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 was going round all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every malady among the people.
And behold, a leper, having come, continued to worship Him, saying; Lord, if you may be willing, you are able to cleanse me.
And Jesus having come into the house of Peter, saw his mother-in-law prostrated and burning with fever.
And it being evening, they brought to Him many demonized people: and He cast out the demons by His word, and healed all the sick; in order that the word spoken by Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, He took our infirmities, and carried our sicknesses.
And He says to them, Why are you afraid, O ye of little faith? Then having arisen, He rebuked the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm.
And behold, they were bringing to Him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, Be of good cheer, child, thy sins are forgiven thee.
And He speaking these things to them, behold a certain ruler having come, continued to worship Him, saying, My daughter just now died: but having come put your hand on her, and she shall live.
And behold, a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, and coming to Him behind, touched the hem of His garment.
And two blind men followed Him, going thence, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou Son of David. And the blind men came to Him, having come into the house: and Jesus says to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They say to Him, Yea, Lord. read more. Then He touched their eyes, saying, Be it unto you according to your faith. And their eyes were opened. And Jesus charged them, saying, See that no one know it.
And they going out, behold, they brought to Him a dumb man, demonized.
And Jesus was going around all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and ailment.
And John hearing in the prison the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples, said to Him, Art thou He who is coming, or must we expect another? read more. Jesus responding said to them, Having gone, proclaim unto John the things which you hear and see.
And behold, there was a man having a withered hand. And they asked Him saying, Whether is it lawful to heal on Sabbath? that they might accuse Him.
And Jesus having known it departed thence: and many multitudes followed him, and he healed them all.
And all the multitudes were astonished, and continued to say, Is not this the son of David?
And Jesus having come out saw a great multitude; and was moved with compassion in their behalf, and healed their sick.
And Jesus said to them, They have no need to go away; you give them to eat.
And the men of that place recognizing Him, sent into all the surrounding country and brought to Him all the sick; and they continued to intreat Him that they should only touch the hem of His garment: and so many as touched were thoroughly saved.
And behold, a Canaanitish woman having come out from those coasts, cried unto Him saying, Have mercy on me, Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is terribly demonized.
And many multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deaf, the maimed, and many others, and laid them down at the feet of Jesus; and He healed them:
He took the seven loaves and the fishes; having given thanks, He broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign. And no sign shall be given it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah. And leaving them, He departed.
And after six days Jesus takes Peter, and James, and John his brother, and carries them up into an exceedingly high mountain privately.
and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, because he is a lunatic and suffers terribly: for frequently he falls into the fire, and frequently into the water.
But in order that we may not offend them, going to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the first fish coming up; and opening its mouth, you will find a stater: having received it, give it to them for me and thee.
And many multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there.
And Jesus came into the temple of God, and cast out all the buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money-exchangers, and the seats of those selling the doves;
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple: and He healed them.
for false Christs and false prophets will rise up, and give great signs and wonders; so as to deceive even the elect, if possible.
And immediately, after the desolation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light, and the stars will fall from the heavens, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
And they going, behold, certain ones of the watch having come into the city, proclaimed to the chief priests all things which had taken place. And being assembled along with the elders, and taking counsel, they gave much money to the soldiers, read more. saying, You tell, that His disciples, having come by night, stole Him away while we slept. And if this may be heard by the governor, we will persuade him and make you secure. And they having received the money, did as they were instructed: and this report is current among the Jews until this day.
saying, Let me alone; what is there to us and thee, thou Jesus, the Nazarene? You have come to destroy us; I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
And a man from the tombs, with an unclean spirit met Him, having come out of the ship;
And He charged them much that no one should know it; and He said that something should be given to her to eat.
And He was not able to do any miracle there, except laying hands on a few sick people, He healed them. And He was astonished on account of their unbelief.And He went about the villages in a circuit teaching.
And He said to her, On account of this word go; the demon has already gone out from thy daughter.
And He charged them that they should tell no one: and the more He charged them, the more abundantly they proclaimed it.
And they come into Bethsaida: and they bring Him a blind man, and they intreat Him that He may touch him.
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When He ceased speaking He said to Simon, Lead out into the deep, and spread your nets for a draught.
And it came to pass consecutively, He departed into a city called Nain; and His many disciples and a great multitude went along with Him. And when He drew nigh unto the gate of the city, behold, a dead man, an only born son to his mother, and she a widow, was indeed being carried out: and a great multitude of the city was along with her.
And having come forward He touched the bier: and the pall-bearers stood still: and He said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
And John calling certain two of his disciples sent them to the Lord, saying, Art thou the one coming, or must we expect another? And the men having come to Him, said; John the Baptist sent us to thee, saving; Art thou the one coming, or must we expect another? read more. And at that hour He healed many of their diseases and ailments and evil spirits; and He conferred on many blind people the power to see. And Jesus responding said to them, Having gone, proclaim to John those things which you saw and heard; that the blind are seeing, the lame are walking about, the lepers are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised up, the poor are having the gospel preached unto them;
And certain ones of them said, He casts out the demon through Beelzebul, the prince of the demons. And others tempting, continued to seek with Him a sign from heaven.
And behold, a woman having a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and not at all able to straighten up.
He coming into a certain village, ten lepers met Him, who stood afar off;
And it came to pass, while He was drawing nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting by the wayside begging.
And immediately he looked up, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, seeing, gave praise to God.
And Jesus responding said, Hold on until this: and touching his ear, healed him.
Then the Jews responded and said to Him, What sign do you show us, because you do these things? Jesus responded and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will rear it up. read more. Then the Jews said, Forty and six years was this temple being built, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But He spoke concerning the temple of His body.
And when He was in Jerusalem at the feast, during the passover, many believed on His name, seeing His miracles which He was doing;
the same came to Him by night, and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that thou hast come a teacher from God; for no one is able to do these miracles, which thou art doing, unless God may he with him.
he having heard that Jesus has come out of Judea into Galilee, came away to Him, and continued to ask Him that He may come down and heal his son; for He was about to die.
And a certain man was there, being thirty-eight years in his infirmity;
And He responded to them, My Father worketh until now, and I work.
And many from the multitude believed on Him; and continued to say, When Christ may come, will He do more miracles than this one is doing?
Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, Why did you not bring Him? The officers responded, Never did a man so speak, as this man speaks.
And passing along, He saw a man blind from his birth.
The man responded and said to them; For in this it is wonderful, that you do not know whence He is, He truly opened my eyes.
And Jesus said, For judgment I came into this world, that those not seeing may see; and those seeing may be made blind. And those of the Pharisees being with Him heard, and said to Him, Whether are we also blind? read more. Jesus said to them, If you were blind you would not have sin: but now you say that, We see: your sin remaineth.
If I did not works among them which no other did: they had not sin: but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father.
If I did not works among them which no other did: they had not sin: but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father.
