here to torment us before the time?" read more. Now at some distance from them a vast herd of swine were feeding. So the demons entreated Him. "If Thou drivest us out," they said, "send us into the herd of swine." "Go," He replied. Then they came out from the men and went into the swine, whereupon the entire herd instantly rushed down the cliff into the Lake and perished in the water.
Here they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, my child; your sins are pardoned." "Such language is impious," said some of the Scribes among themselves. read more. Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts? Why, which is easier? --to say, 'Your sins are pardoned,' or to say 'Rise up and walk'? But, to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He then says to the paralytic, "Rise, and take up your bed and go home."
But, to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He then says to the paralytic, "Rise, and take up your bed and go home."
While He was thus speaking, a Ruler came up and profoundly bowing said, "My daughter is just dead; but come and put your hand upon her and she will return to life."
But a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage came behind Him and touched the tassel of His cloak; for she said to herself, "If I but touch His cloak, I shall be cured." read more. And Jesus turned and saw her, and said, "Take courage, daughter; your faith has cured you." And the woman was restored to health from that moment.
When however the place was cleared of the crowd, Jesus went in, and on His taking the little girl by the hand, she rose up.
As Jesus passed on, two blind men followed Him, shouting and saying, "Pity us, Son of David." And when He had gone indoors, they came to Him. "Do you believe that I can do this?" He asked them. "Yes, Sir," they replied. read more. So He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be to you." Then their eyes were opened. And assuming a stern tone Jesus said to them, "Be careful to let no one know."
And as they were leaving His presence a dumb demoniac was brought to Him.
And as they were leaving His presence a dumb demoniac was brought to Him. When the demon was expelled, the dumb man could speak. And the crowds exclaimed in astonishment, "Never was such a thing seen in Israel."
When the demon was expelled, the dumb man could speak. And the crowds exclaimed in astonishment, "Never was such a thing seen in Israel."
Then He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over foul spirits, to drive them out; and to cure every kind of disease and infirmity. Now the names of the twelve Apostles were these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zabdi, and his brother John; read more. Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax-gatherer, James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas the Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. These twelve Jesus sent on a mission, after giving them their instructions: "Go not," He said, "among the Gentiles, and enter no Samaritan town; but, instead of that, go to the lost sheep of Israel's race. And as you go, preach and say, 'The Kingdom of the Heavens is close at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead to life, cleanse lepers, drive out demons: you have received without payment, give without payment.
"Go and report to John what you see and hear," replied Jesus; "blind eyes receive sight, and cripples walk; lepers are cleansed, and deaf ears hear; the dead are raised to life, and the poor have the Good News proclaimed to them;
And thou, Capernaum, shalt thou be exalted even to Heaven? Even to Hades shalt thou descend. For had the mighty works been done in Sodom which have been done in thee, it would have remained until now. Only I tell you all, that it will be more endurable for the land of Sodom on the day of Judgement than for thee."
At that time a demoniac was brought to Him, blind and dumb; and He cured him, so that the dumb man could speak and see.
So Jesus went out and saw an immense multitude, and felt compassion for them, and cured those of them who were out of health. But when evening was come, the disciples came to Him and said, "This is an uninhabited place, and the best of the day is now gone; send the people away to go into the villages and buy something to eat." read more. "They need not go away," replied Jesus; "you yourselves must give them something to eat." "We have nothing here," they said, "but five loaves and a couple of fish." "Bring them here to me," He said, and He told all the people to sit down on the grass. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and after looking up to heaven and blessing them, He broke up the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples distributed them to the people. So all ate, and were fully satisfied. The broken portions that remained over they gathered up, filling twelve baskets. Those who had eaten were about 5,000 adult men, without reckoning women and children.
But towards daybreak He went to them, walking over the waves. When the disciples saw Him walking on the waves, they were greatly alarmed. "It is a spirit," they exclaimed, and they cried out with terror. read more. But instantly Jesus spoke to them, and said, "There is no danger; it is I; do not be afraid."
"Come," said Jesus. Then Peter climbed down from the boat and walked upon the water to go to Him.
So they climbed into the boat, and the wind lulled;
and they entreated Him that they might but touch the tassel of His outer garment; and all who did so were restored to perfect health.
Here a Canaanitish woman of the district came out and persistently cried out, "Sir, Son of David, pity me; my daughter is cruelly harassed by a demon." But He answered her not a word. Then the disciples interposed, and begged Him, saying, "Send her away because she keeps crying behind us." read more. "I have only been sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel," He replied. Then she came and threw herself at His feet and entreated Him. "O Sir, help me," she said. "It is not right," He said, "to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." "Be it so, Sir," she said, "for even the dogs eat the scraps which fall from their masters' tables." "O woman," replied Jesus, "great is your faith: be it done to you as you desire." And from that moment her daughter was restored to health.
