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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease, and all manner of malady among the people.
And behold a leper came and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came to him a centurion,
And Jesus coming into Peter's house, saw his wife's mother lying sick of a fever.
When it was evening, they brought to him many demoniacs; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were ill: Whereby was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases.
And he saith to them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then arising, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
And behold they brought to him a paralytic, lying on a couch; and Jesus seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Son, Take courage: thy sins are forgiven thee.
While he spake these things to them, behold a certain ruler coming worshiped him, saying, My daughter is even now dying: but come and lay thine hand on her, and she shall live.
(And behold a woman who had had a flux of blood, twelve years, coming behind him, touched the hem of his garment.
And when Jesus passed thence, two blind men followed him, crying and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith to them, Believe ye 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 straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
As they were going out, behold men brought a dumb demoniac to him.
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease, and every malady among the people.
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said to him, Art thou he that should come, or look we for another? read more. And Jesus answering said to them, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see.
And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath? that they might accuse him.
And Jesus knowing it withdrew from thence; and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all.
And the multitude were amazed and said, Is not this the Son of David?
And going forth he saw a great multitude, and was moved with tender compassion for them, and healed their sick.
But Jesus said to them, They need not go: give ye them to eat.
In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought to him all that were diseased; And besought him, that they might touch but the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
And behold a woman of Canaan, of those coasts, came and cried to him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David: my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
And great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, dumb, disabled, and many others; and cast them at the feet of Jesus, and he healed them:
And taking the seven loaves and the fishes, he gave thanks and brake them and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; but there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them and departed.
And after six days, Jesus taketh Peter and James and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic, and suffereth grievously; for often he falleth into the fire and often into the water.
Yet that we may not offend them, go to the sea, and cast an hook, and take the fish that first cometh up. And when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money. That take and give them for me and thee.
And great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there.
And Jesus went into the temple, and cast out all that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the mony-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
For false Christs and false prophets shall arise and shew great signs and wonders, so that they would deceive (if it were possible) even the elect.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light; and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
While they were going, behold some of the guard coming into the city, told the chief priests all the things that had been done. And having met together with the elders and taken counsel, they gave large mony to the soldiers, read more. Saying, Say his disciples came by night, and stole him while we slept. And if this come to the governour's ears, we will persuade him and secure you. So they took the money and did as they were taught; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews till this day.
what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy one of God.
And as he came out of the boat, there met him immediately out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
And he charged them straitly, that no man should know it, and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
And he could do no miracle there, save that he laid his hands on a few sick and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about thro' the villages teaching.
And he said to her, For this saying, go: the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
And he charged them to tell no man; but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it,
And he cometh to Bethsaida. And they bring to him a blind man, and beseech him to touch him.
And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues: They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
But he passing thro' the midst of them, went away.
When he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
And he went afterward to a city called Nain, and many of his disciples went with him and a great multitude. And as he drew nigh the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a great multitude of the city was with her.
And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say to thee, Arise.
calling to him two of his disciples, sent to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come, or look we for another? And the men being come to him, said, John the Baptist hath sent us to thee, saying, Art thou he that should come, or look we for another? read more. And in that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues, and of evil spirits, and to many that were blind he gave sight. And he answering said to them, Go and tell John the things ye have seen and heard: the blind see; the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised; to the poor the gospel is preached.
But some of them said, He casteth out devils by Beelzebub the prince of the devils: And others tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
And behold, there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together and utterly unable to lift up herself.
And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten lepers, who stood afar off:
And while he was yet nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging.
And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: And all the people seeing it gave praise to God.
And Jesus answering said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him.
For the passover of the Jews was nigh, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple them that fold oxen,
Then answered the Jews and said to him, What sign shewest thou us, seeing thou dost these things? Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days. read more. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this;
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, on the feast day, many believed in his name, beholding the miracles which he did.
The same came to him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know, that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles which thou dost, except God be with him.
When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and besought him, to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.
And a certain man was there, who had been diseased eight and thirty years.
But Jesus answered them, My father worketh until now, and I work.
And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
So the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said to them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
And as he passed on, he saw a man who had been blind from his birth.
The man answered and said to them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not whence he is; altho' he hath opened my eyes!
If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
And he worshiped him. Jesus said, For judgment am I come into the world, that they who see not, may see, and that they who see, may become blind. And some of the Pharisees that were with him heard this, and said to him, Are we blind also? read more. Jesus said to them, If ye had been blind, ye would have had no sin. But now ye say, We see: therefore your sin remaineth.
but now have they seen them, and yet hated both me and my Father.
but now have they seen them, and yet hated both me and my Father.
As soon as he said to them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
And Jesus wrought many other miracles also, in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life thro' his name.
They answered him, No. And he said to them, Cast your net on the right side of the vessel, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes.
Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man pointed out to you of God, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know:
Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man pointed out to you of God, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know:
Then said Peter, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
by what means he is healed, Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, by him doth this man stand before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought by you builders, which is become the head of the corner. read more. And there is salvation in no other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Who being come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. read more. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And Simon seeing that thro' laying on of the hands of the apostles the Holy Ghost was given, offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said to him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought to purchase the gift of God with money.