Then when He said to them, I am He, they went back, and fell on the ground.
Indeed then Jesus also did many other miracles in the presence of His disciples, which have not been written in this book; and these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; and in order that believing you may have life through His name.
He says to them, Cast the net to the right side of the ship, and you will find: then they cast it, and were not able to draw it on account of the multitude of the fishes.
Israelitish men, hear these words, Jesus the Nazarene, a man having been demonstrated unto you from God by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, as yourselves know;
Israelitish men, hear these words, Jesus the Nazarene, a man having been demonstrated unto you from God by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, as yourselves know;
Peter said, Silver and gold do not belong to me; but I give thee that which I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk about.
let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, through him this man now stands sound in your presence. This is the stone rejected by your builders, which has become the head of the corner. read more. And there is salvation in no other; for there is no other name given under heaven among men by which it behooveth us to he saved.
who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. For he had not yet fallen on any of them: but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. read more. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. But Simon seeing that by the laying on of the hands of the apostles the Spirit was given, offered them money, saying, Give me this power, that on whomsoever I may lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. And Peter said to him, Thy silver be unto destruction with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.
Peter yet speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all those hearing the word. And the faithful ones who were of the circumcision, so many as came along with Peter, were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentiles also; read more. for they were hearing them speaking with tongues, and magnifying God.
and Paul having laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they continued to speak with tongues, and prophesy.
But indeed if we, or an angel from heaven, may preach unto you any other gospel except that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we have before said, and now again I tell you, If any one preaches to you a gospel except that which you have received, let him be accursed.
whose coming is according to the energy of Satan in all power and signs and wonders of falsehood,
But know this, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men will be lovers of themselves, moneylovers, arrogant, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, read more. without natural affections, covenant breakers, devilish, intemperate, furious, opposed to good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power of the same: and from these turn away. For of these are those creeping into houses, and leading captive little, silly women laden with sins, being led by divers lusts, always learning, and never able to come into the perfect knowledge of the truth. In the manner in which Jannes and Jambres also resisted Moses, so these indeed resist the truth; men who are corrupt as to their mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
God at the same time witnessing, by signs and indeed by wonders, and various dynamites, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his will.
And we have the more certain word of prophecy; to which you do well giving heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day may dawn, and the morning-star may rise in your hearts: know this in the first place, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. read more. For in the olden time prophecy did not come by the will of man: but men moved by the Holy Ghost spoke from God.
Behold, he is coming with clouds; and every eye shall behold him, even those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will wail at him; yes, Amen.
And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he continued to speak as the dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast before him. And he makes the earth and those dwelling in it, that they shall worship the first beast, whose wound of his death was healed. read more. And he performs great signs, so that he can indeed make fire descend out of the heaven to the earth in presence of the people. And he deceives those dwelling upon the earth through the signs which it was given unto him to perform in the presence of the beast, saying to those dwelling on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, who had the wound of the sword, and did live. And it was given unto him to give spirit to the image of the beast, in order that the image of the beast may indeed speak, and he may cause so many as will not worship the image of the beast that they should be killed.
And the beast, and the false prophet along with him, who wrought miracles in his presence, by which he deceived those having received the mark of the beast, and those worshiping his image; and the two were cast alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.
Hastings
MIRACLES
1. The narratives
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and says to Him; If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it has been written, That He will give His angels charge concerning thee, and upon their hand they will bear thee, lest thou mayest dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said to him; Again it has been written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
And Jesus, reaching forth His hand, touched him, saying, I am willing; be thou cleansed. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
And Jesus said to the centurion, Go; and let it be done unto thee as thou hast believed. And his servant was healed at that hour.
And He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and began to minister unto them.
And He says to them, Why are you afraid, O ye of little faith? Then having arisen, He rebuked the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men were astonished, saying, What sort of a man is this, because winds and the sea obey him? read more. Two demoniacs met Him, having come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, coming out from the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one was able to pass through that way.
But in order that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then He says to the paralytic), Having arisen, take thy bed, and depart into thy house.
But in order that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then He says to the paralytic), Having arisen, take thy bed, and depart into thy house.
And the woman was saved from that hour. And Jesus turning and seeing her said, Be of good cheer, daughter; thy faith hath saved thee.
And when the crowd was put out, coming to her, He took her by the hand, and the damsel arose.
Then He touched their eyes, saying, Be it unto you according to your faith.
And the demon having been cast out, the dumb spoke. And the multitudes were astonished, saying,
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely you did receive, freely give.
Then He began to upbraid the cities in which the most mighty works of His were performed, because they did not repent.
Then He says to the man, Reach forth thy hand. And he reached it forth and it was restored.
Then a demonized man was brought to Him, blind and dumb: and He healed him, so that the blind and dumb man both spake and saw.
And He did not many mighty works there on account of their unbelief.
And commanding the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, He blessed them; and breaking, gave the bread to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.
And Peter responding said, Lord, if thou art there, command me to come to thee on the waters.
Then Jesus responding said to her, O woman, great is thy faith; let it be done unto thee as thou dost wish. And her daughter was healed from that hour.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign. And no sign shall be given it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah. And leaving them, He departed.
And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out from him, and the child was healed from that hour.
But in order that we may not offend them, going to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the first fish coming up; and opening its mouth, you will find a stater: having received it, give it to them for me and thee.
But in order that we may not offend them, going to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the first fish coming up; and opening its mouth, you will find a stater: having received it, give it to them for me and thee.
And Jesus being moved with compassion, touched their eyes: and immediately they looked up; and followed Him.
And seeing one fig-tree near the road, He went to it, and found nothing on it, except leaves only. And He says to it, Let no fruit ever be from thee; and immediately the fig-tree withered away.
And seeing one fig-tree near the road, He went to it, and found nothing on it, except leaves only. And He says to it, Let no fruit ever be from thee; and immediately the fig-tree withered away.
And Jesus having come spoke to them, saying, All authority is given unto me in heaven and upon earth.
teaching them to observe all things which I commanded you. And lo, I am with you all the days, unto the end of the age.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out from him.
And immediately his ears were opened, and the bond of his tongue loosed, and he continued to speak distinctly.
Then again He put His hands on his eyes, and he looked up; and was restored, and saw all things distinctly.
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And having done this, they caught a great multitude of fishes; and their net was breaking;
And Simon Peter, seeing, fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying; Depart from me, Lord, because I am a sinful man,
And Jesus seeing her, called to her, and said, Woman, thou art loosed from thy infirmity:
Where are the nine? And they were not found returning to give thanks to God, except this one foreigner.
and they brought it to him. And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water, having been made wine, and did not know whence it is (but the servants having drawn the water knew), the ruler calls the groom,
Jesus did this, the beginning of miracles, in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed on Him.
Then Jesus said to him, Unless you may see signs and wonders, you can not believe.