Soon great crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were crippled in feet or hands, blind or dumb, and many besides, and they hastened to lay them at His feet. And He cured them,
So He bade all the people sit down on the ground, and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them up and then distributed them to the disciples, and they to the people. read more. And they all ate and were satisfied. The broken portions that remained over they took up--seven full hampers. Those who ate were 4,000 adult men, without reckoning women and children.
Six day later, Jesus took with Him Peter and the brothers James and John, and brought them up a high mountain to a solitary place. There in their presence His form underwent a change; His face shone like the sun, and His raiment became as white as the light. read more. And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them conversing with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Master, we are thankful to you that we are here. If you approve, I will put up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He was still speaking when a luminous cloud spread over them; and a voice was heard from within the cloud, which said, "This is My Son dearly beloved, in whom is My delight. Listen to Him." On hearing this voice, the disciples fell on their faces and were filled with terror. But Jesus came and touched them, and said, "Rouse yourselves and have no fear." So they looked up, and saw no one but Jesus.
When they had returned to the people, there came to Him a man who fell on his knees before Him and besought Him. "Sir," he said, "have pity on my son, for he is an epileptic and is very ill. Often he falls into the fire and often into the water. read more. I have brought him to your disciples, and they have not been able to cure him." "O unbelieving and perverse generation!" replied Jesus; "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I endure you? Bring him to me." Then Jesus reprimanded the demon, and it came out and left him; and the boy was cured from that moment.
"However, lest we cause them to sin, go and throw a hook into the Lake, and take the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel in it: bring that coin and give it to them for yourself and me."
Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
and seeing a fig-tree on the road-side He went up to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. "On you," He said, "no fruit shall ever again grow." And immediately the fig-tree withered away.
For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets, displaying wonderful signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, were it possible, even God's own People.
Immediately the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom: the earth quaked; the rocks split; the tombs opened; and many of God's people who were asleep in death awoke. read more. And coming out of their tombs after Christ's resurrection they entered the holy city and showed themselves to many.
After the Sabbath, in the early dawn of the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary came to see the sepulchre. But to their amazement there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord had descended from Heaven, and had come and rolled back the stone, and was sitting upon it. read more. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. For fear of him the guards trembled violently, and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "As for you, dismiss your fears. I know that it is Jesus that you are looking for--the crucified One. He is not here: He has come back to life, as He foretold. Come and see the place where He lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and is going before you into Galilee: there you shall see Him. Remember, I have told you."
Then He cured numbers of people who were ill with various diseases, and He drove out many demons; not allowing the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
when there came a party of people bringing a paralytic--four men carrying him. Finding themselves unable, however, to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they untiled the roof just over His head, and after clearing an opening they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. read more. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are pardoned." Now there were some of the Scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts. "Why does this man use such words?" they said; "he is blaspheming. Who can pardon sins but One--that is, God?" At once perceiving by His spirit that they were reasoning within themselves, Jesus asked them, "Why do you thus argue in your minds? Which is easier?--to say to this paralytic, 'Your sins are pardoned,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your mat, and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He turned to the paralytic, and said, "To you I say, 'Rise, take up your mat and go home.'" The man rose, and immediately under the eyes of all took up his mat and went out, so that they were all filled with astonishment, gave the glory to God, and said, "We never saw anything like this."
So Jesus taking him aside, apart from the crowd, put His fingers into his ears, and spat, and moistened his tongue; and looking up to Heaven He sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Open!") read more. And the man's ears were opened, and his tongue became untied, and he began to speak perfectly.
And they came to Bethsaida. And a blind man was brought to Jesus and they entreated Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the arm and brought him out of the village, and spitting into his eyes He put His hands on him and asked him, "Can you see anything?" read more. He looked up and said, "I can see the people: I see them like trees--only walking." Then for the second time He put His hands on the man's eyes, and the man, looking steadily, recovered his sight and saw everything distinctly.
When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Push out into deep water, and let down your nets for a haul." "Rabbi," replied Peter, "all night long we have worked hard and caught nothing; but at your command I will let down the nets." read more. This they did, and enclosed a vast number of fish; and their nets began to break.
With these He came down till He reached a level place, where there was a great crowd of His disciples, and a multitude of people from every part of Judaea, from Jerusalem, and from the sea-side district of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and to be cured of their diseases; and those who were tormented by foul spirits were cured. read more. The whole crowd were eager to touch Him, because power went forth from him and cured every one.