Then Jesus said to him, Unless you may see signs and wonders, you can not believe.
Jesus says to him, Go; thy son liveth. The man believed the word which Jesus spoke to him, and departed.
But I have a testimony greater than that of John: for the works that the Father hath given me that I may perfect them, these works which I do, testify concerning me, that the Father hath sent me.
Then the people, seeing the miracle which Jesus did, were saying, that, This is truly the prophet who is coming into the world.
and He said to him; Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is interpreted, Sent). Then he went away, and washed, and came seeing.
Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me.
And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go.
but certain ones of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus did.
And He having done so many miracles in their presence, they were not believing on Him,
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or if not, believe for the sake of the works themselves.
He says to them, Cast the net to the right side of the ship, and you will find: then they cast it, and were not able to draw it on account of the multitude of the fishes.
And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were wrought by the apostles in Jerusalem; and there was a great fear upon all.
And taking him by the right hand he raised him up; and immediately the bottoms of his feet and his ankle-bones were strengthened.
And Ananias hearing these words, having fallen down, breathed out his soul. And great fear came on all hearing;
And immediately she fell at his feet, and breathed out her soul; and the young men having come in found her dead, and having carried her out, buried her with her husband.
And many miracles and wonders were wrought by the hands of the apostles among the people. And they were all of one accord in Solomon's porch.
so that they were carrying the sick into the streets, and placing them on couches and beds, in order that the shadow of Peter passing along might cast a shadow on some one of them.
and laid hands on the apostles, and placed them in the public prison.
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and miracles among the people.
But Simon himself also believed: and being baptized, was constantly with Philip, both seeing the miracles and the great dynamites performed, was astonished.
And Peter said to him, Eneas, Jesus Christ heals thee: arise, and take up thy bed: and immediately he arose.
And Peter having put them all out, and putting down his knees, prayed; and having turned toward the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and seeing Peter sat up.
And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and put on thy sandals. And he thus did. And he says to him, Throw thy cloak about thee, and follow me.
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a time. And immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness; and going about he was seeking people to lead him by the hand.
He heard Paul speaking, who fixing his attention on him, and seeing that he had faith to be saved,
And she continued to do this many days. And Paul, being worn out, and turning round, said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her. And he came out the same hour.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bonds of all were loosed.
so that napkins and aprons were carried from his body and placed on the sick, and diseases departed from them, and evil spirits went out of them.
And Paul, having come down, fell on him, and taking him in his arms said, Fear not; for his soul is in him:
And Paul having gathered up a certain bundle of sticks, and placed it on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened on his hand.
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius was lying prostrate with fevers and dysentery: to whom Paul having come in, and prayed, laying hands on him, healed him.
For I delivered unto you in the first place that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he arose on the third day according to the Scriptures;
and that he was buried, and that he arose on the third day according to the Scriptures;
whose coming is according to the energy of Satan in all power and signs and wonders of falsehood,
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 behold, a leper, having come, continued to worship Him, saying; Lord, if you may be willing, you are able to cleanse me. And Jesus, reaching forth His hand, touched him, saying, I am willing; be thou cleansed. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. read more. And Jesus says to him, See that you may tell no one; but go, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. And He having come into Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, entreating Him, and saying; Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, terribly tormented. And Jesus says to him, Having come I will heal him. And the centurion responding said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou mayest come in under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant will be healed. For I am also a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it. And Jesus hearing, was astonished, and said to those following, Truly I say unto you, I did not find so great faith in Israel. And I say unto you, that many will come from the east and from the west, and sit up with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of the heavens: but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion, Go; and let it be done unto thee as thou hast believed. And his servant was healed at that hour. And Jesus having come into the house of Peter, saw his mother-in-law prostrated and burning with fever. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and began to minister unto them.
And His disciples followed Him, having come into the ship. And behold, there was a great storm on the sea, so that the ship was covered by the waves: and He was asleep. read more. And the disciples having come, awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us; we are perishing. And He says to them, Why are you afraid, O ye of little faith? Then having arisen, He rebuked the wind and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men were astonished, saying, What sort of a man is this, because winds and the sea obey him? Two demoniacs met Him, having come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, coming out from the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one was able to pass through that way. And behold, they cried out, saying, What is there to us and thee, O Son of God? have you come hither to torment us before the time? And a herd of many swine was feeding a great way from them. And the demons continued to intreat him, saying, If you cast us out, permit us to depart into the herd of swine. And He said to them, Go. And they having gone out, went away into the herd of swine; and the whole herd rushed down the precipice into the sea, and perished in the waters. And the herders fled, and having gone away into the city, proclaimed all things, and those appertaining to the demonized. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and seeing Him, intreated Him, that He should depart from their coasts.
And behold, they were bringing to Him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, Be of good cheer, child, thy sins are forgiven thee. And behold, certain ones of the scribes said among themselves; This man blasphemeth. read more. And Jesus seeing their thoughts said, Why do you think evil in your hearts? For whether is it easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee; or, Arise, and walk about? But in order that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then He says to the paralytic), Having arisen, take thy bed, and depart into thy house. And having arisen, he came away to his own house.
And He speaking these things to them, behold a certain ruler having come, continued to worship Him, saying, My daughter just now died: but having come put your hand on her, and she shall live. And Jesus having risen, follows him, and His disciples. read more. And behold, a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, and coming to Him behind, touched the hem of His garment.
And behold, a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, and coming to Him behind, touched the hem of His garment. For she continued to say within herself, If I may only touch His garment, I will be saved.
For she continued to say within herself, If I may only touch His garment, I will be saved. And the woman was saved from that hour. And Jesus turning and seeing her said, Be of good cheer, daughter; thy faith hath saved thee.
And the woman was saved from that hour. And Jesus turning and seeing her said, Be of good cheer, daughter; thy faith hath saved thee. And Jesus having come into the house of the ruler, and seeing the flute-players, and the weeping crowd, read more. says to them; Retire: for the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they hooted at Him. And when the crowd was put out, coming to her, He took her by the hand, and the damsel arose. And this news went out into that whole country. And two blind men followed Him, going thence, crying out, and saying, Have mercy on us, thou Son of David. And the blind men came to Him, having come into the house: and Jesus says to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They say to Him, Yea, Lord. Then He touched their eyes, saying, Be it unto you according to your faith. And their eyes were opened. And Jesus charged them, saying, See that no one know it. But they having gone out, spread abroad His fame in all that country. And they going out, behold, they brought to Him a dumb man, demonized. And the demon having been cast out, the dumb spoke. And the multitudes were astonished, saying,
And behold, there was a man having a withered hand. And they asked Him saying, Whether is it lawful to heal on Sabbath? that they might accuse Him. And He said to them; What man shall there he of you, who shall have one sheep, and if it shall fall into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not lay hold of it and lift it up? read more. Therefore how much more valuable is a man than a sheep? So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Then He says to the man, Reach forth thy hand. And he reached it forth and it was restored.
Then a demonized man was brought to Him, blind and dumb: and He healed him, so that the blind and dumb man both spake and saw.
And it being evening, His disciples came to Him saying, It is a desert place, and the hour is already advanced; therefore send away the multitudes, that they having gone into the villages, may purchase for themselves victuals. And Jesus said to them, They have no need to go away; you give them to eat. read more. And they say to Him, We have nothing here except five loaves and two fishes. And He said, Bring them hither to me. And commanding the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, He blessed them; and breaking, gave the bread to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. And all ate, and were filled: and they took up the remainder of the fragments twelve baskets full. And the men eating were about five thousand, besides women and children.
And the ship was already midsea, laboring by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And at the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea. read more. And the disciples seeing Him walking on the sea, were afrighted, saying, It is a specter; and they cried out from fear. And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, Be of good cheer; I am here; fear not. And Peter responding said, Lord, if thou art there, command me to come to thee on the waters. And He said, Come. And Peter having come down from the ship, walked on the waters, and came toward Jesus. And seeing the wind strong, became alarmed; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me. And Jesus immediately reaching out His hand, received him, and says to him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And they having come into the ship, the wind ceased. And those in the ship having come worshiped Him, saying, Truly thou art the Son of God.
And Jesus having come out thence, departed into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanitish woman having come out from those coasts, cried unto Him saying, Have mercy on me, Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is terribly demonized. read more. And He responded to her not a word; and His disciples, having come to Him, asked Him, saying, Send her away; because she cries after us. And He responding said, I am not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And having come she continued to worship Him, saying, Lord, assist me. He responding said, It is not good to take the children's bread and cast it to the little dogs. And she said, Yea, Lord: for the little dogs eat of the crumbs falling from their master's table. Then Jesus responding said to her, O woman, great is thy faith; let it be done unto thee as thou dost wish. And her daughter was healed from that hour.
And Jesus calling His disciples to Him, said, I sympathize with the multitude, because already three days abide unto me, and they have nothing which they may eat; I do not wish to send them away fasting, lest they may faint on the road. And His disciples say to Him, Whence is there to us so much bread in the wilderness, as to feed so great a multitude? read more. And Jesus says to them; How much bread have ye? And they said, Seven loaves and a few fishes. He having commanded the multitudes to sit down upon the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fishes; having given thanks, He broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up the residue of fragments, seven baskets full. And those eating were about tour thousand men, besides women and children.
And they having come to the multitude, the man came to Him, worshiping Him on his knees, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, because he is a lunatic and suffers terribly: for frequently he falls into the fire, and frequently into the water. read more. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they were not able to heal him. And Jesus responding said: O, faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out from him, and the child was healed from that hour.
And they having come into Capernaum, those receiving the double drachma came to Peter, and said, Does your teacher pay the double drachma? He says, Yes. And when he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, What seems to you, Simon? from whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? from their own sons or aliens? read more. And he saying from aliens, Jesus said to him, Then the sons are free. But in order that we may not offend them, going to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the first fish coming up; and opening its mouth, you will find a stater: having received it, give it to them for me and thee.
And behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, hearing that Jesus is passing by, cried out, saying; Have mercy on us, O son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, that they should keep silent. And they cried out the more, saying; Have mercy on us, O Lord, son of David. read more. Jesus standing, called them, and said, What do you wish that I shall do unto you? They say unto Him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. And Jesus being moved with compassion, touched their eyes: and immediately they looked up; and followed Him.
And in the morning going into the city, He was hungry. And seeing one fig-tree near the road, He went to it, and found nothing on it, except leaves only. And He says to it, Let no fruit ever be from thee; and immediately the fig-tree withered away. read more. And the disciples seeing, were astonished, saying, How did the fig-tree immediately wither away? And Jesus responding said to them, Truly I say unto you, if you may have faith, and doubt not, not only shall you do that of the fig-tree, but you shall say to this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, and it will be done. All things whatsoever you may ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.
for false Christs and false prophets will rise up, and give great signs and wonders; so as to deceive even the elect, if possible.
And there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, Let me alone; what is there to us and thee, thou Jesus, the Nazarene? You have come to destroy us; I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. read more. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out from him. And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a great voice, came out from him. And they were all astonished, so that they were inquiring one to another, saying, What is this? what new teaching is this? Because according to authority He commands the unclean spirits, and they obey Him; and His fame went out immediately into all the surrounding country of Galilee.
And the mother-in-law of Simon was lying down burning with fever; and immediately they speak to Him concerning her: And having come to her, taking her by the hand, He raised her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she continued to minister unto them.
And a leper comes to Him, entreating Him, and bowing the knee to Him, and saying to Him, That if thou mayest be willing, thou art able to cleanse me. And Jesus being moved with compassion, reaching forth His hand, touched him, and says to him, I will; be thou cleansed. read more. And He speaking, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And charging him, He immediately sent him away, and says to him, See that you may speak nothing to any one: but go, show thyself unto the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. And he having gone out, began to proclaim many things, and to publish abroad the word, so that He was no longer able openly to come into the city, but was out in desert places: and they continued to come to Him from all directions.
And they come to Him, carrying a paralytic, borne by four. And not being able to come near Him on account of the crowd, they opened the roof where He was: and having lifted it up, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. read more. And Jesus seeing their faith says to the paralytic, Child, thy sins are forgiven thee. And certain ones of the scribes were sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why does He speak blasphemies? Who is able to forgive sins, except the one God? And Jesus immediately knowing in His spirit that they are thus reasoning among themselves, said to them, Why do you thus reason in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Arise, and take thy bed, and walk about? But in order that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins (He says to the paralytic), I say unto thee, Arise, take thy bed, and go into thy house. And he arose immediately, and having taken the bed, went out before them all. So that all were astonished, and glorified God, saying, Never have we seen it after this sort.
And leaving the multitude, they receive Him, as He was in the ship; and other ships were also with Him. And there was a great storm of wind: and the waves were dashing into the ship, so that it was already filled. read more. And He was in the stern, sleeping on a pillow: and they awaken Him, and say to Him; Teacher, is there no care to thee that we perish? And being awakened, He said to the sea, Be calm, be quiet. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said to them, Why are you so cowardly? how have you not faith? And they feared with a great fear, and continued to say to one another, Who then is this, because the wind and the sea obey Him?