Then He went close and touched the bier, and the bearers halted. "Young man," He said, "I command you, wake!" The dead man sat up and began to speak; and He restored him to his mother.
He immediately cured many of diseases, severe pain, and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave the gift of sight. Then He answered the messengers, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard. Blind men receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are purified, deaf persons hear, the dead are raised to life, the poor have the Good News proclaimed to them.
Cure the sick in that town, and tell them, "'The Kingdom of God is now at your door.'
When the Seventy returned, they exclaimed joyfully, "Master, even the demons submit to us when we utter your name."
where a woman was present who for eighteen years had been a confirmed invalid: she was bent double, and was unable to lift herself to her full height. But Jesus saw her, and calling to her, He said to her, "Woman, you are free from your weakness." read more. And He put His hands on her, and she immediately stood upright and began to give glory to God.
In front of Him was a man suffering from dropsy. This led Jesus to ask the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it allowable to cure people on the Sabbath?" read more. They gave Him no answer; so He took hold of the man, cured him, and sent him away.
Perceiving this, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the Priests." And while on their way to do this they were made clean.
And one of them struck a blow at the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear. "Permit me thus far," said Jesus. And He touched the ear and healed it.
He is not here. He has come back to life. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee,
Now there were six stone jars standing there (in accordance with the Jewish regulations for purification) Jesus said to the attendants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them to the brim. read more. Then He said, "Now, take some out, and carry it to the President of the feast." So they carried some to him. And no sooner had the President tasted the water now turned into wine, than--not knowing where it came from, though the attendants who had drawn the water knew--he called to the bridegroom and said to him, "It is usual to put on the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then that which is inferior. But you have kept the good wine till now."
So He came once more to Cana in Galilee, where He had made the water into wine. Now there was a certain officer of the King's court whose son was ill at Capernaum. Having heard that Jesus had come from Judaea to Galilee, he came to Him and begged Him to go down and cure his son; for he was at the point of death. read more. "Unless you and others see miracles and marvels," said Jesus, "nothing will induce you to believe." "Sir," pleaded the officer, "come down before my child dies." "You may return home," replied Jesus; "your son has recovered." He believed the words of Jesus, and started back home; and he was already on his way down when his servants met him and told him that his son was alive and well. So he inquired of them at what hour he had shown improvement. "Yesterday, about seven o'clock," they replied, "the fever left him." Then the father recollected that that was the time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son has recovered," and he and his whole household became believers.
And there was one man there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw him lying there, and knowing that he had been a long time in that condition, He asked him, "Do you wish to have health and strength?" read more. "Sir," replied the sufferer, "I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is moved; but while I am coming some one else steps down before me." "Rise," said Jesus, "take up your mat and walk." Instantly the man was restored to perfect health, and he took up his mat and began to walk.
Then they were willing to take Him on board; and in a moment the boat reached the shore at the point to which they were going.
As He passed by, He saw a man who had been blind from his birth. So His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned--this man or his parents--that he was born blind?" read more. "Neither he nor his parents sinned," answered Jesus, "but he was born blind in order that God's mercy might be openly shown in him. We must do the works of Him who sent me while there is daylight. Night is coming on, when no one can work. When I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." After thus speaking, He spat on the ground, and then, kneading the dust and spittle into clay, He smeared the clay over the man's eyes and said to him, "Go and wash in the pool of Siloam" --the name means 'Sent.' So he went and washed his eyes, and returned able to see.
when the Jews gathered round Him and kept asking Him, "How long do you mean to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us so plainly." "I have told you," answered Jesus, "and you do not believe. The deeds that I do in my Father's name--they give testimony about me. read more. But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
After speaking thus, He called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped in cloths, and his face wrapped round with a towel. "Untie him," said Jesus, "and let him go free."
On that same first day of the week, when it was evening and, for fear of the Jews, the doors of the house where the disciples were, were locked, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, "Peace be to you!"
A week later the disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them, when Jesus came--though the doors were locked--and stood in their midst, and said, "Peace be to you."
"Because you have seen me," replied Jesus, "you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
But these have been recorded in order that you may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, through believing, you may have Life through His name.
"Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish.
At length, on the day of the Harvest Festival, they had all met in one place; when suddenly there came from the sky a sound as of a strong rushing blast of wind. This filled the whole house where they were sitting; read more. and they saw tongues of what looked like fire distributing themselves over the assembly, and on the head of each person a tongue alighted. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in foreign languages according as the Spirit gave them words to utter. Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every part of the world. So when this noise was heard, they came crowding together, and were amazed because everyone heard his own language spoken. They were beside themselves with wonder, and exclaimed, "Are not all these speakers Galilaeans? How then does each of us hear his own native language spoken by them? Some of us are Parthians, Medes, Elamites. Some are inhabitants of Mesopotamia, of Judaea or Cappadocia, of Pontus or the Asian Province, of Phrygia or Pamphylia, of Egypt or of the parts of Africa towards Cyrene. Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts from heathenism--and others are Cretans or Arabians. Yet we all alike hear these Galilaeans speaking in our own language about the wonderful things which God has done."