And they came beyond the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes, And a man from the tombs, with an unclean spirit met Him, having come out of the ship; read more. who had his dwelling among the tombs: neither was any one able to bind him with chains; because frequently he had been bound with fetters and chains, and the chains were slipped off by him, and the fetters torn to pieces. No one was able to tame him: and all the time, night and day, he was among the tombs in the mountains, crying, and cutting himself with stones. And seeing Jesus a great way off, he ran to Him, and worshiped Him; and crying with a loud voice, he says, What is there to me and to thee, O Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure thee in the name of God, that you may not torment me. For He said to him, Unclean spirit, come out from the man. And He asked him, What is thy name? And he says to Him, My name is Legion; because we are many. And he continued to intreat Him much, that He would not send them out of the country. And there was a great herd of swine feeding in the mountain. And they intreated Him, saying, Send us into the swine, in order that we may go into them. And Jesus immediately permitted them. And the unclean spirits having gone out, came into the swine: and the herd rushed down a precipice into the sea, and there were about two thousand: and they were strangled in the sea. And those herding them fled, and reported in the city, and in the country. And they came out to see what it was that came to pass. And they come to Jesus, and see the demonized man sitting down, both clothed and in his right mind, the one called Legion; and they were afraid. And those seeing, related to them how it happened to the demonized man and concerning the swine. And they began to intreat Him to depart from their coasts. And He having come to the ship, the demonized man intreated Him that he should be with Him. And He did not permit him, but says to him, Go to thine own house to thy people, and proclaim to them how many things the Lord has done for thee, and had mercy on thee. And he went away, and began to preach in Decapolis, how many things Jesus did to him. And all were astonished.
And one of the chief rulers of the synagogue, by name jairus, comes; and seeing Him falls at His feet, and intreats Him much saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: that coming He may lay hands on her, in order that she may be saved and live. read more. And He departed with him; and a great multitude followed Him, even treading on Him. And a certain woman, being in an issue of blood twelve years,
And a certain woman, being in an issue of blood twelve years, and having suffered much from many physicians, and expended all things which were with her, and being profited as to nothing, but rather having come to the worse,
and having suffered much from many physicians, and expended all things which were with her, and being profited as to nothing, but rather having come to the worse, hearing concerning Jesus, having come in the crowd behind, touched His garment.
hearing concerning Jesus, having come in the crowd behind, touched His garment. For she was saying, If I may touch His garment, I shall be saved.
For she was saying, If I may touch His garment, I shall be saved. And immediately the issue of her blood was dried up: and she knew in her body that she is healed of her plague.
And immediately the issue of her blood was dried up: and she knew in her body that she is healed of her plague. And immediately Jesus, knowing in Himself that the powerhas gone out from Him, turning in the crowd, said, Who touched my garments?
And immediately Jesus, knowing in Himself that the powerhas gone out from Him, turning in the crowd, said, Who touched my garments? And His disciples continued to say to Him, You see the crowd treading upon you, and you say, Who touched me?
And His disciples continued to say to Him, You see the crowd treading upon you, and you say, Who touched me? And He looked round to see her who did it.
And He looked round to see her who did it. And the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what has taken place unto herself, came and fell down before Him, and told Him the whole truth.
And the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what has taken place unto herself, came and fell down before Him, and told Him the whole truth. And He said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
And He said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. And He still speaking, they come from the house of the chief ruler of the synagogue, saying, Thy daughter is dead: why do you still trouble the Teacher? read more. And Jesus, immediately hearing the word spoken, says to the chief ruler, Fear not, only believe. and He did not permit any one to accompany Him, except Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And He comes into the house of the chief ruler of the synagogue; And He sees a tumult, weeping and wailing much; and having come in, He says to them, Why are you excited and weeping? The child is not dead, but sleepeth. And they hooted at Him. And putting them all out, He takes the father and mother of the child and those with Him, and goes in where the child was. And taking the child by the hand, says to her, Talitha cumi; which is interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, Arise. And immediately the damsel stood up, and walked about; for she was twelve years old. And they were immediately delighted with great delight. And He charged them much that no one should know it; and He said that something should be given to her to eat.
And already the hour being late, His disciples coming to Him, say, That it is a desert place, and the hour is already late: send them away, that having gone into the surrounding country and the villages, they may purchase for themselves bread: for they have not what they may eat. read more. And responding He said to them, You give to them to eat. And they say to Him, Having gone away must we purchase the loaves of two hundred denaria, and give them to eat? And He says to them; How many loaves have you? go and see. And having ascertained, they say, five loaves and two fishes. And He commanded them all to sit down in companies on the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, about one hundred, and about fifty. And taking the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, He blessed them; and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples, that they should dispense to them; and He divided the two fishes among all. And they all ate, and were filled; and they took up the fragments, twelve baskets full, and from the fishes. And those eating the bread were five thousand men.
And it being evening, the ship was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone upon the land. And He seeing them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary to them, and about the fourth watch of the night He comes to them, walking on the sea; and He wished to pass by them. read more. But they, seeing Him walking on the sea, thought it was a specter, and cried out. For they all saw Him, and were alarmed. And immediately He spoke with them, and says to them, Be of good cheer; I am He; be not afraid. And He went up to them into the ship; and the wind ceased. And they were exceedingly much astonished among themselves, and continued to marvel.
they were running round all that country, and they began to carry the sick on beds, when they heard that He is there. And when He departed into the villages, or cities, or countries, they placed the sick in the forums, and call upon Him, and continued to intreat Him that they should touch the hem of His garment: and so many as touched Him were saved.
And rising up, He departed thence into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. And having entered into a house, and He wished no one to know it: and He was not able to be hidden. For a woman hearing concerning Him, whose daughter had an unclean spirit, having come worshiped at His feet. read more. For the woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by race; and asked Him that He may cast the demon out of her daughter. And He said to her, Permit the children first to be fed: for It is not good to take the children's bread and cast it to little dogs. And she responded and says to Him, Yea, Lord: for even the little dogs eat the crumbs of the children under the table. And He said to her, On account of this word go; the demon has already gone out from thy daughter. And having come into her house, she found the demon gone out, and the daughter lying on the bed. And having again come out from Tyre and Sidon, He came to the Sea of Galilee, amid the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring Him a deaf man, speaking with difficulty; and intreat Him that He may lay His hand on him. And taking him from the crowd privately, He put His fingers in his ears, and having spat, He touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he groaned, and says to him, Ephphatha, which is, Be thou opened. And immediately his ears were opened, and the bond of his tongue loosed, and he continued to speak distinctly. And He charged them that they should tell no one: and the more He charged them, the more abundantly they proclaimed it. And were astonished exceedingly, saying, He has done all things well: He makes the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
And they come into Bethsaida: and they bring Him a blind man, and they intreat Him that He may touch him. And taking the blind man by the hand, He led him out of the village; and spitting in his eyes, putting His hands on him, He asked him, if he sees anything. read more. And looking up he said, I see the men walking about like trees. Then again He put His hands on his eyes, and he looked up; and was restored, and saw all things distinctly. And He sent him to his own house, saying, Go not into the village.