This Jesus, God has raised to life-- a fact to which all of us testify.
Fear came upon every one, and many marvels and signs were done by the Apostles.
Then taking his hand Peter lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened.
Upon hearing these words Ananias fell down dead, and all who heard the words were awe-struck.
Instantly she fell down dead at his feet, and the young men came in and found her dead. So they carried her out and buried her by her husband's side.
Many signs and marvels continued to be done among the people by the Apostles; and by common consent they all met in Solomon's Portico.
so that they would even bring out their sick friends into the streets and lay them on light couches or mats, in order that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or other of them. The inhabitants, too, of the towns in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem came in crowds, bringing sick persons and some who were harassed by foul spirits, and they were cured, one and all.
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great marvels and signs among the people.
Crowds of people, with one accord, gave attention to what they heard from him, listening, and witnessing the signs which he did. For, with a loud cry, foul spirits came out of many possessed by them, and many paralytics and lame persons were restored to health.
Simon himself also believed, and after being baptized remained in close attendance on Philip, and was full of amazement at seeing such signs and such great miracles performed.
Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you. Rise and make your own bed." He at once rose to his feet.
Peter, however, putting every one out of the room, knelt down and prayed, and then turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, rise." Dorcas at once opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
Now when Herod was on the point of taking him out of prison, that very night Peter was asleep between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards were on duty outside the door. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists. read more. "Fasten your girdle," said the angel, "and tie on your sandals." He did so. Then the angel said, "Throw your cloak round you, and follow me." So Peter went out, following him, yet could not believe that what the angel was doing was real, but supposed that he saw a vision. And passing through the first ward and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. This opened to them of itself; and, going out, they passed on through one of the streets, and then suddenly the angel left him.
The Lord's hand is now upon you, and you will be blind for a time and unable to see the light of day." Instantly there fell upon him a mist and a darkness, and, as he walked about, he begged people to lead him by the hand.
Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels to be done by them.
said in a loud voice, "Stand upright upon your feet!"
This she persisted in for a considerable time, until Paul, wearied out, turned round and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out immediately.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner.
God also brought about extraordinary miracles through Paul's instrumentality. Towels or aprons, for instance, which Paul had handled used to be carried to the sick, and they recovered from their ailments, or the evil spirits left them.
Paul, however, went down, threw himself upon him, and folding him in his arms said, "Do not be alarmed; his life is still in him." Then he went upstairs again, broke bread, and took some food; and after a long conversation which was continued till daybreak, at last he parted from them. read more. They had taken the lad home alive, and were greatly comforted.
It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him. After this, all the other sick people in the island came and were cured.
He also works great miracles, so as even to make fire come down from Heaven to earth in the presence of human beings. And his power of leading astray the inhabitants of the earth is due to the marvels which he has been permitted to work in the presence of the Wild Beast. And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered.
Easton
an event in the external world brought about by the immediate agency or the simple volition of God, operating without the use of means capable of being discerned by the senses, and designed to authenticate the divine commission of a religious teacher and the truth of his message (Joh 2:18; Mt 12:38). It is an occurrence at once above nature and above man. It shows the intervention of a power that is not limited by the laws either of matter or of mind, a power interrupting the fixed laws which govern their movements, a supernatural power.
The suspension or violation of the laws of nature involved in miracles is nothing more than is constantly taking place around us. One force counteracts another: vital force keeps the chemical laws of matter in abeyance; and muscular force can control the action of physical force. When a man raises a weight from the ground, the law of gravity is neither suspended nor violated, but counteracted by a stronger force. The same is true as to the walking of Christ on the water and the swimming of iron at the command of the prophet. The simple and grand truth that the universe is not under the exclusive control of physical forces, but that everywhere and always there is above, separate from and superior to all else, an infinite personal will, not superseding, but directing and controlling all physical causes, acting with or without them. God ordinarily effects his purpose through the agency of second causes; but he has the power also of effecting his purpose immediately and without the intervention of second causes, i.e., of invading the fixed order, and thus of working miracles. Thus we affirm the possibility of miracles, the possibility of a higher hand intervening to control or reverse nature's ordinary movements.