And having come to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them and the scribes disputing with them! And immediately the whole multitude, seeing Him, became excited, and running to Him, seized Him; and He asked the scribes, read more. Why are you disputing with them? And one responding from the multitude, said, Teacher, I have brought my son to thee, having a dumb spirit. And when he may take him, he lacerates him: and he froths, and gnashes his teeth, and pines away. And I said to thy disciples, that they should cast him out; and they were not able. And He responding to them, says, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? Bring him hither to me. And they brought him to Him; and seeing Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him; and falling on the ground, he continued to wallow, foaming. And He asked his father, How long is it since this occurred to him? And he said, from childhood: and frequently he cast him into the fire and into the waters, in order that he may destroy him: but if you are able to do anything, assist us, being moved with compassion towards us. And Jesus said to him, It is this, if you are able (to believe); all things are possible to him that believeth. And immediately the father of the child crying out with tears, continued to say, I believe; assist thou my unbelief. And Jesus seeing that the multitude are running together, rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, Dumb and deaf spirit, I command thee, come out from him, and enter no more into him. And crying out, and convulsing he came out. And he became like a corpse; so that many said, that, he is dead. And Jesus, taking him by the hand, lifted him up; and he stood up.
And they come into Jericho: and He and His disciples and a great multitude going out from Jericho, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, was sitting by the wayside, begging. And hearing that it is Jesus the Nazarene, began to cry out, and say, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. read more. And many continued to rebuke him that he should keep silent: but he continued to cry out much more, O son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing, said, that he should be called. And they call the blind man, saying to him, Take courage: rise up, He calls you. And he, casting away his cloak, rising, came to Jesus. And Jesus responding said to him, What do you wish that I shall do to you? And the blind man said to Him, Great Master, that I may look up. And Jesus said to him, Go; thy faith hath saved thee: and immediately he looked up, and followed Jesus in the way.
And on the morrow, they going out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing a fig-tree at a distance, having leaves, He came, if perchance He shall find something on it: and having come to it, He found nothing except leaves; for it was not the time of the figs. read more. And responding He said to it, Let no one ever eat fruit from thee. And His disciples heard Him. And they come into Jerusalem: and He having come into the temple, began to cast out the buyers and sellers in the temple, and He overturned the tables of the money-exchangers, and the seats of those selling doves; and He did not suffer that any one should carry a vessel through the temple. And He was teaching, saying to them, Is it not written, That my house shall be called a house of prayer for all the Gentiles? But you have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and high priests heard Him, seeking how they might destroy Him: for they feared Him, because all the multitude were delighted with His teaching. And when it was evening, He departed out of the city. And going along in the morning, they saw the fig-tree utterly withered from the roots. And Peter remembering says to Him, Master, behold, the fig-tree which thou didst execrate is withered away. And Jesus responding says to them, Have God's faith. Truly I say unto you, That whosoever may say to this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and may not doubt in his heart, but believe that what he says does take place; it shall be unto him. Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever you pray for and ask, believe that you just now received them, and they shall be unto you.
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And in the synagogue there was a man having a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried with a great voice, saying, Let me alone; what is there to us and to thee, O Jesus the Nazarene? Hast thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. read more. Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent and come out from him; and the demon having thrown him down in the midst came out from him, not having injured him. And fear came upon them all, and they were talking together to one another, saying, What word is this? because with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the report concerning Him was going out into every place in the surrounding country, Having arisen up from the synagogue, He came into the house of Simon. And the mother-in-law of Simon was afflicted with a great fever; and they asked Him concerning her. And He, standing over her, rebuked the fever; and dismissed it; and immediately, having stood up, she continued to minister unto them.
And it came to pass, while the multitude is pressing on Him to hear the word of God, and He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; and He saw two ships standing by the lake: the fishermen, having gone from them, were washing their nets. read more. And having come into one of the ships, which belonged to Simon, He asked him to lead out a little from the land, and sitting down He was teaching the multitudes from the ship. When He ceased speaking He said to Simon, Lead out into the deep, and spread your nets for a draught. And Simon responding said to Him, Master, having toiled all night, we caught nothing: but at thy word I will spread the net. And having done this, they caught a great multitude of fishes; and their net was breaking; and they beckoned to their comrades in another ship, having come to assist them, And they came, and filled both ships, so as to sink them. And Simon Peter, seeing, fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying; Depart from me, Lord, because I am a sinful man, For fear took hold of him, and all of those with him, at the draught of fishes which they received. And likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were companions to Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not; from now you shall be catching men. And drawing up their ships to the land, having left all things, they followed Him. And it came to pass, while He was in one of the cities, and behold, there is a man full of leprosy: and seeing Jesus, having fallen on his face, he prayed to Him, saying, Lord, if you may will it, you are able to cleanse me. And reaching out His hand, He touched him, saying, I will; be thou cleansed. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And He commanded him to tell no one: but having gone away, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. And the word concerning Him was going abroad: and many multitudes continued to come, and be healed of their diseases by Him.
And behold, men carrying a man on a couch, who was paralyzed; and were seeking to bring him in, and place him before Him. And not having found by what way they may bring him in on account of the crowd, going upon the house, they let him down through the tiles along with the bed in their midst in the presence of Jesus. read more. And seeing their faith, He said to him; Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and Pharisees began to reason, Who is this one who speaketh blasphemies? Who is able to forgive sins, except God only? And having responded He said to them, Why do you reason in your hearts? Which is the easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven unto thee; or, to say. Arise and walk about? But in order that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (He said to the paralyzed), I say unto thee, Arise, and having taken thy bed, go into thy house. And immediately having arisen before them, taking the bed on which he was lying down, he went away to his own house, glorifying God. And rapture seized them all, and they continued to glorify God; and they were filled with fear, saying, that, We have seen the paradoxical this day.
And it came to pass on another Sabbath, that He came into the synagogue and taught, and a man was there, whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him, if He will heal him on the Sabbath, in order that they may find accusation against Him. read more. But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man having the withered hand, Rise up, and stand in the midst; and he having arisen stood. And Jesus said to them, I will ask you; What is lawful on the Sabbath; to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy? And looking around upon them all, He said to him, Reach forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored. And they were filled with rage; and they were talking one to another what they might do to Jesus.
When He completed all His words in the ears of the people, He came into Capernaum. And the servant of a certain centurion, being sick, was about to die, who was precious to him. read more. And hearing about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, asking Him that having come He may save his servant. And they, having come to Jesus, continued to entreat Him earnestly, saying, That he to whom He will do this is worthy: for he loves our race, and himself built for us a synagogue. And Jesus went along with them. And already He being not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, Lord, be not troubled: for I am not worthy that you may come in under my roof: Therefore I did not count myself worthy to come to thee; but speak the word, and my servant shall be healed. For I am also a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. And Jesus, having heard these words, was astonished at him, and turning to the multitude following said, I say unto you, I did not find so great faith in Israel. And those having been sent, returning to the house, found the servant well. And it came to pass consecutively, He departed into a city called Nain; and His many disciples and a great multitude went along with Him. And when He drew nigh unto the gate of the city, behold, a dead man, an only born son to his mother, and she a widow, was indeed being carried out: and a great multitude of the city was along with her. And the Lord seeing her, was moved with compassion towards her, and said to her, Weep not. And having come forward He touched the bier: and the pall-bearers stood still: and He said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And the dead man sat up, and began to talk, and Ile gave him to his mother. And fear seized them all: and they continued to glorify God, saying that, A great prophet has arisen among us: and, God has looked upon His people. And that word about Him went out in all Judea, and all the country round about.
And it came to pass on one of the days, He and His disciples went into a ship. And He said to them, Let us go to the other side of the lake. And they were embarked. And they sailing, He was asleep: and a storm of wind came down into the lake; and they were being filled, and imperiled. read more. And they having come to Him, awakened Him, saying, Master, Master, we perish. And He having arisen, rebuked the wind and the wave of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And He said to them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid were astonished, saying to one another, Who then is this, because He commands the winds and the water, and they obey Him? And they sailed into the country of the Gergesenes, which is over against Galilee. And a certain man from the city, who a long time had demons, and did not wear clothing, and did not remain in the house, but in the tombs; met Him having come to the land. And seeing Jesus, and crying out, he worshiped Him, and said with a loud voice; What is there to me and to thee, O Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I pray thee torment me not. For He commanded the unclean spirit to come out from the man; for since a long time he had possessed him, and he was frequently bound, secured with chains and fetters, and smashing his bonds, was driven by the demons into the desert. And Jesus asked him saying, What is thy name? And he said Legion; because many demons entered into him. And he continued to intreat Him that He should not command them to depart into the abyss. And there was a herd of many swine feeding in the mountain: and they continued to intreat Him that He should permit them to go into them. And He permitted them. And the demons having come out from the man, came into the swine: and the herd rushed down a precipice into the sea, and were strangled. And the herders seeing that which took place, fled, and proclaimed it in the city and in the country. And they came out to see that which had happened; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the demons had gone, clothed and in his right mind, at the feet of Jesus: and they were afraid. And those seeing reported to them how the demonized man was saved. And all the multitudes of the surrounding country of the Gergesenes, asked Him to depart from them; because they were seized with great fear. And He having come Into the ship, returned. And the man out of whom the demons had gone prayed to be with Him. And Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thy own house, and relate, how many things God has done unto thee. And he departed throughout the whole city, preaching how many things Jesus did unto him.
Behold, a man to whom was the name Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and falling at the feet of Jesus, he continued to intreat Him to come into his house; for there was an only daughter to him, of twelve years, and she was dying. And while He was going the multitudes were thronging Him. read more. And a woman being in an issue of blood twelve years, who having expended all her living with physicians, was not able to be healed by any of them,
And a woman being in an issue of blood twelve years, who having expended all her living with physicians, was not able to be healed by any of them, and having come to Him behind, she touched the hem of His garment: and immediately the issue of blood ceased.
and having come to Him behind, she touched the hem of His garment: and immediately the issue of blood ceased. And Jesus said, Who is the one having touched me? And all denying, Peter and the disciples with Him said, The multitudes crowd thee and press upon thee, and dost thou say, Who is the one having touched me?
And Jesus said, Who is the one having touched me? And all denying, Peter and the disciples with Him said, The multitudes crowd thee and press upon thee, and dost thou say, Who is the one having touched me? And Jesus said, Some one touched me: for I know the power went out from me.
And Jesus said, Some one touched me: for I know the power went out from me. And the woman seeing that she was not concealed, came trembling, and falling down before Him, proclaimed on account of what cause she touched Him, in the presence of all the people, and how she was healed immediately.
And the woman seeing that she was not concealed, came trembling, and falling down before Him, proclaimed on account of what cause she touched Him, in the presence of all the people, and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, Be of good cheer, daughter; thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
And He said to her, Be of good cheer, daughter; thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. And He yet speaking, a certain one comes from the house of the chief ruler of the synagogue, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher: read more. and Jesus hearing, responded to him, saying, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be saved. And having come to the house, He did not suffer any to enter except Peter, John, and James, and the father and mother of the child. And they were all weeping, and wailing over her: and He said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they hooted at Him, knowing that she was dead. And having put all out, taking her by the hand, He spoke, saying, Child, arise. And her spirit returned, and she stood up immediately. And He commanded that something should be given to her to eat. And her parents were delighted: and He commanded them to tell no one that which had taken place.
And the day began to decline; and the twelve coming to Him, said, Send away the multitude, in order that having gone into the surrounding villages and countries, they may lodge, and find food: because we are here in a desert place. And He said to them, You give them to eat. And they said, There is not to us more than five loaves and two fishes; if not having gone we must purchase victuals for all this people. read more. For the men were about five thousand. And He said to His disciples, Have them sit down in companies, about fifty. And they did thus, and made all sit down. And taking the five loaves and two fishes, looking up to heaven, He blessed them; and He broke, and gave to the disciples to dispense to the multitude. And they all ate and were filled: and that which remained to them of the fragments, were taken up, twelve baskets.
And it came to pass, on the following day, they having come down from the mountain, a multitude met Him. And behold, a man from the multitude cried out, saying, Teacher, I pray thee look upon my son, because he is to me an only child: read more. and behold, the spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; and he convulses him with foam, and scarcely departs from him, contorting him. And I besought thy disciples, that they should cast him out; and they were not able. And Jesus responding said, O ye faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and bear with you? Bring your son hither. And he yet coming, the demon dashed him down and convulsed him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the child, and gave him to his father.
And He was casting out a demon, and he was dumb: and it came to pass, the demon having gone out, the dumb spoke; and the multitudes were astonished.
And behold, a woman having a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and not at all able to straighten up. And Jesus seeing her, called to her, and said, Woman, thou art loosed from thy infirmity: read more. and He placed His hands on her: and immediately she straightened up, and continued to glorify God. And the chief ruler of the synagogue, responding, being grieved because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, There are six days in which it behooveth us to work: therefore during these, coming, be healed, and not on the Sabbath-day. And the Lord responded to him, and said, Ye hypocrites, does not each one of you loose his ox or his donkey from the stall, and leading him away, give him water on the Sabbath? Did it not behoove this one, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan bound, lo, these eighteen years, to be loosed from this bondage on the Sabbath-day? And He speaking these things, all opposing Him became ashamed: and the whole multitude rejoiced over all the illustrious works wrought by Him.