In the New Testament these four Greek words are principally used to designate miracles: (1.) Semeion, a "sign", i.e., an evidence of a divine commission; an attestation of a divine message (Mt 12:38-39; 16:1,4; Mr 8:11; Lu 11:16; 23:8; Joh 2:11,18,23; Ac 6:8, etc.); a token of the presence and working of God; the seal of a higher power.
(2.) Terata, "wonders;" wonder-causing events; portents; producing astonishment in the beholder (Ac 2:19).
(3.) Dunameis, "might works;" works of superhuman power (Ac 2:22; Ro 15:19; 2Th 2:9); of a new and higher power.
(4.) Erga, "works;" the works of Him who is "wonderful in working" (Joh 5:20,36).
Miracles are seals of a divine mission. The sacred writers appealed to them as proofs that they were messengers of God. Our Lord also appealed to miracles as a conclusive proof of his divine mission (Joh 5:20,36; 10:25,38). Thus, being out of the common course of nature and beyond the power of man, they are fitted to convey the impression of the presence and power of God. Where miracles are there certainly God is. The man, therefore, who works a miracle affords thereby clear proof that he comes with the authority of God; they are his credentials that he is God's messenger. The teacher points to these credentials, and they are a proof that he speaks with the authority of God. He boldly says, "God bears me witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles."
The credibility of miracles is established by the evidence of the senses on the part of those who are witnesses of them, and to all others by the testimony of such witnesses. The witnesses were competent, and their testimony is trustworthy. Unbelievers, following Hume, deny that any testimony can prove a miracle, because they say miracles are impossible. We have shown that miracles are possible, and surely they can be borne witness to. Surely they are credible when we have abundant and trustworthy evidence of their occurrence. They are credible just as any facts of history well authenticated are credible. Miracles, it is said, are contrary to experience. Of course they are contrary to our experience, but that does not prove that they were contrary to the experience of those who witnessed them. We believe a thousand facts, both of history and of science, that are contrary to our experience, but we believe them on the ground of competent testimony. An atheist or a pantheist must, as a matter of course, deny the possibility of miracles; but to one who believes in a personal God, who in his wisdom may see fit to interfere with the ordinary processes of nature, miracles are not impossible, nor are they incredible.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then He was accosted by some of the Scribes and of the Pharisees who said, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign given by you."
Then He was accosted by some of the Scribes and of the Pharisees who said, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign given by you." "Wicked and faithless generation!" He replied, "they clamour for a sign, but none shall be given to them except the sign of the Prophet Jonah.
Here the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Him; and, to make trial of Him, they asked Him to show them a sign in the sky.
A wicked and faithless generation are eager for a sign; but none shall be given to them except the sign of Jonah." and He left them and went away.
The Pharisees followed Him and began to dispute with Him, asking Him for a sign in the sky, to make trial of Him.
Others, to put Him to the test, asked Him for a sign in the sky.
To Herod the sight of Jesus was a great gratification, for, for a long time, he had been wanting to see Him, because he had heard so much about Him. He hoped also to see some miracle performed by Him.
This, the first of His miracles, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee, and thus displayed His glorious power; and His disciples believed in Him.
So the Jews asked Him, "What proof of your authority do you exhibit to us, seeing that you do these things?"
So the Jews asked Him, "What proof of your authority do you exhibit to us, seeing that you do these things?"
Now when He was in Jerusalem, at the Festival of the Passover, many became believers in Him through watching the miracles He performed.
For the Father loves the Son and reveals to Him all that He Himself is doing. And greater deeds than these will He reveal to Him, in order that you may wonder.
For the Father loves the Son and reveals to Him all that He Himself is doing. And greater deeds than these will He reveal to Him, in order that you may wonder.
"But the testimony which I have is weightier than that of John; for the work the Father has assigned to me for me to bring it to completion--the very work which I am doing--affords testimony concerning me that the Father has sent me.
"But the testimony which I have is weightier than that of John; for the work the Father has assigned to me for me to bring it to completion--the very work which I am doing--affords testimony concerning me that the Father has sent me.
"I have told you," answered Jesus, "and you do not believe. The deeds that I do in my Father's name--they give testimony about me.
But if they are, then even if you do not believe me, at least believe the deeds, that you may know and see clearly that the Father is in me, and that I am in the Father."
I will display marvels in the sky above, and signs on the earth below, blood and fire, and pillars of smoke.
"Listen, Israelites, to what I say. Jesus, the Nazarene, a man accredited to you from God by miracles and marvels and signs which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know, Him--
And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great marvels and signs among the people.
with power manifested in signs and marvels, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. But--to speak simply of my own labours--beginning in Jerusalem and the outlying districts, I have proclaimed without reserve, even as far as Illyricum, the Good News of the Christ;