And it came to pass, while He was journeying to Jerusalem, and He was going through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. He coming into a certain village, ten lepers met Him, who stood afar off; read more. and lifting up their voice, saying, Thou, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And seeing, He said to them, Go and show yourselves to the priest. And it came to pass while they were going, they were cleansed: and one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned, with a loud voice glorifying God, and he fell upon his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus responding said, Were not the ten cleansed? Where are the nine? And they were not found returning to give thanks to God, except this one foreigner. And He said to him, having arisen, go: thy faith hath saved thee.
And it came to pass, while He was drawing nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting by the wayside begging. And hearing the multitude passing by, he inquired what it might be. read more. And they told him that Jesus the Nazarene is going along. And he cried out saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And the passersby continued to rebuke him, that he should keep silent: but he continued to cry out much more, O thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing, commanded him to be led to Him; and he drawing nigh, He asked him, What do you wish that I shall do to you? And he said, Lord, that I may look up. And Jesus said to him, Look up: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he looked up, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, seeing, gave praise to God.
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus responding said, Hold on until this: and touching his ear, healed him.
On the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus and His disciples were invited to the marriage. read more. And they had no wine, because the wine of the marriage was exhausted. Then the mother of Jesus says to Him, There is no wine. And Jesus says to her, What is that to me and to thee? O woman, my hour is not yet come. His mother says to the servants, Do whatsoever He may say to you. And there were six waterpots of stone sitting there according to the purification of the Jews, containing about two or three firkins. Jesus says to them, Fill the waterpots with water. They filled them to the brim. And He says to them, Now draw out and carry to the chief ruler of the feast, and they brought it to him. And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water, having been made wine, and did not know whence it is (but the servants having drawn the water knew), the ruler calls the groom, and says to him, Every man first sets forth the good wine; and when they have drunk freely, the inferior: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. Jesus did this, the beginning of miracles, in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed on Him.
Then He came again into Cana of Galilee, where He turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royalist, whose son was sick in Capernaum; he having heard that Jesus has come out of Judea into Galilee, came away to Him, and continued to ask Him that He may come down and heal his son; for He was about to die. read more. Then Jesus said to him, Unless you may see signs and wonders, you can not believe. The nobleman says to Him, Lord, come down before my little child dies. Jesus says to him, Go; thy son liveth. The man believed the word which Jesus spoke to him, and departed. And he already coming down, the servants met him, and reported, that the child lives. Then he inquired the hour at which he began to improve; and they said to him, The fever left him at the seventh hour yesterday. Then the father knew that it was at that hour at which Jesus said to him, Thy son liveth: and he and all his house believed. Jesus, having again come out of Judea into Galilee, wrought this second miracle.
Therefore Jesus lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude is coming to Him, He says to Philip, Whence can we purchase bread, that these may eat? He spoke this testing him; for He knew what He was about to do. read more. Philip responded to Him, The loaves of two hundred denaria are not sufficient for these, that each one may receive a little. And one of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Peter, says to Him, There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fishes: but what are these among so many? And Jesus said, Make the people sit down. And there was much grass in the place. However the men sat down in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the bread; and gave thanks, and gave it to the disciples, and the disciples to the people sitting down; and likewise also of the fishes so much as they wished. And when they were filled, He says to His disciples, Gather up the remaining fragments, that nothing may be lost. Then they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets from the live barley loaves, which remained to those having eaten. Then the people, seeing the miracle which Jesus did, were saying, that, This is truly the prophet who is coming into the world.
And when it was evening, His disciples went down to the sea; and embarking in the ship, they were going to the other side of the sea into Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them; read more. and the sea wrought, a great wind blowing. Then having gone about twenty-five or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and being near the ship; and were terrified. And He says to them, I am here; fear not. Then they wished to receive Him into the ship, and immediately the ship was at the land to which they were going.
Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. read more. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth. And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go.
After these things, Jesus again manifested Himself to His disciples, at the Sea of Tiberias; and He thus manifested Himself. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael the one from Cana of Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples, were together. read more. Simon Peter says to them, I go to fish. They say to Him, We also go along with you. They went out, and entered into a ship, and that night caught nothing. And it being now morning, Jesus stood on the shore: the disciples did not know that He is Jesus. Then Jesus says to them; Little children, whether have you any meat? They respond to Him, No. He says to them, Cast the net to the right side of the ship, and you will find: then they cast it, and were not able to draw it on account of the multitude of the fishes. Then that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, He is the Lord. Then Simon Peter hearing that He is the Lord, girded on his fishing-cloak (for he was unclothed), and cast Himself into the sea: and the other disciples came in the ship (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits), drawing the net of the fishes. Then when they came to the land, they see fire lying, and fish and bread lying on it. Jesus said to them, Take from the fishes which you now caught. And Simon Peter came up, and drew the net to the land, full of a hundred and fifty-three large fishes: and there being so many yet the net was not broken. Jesus says to them, Come, take breakfast. But no one of the disciples dared to ask Him, Who art thou? knowing that He is the Lord. Jesus comes, and takes bread, and gives it to them, and fish likewise. And this third time Jesus was already manifested to His disciples, having risen from the dead.
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Israelitish men, hear these words, Jesus the Nazarene, a man having been demonstrated unto you from God by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, as yourselves know;
And a certain man, by name Simon, was formerly practicing magic in the city, and bewitching the nation of Samaria, saying that himself was some great man:
And having gone through the whole island to Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a Jewish false prophet, to whom was the name of Bar-Jesus: who was with Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, an intelligent man. He, having called Barnabas and Saul, sought to hear the word of God; read more. but Elymas the magician (for thus his name is interpreted) opposed them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith.
And many of those practicing curious arts, having brought their books, burnt them before all: and they estimated the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.
For indeed the signs of the apostleship are wrought in me in all patience, in miracles and in wonders and in dynamites.
whose coming is according to the energy of Satan in all power and signs and wonders of falsehood,
Salutation of me Paul with my own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
And he performs great signs, so that he can indeed make fire descend out of the heaven to the earth in presence of the people. And he deceives those dwelling upon the earth through the signs which it was given unto him to perform in the presence of the beast, saying to those dwelling on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, who had the wound of the sword, and did live.
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
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Jesus responding said to them, Having gone, proclaim unto John the things which you hear and see. The blind are looking up, and the lame are walking about, the lepers are being cleansed, and the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, and the poor are having the gospel preached unto them:
And the Pharisees hearing, said, This man casts not out demons, except through Beelzebul the prince of the demons. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself comes to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. read more. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?
We know that God hears not sinners: but if any one may be a worshiper of God, and do His will, He hears him. It was never heard of from the beginning that any one opened the eyes of a man who was born blind: read more. if He were not with God, He would not be able to do anything.
If thou art the Christ, tell us openly. Jesus responded, I told you, and you do not believe: the works which I do in the name of my Father, these testify concerning me.
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
Then the chief priests and Pharisees assembled the Sanhedrin, and continued to say, What are we doing? because this man is doing many miracles. If we thus let Him alone, all will believe on Him: and the Romans will come and take away our place and nation.