While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all that were hearing the word. And the believers of the circumcision, as many as came with Peter, were amazed, that the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentiles also. read more. For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God.
And Paul laying his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
But if we or an angel from heaven preach to you another gospel than we have preached to you, let him be accursed: As we have said before, so I say now again, if any preach to you another gospel than that ye received, let him be accursed.
Whose coming is after the mighty working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders,
But know this, that in the last days grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, arrogant, proud, evil-speakers, read more. disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, Without natural affection, covenant-breakers, slanderers, intemperate, fierce, despisers of good men, Traitors, rash, puffed up, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness but denying the power of it. From these also turn away. For of these are they who creep into houses, and captivate silly women laden with sins, led away by various desires, Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth: men of corrupt minds, void of judgment as to the faith.
God also bearing them witness by signs, and wonders, and various miracles, and distributions of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.
And we have the word of prophecy more confirmed, to which ye do well that ye take heed, as to a lamp that shone in a dark place, till the day should dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts: Knowing this before that no scripture prophecy is of any private interpretation. read more. For prophecy never came by the will of man, but the holy men of God spake being moved by the Holy Ghost.
Behold he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they who have pierced him: and all the tribes of the earth shall wail because of him.
And I saw another wild beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, but he spake like a dragon; And he exerciseth all the authority of the first wild beast before him; and he caused the earth, and them that dwelt therein, to worship the first wild beast, whose deadly wound was healed. read more. And he doth great wonders, so that he even maketh fire to come down out of heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the wonders which it is given him to do before the wild beast: saying to them that dwell on the earth, to make an image to the wild beast, which had the wound by the sword, and yet lived. And it was given him to give breath to the image of the wild beast; so that the image of the wild beast should speak: and he will cause, that as many as will not worship the image of the wild beast shall be killed.
And the wild beast was taken, and with him the false prophet, who had wrought the miracles before him, with which he deceived them who had the mark of the wild beast, and them who had worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Hastings
MIRACLES
1. The narratives
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And saith to him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall charge his angels concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said to him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
And Jesus stretching forth his hand, touched him, saying, I will; Be thou clean.
And Jesus said to the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, be it to thee. And his servant was healed in that hour.
And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose and waited upon them.
And he saith to them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then arising, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and seas obey him? read more. And when he was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two demoniacs, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way.
To say, Thy sins are forgiven thee? Or to say, Arise and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the paralytic) Arise, take up thy couch, and go to thy house.
To say, Thy sins are forgiven thee? Or to say, Arise and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the paralytic) Arise, take up thy couch, and go to thy house.
And Jesus turning and seeing her, said, Daughter, take courage; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.)
But when the people were put forth, he went in and took her by the hand; and the maid arose.
Then he touched their eyes, saying, Be it unto you, according to your faith.
And when the devil were cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never seen thus, even in Israel.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Then began he to upbraid the cities, wherein most of his mighty works had been done, because they repented not.
Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, as the other.
Then was brought to him a demoniac, blind and dumb; and he healed him, so that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
And he wrought not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
and taking the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, he blessed and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
And Peter answering him said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee on the water.
And Jesus answering said to her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour.
They said, Seven, and a few small fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; but there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them and departed.
Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he went out of him, and the child was cured from that hour.
Yet that we may not offend them, go to the sea, and cast an hook, and take the fish that first cometh up. And when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money. That take and give them for me and thee.
Yet that we may not offend them, go to the sea, and cast an hook, and take the fish that first cometh up. And when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money. That take and give them for me and thee.
So Jesus moved with tender compassion, touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
And seeing a fig-tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon but leaves only. And he saith to it, Let no fruit grow on thee hence-forward for ever.
And seeing a fig-tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon but leaves only. And he saith to it, Let no fruit grow on thee hence-forward for ever.
And Jesus came and spake to them, saying, All power is given me in heaven and in earth.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace and come out of him.
And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
Then he put his hands again on his eyes and made him look up, and he was restored and saw all men clearly.
And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues: They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
And having done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net brake.
Simon Peter seeing it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
And the dead man sat up, and began to speak: and he delivered him to his mother.
And the disciples of John informed him of all these things. And John,
And Jesus seeing her, called her to him, and said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thy infirmity.
And behold there was a certain man before him, who had the dropsy.
But where are the nine? There are not found to give glory to God, save this stranger.
And they carried it. When the governor of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine (he knew not whence it was, but the servants, who had drawn the water knew) the governor of the feast calleth the bridegroom,
Jesus wrought this beginning of miracles in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed on him.
Jesus said to him, Unless ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe.
Jesus said to him, Unless ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe.
Jesus saith to him, Go: thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus spake to him, and he went.
Jesus saith to him, Rise, take up thy bed and walk.
But I have a greater testimony than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to fulfil, the very works which I do, testify of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Then those men, having seen the miracle which Jesus did, said, Of a truth this is the prophet that was to come into the world.
And said to him, Go wash at the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
Then they took away the stone from where the dead lay. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but I spake this, because of the people who stand by, that they may believe thou hast sent me.
And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapt about with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go.
But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
But tho' he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him;
Believe me, because I am in the Father, and the Father in me; but if not, believe me for the sake of the works.
They answered him, No. And he said to them, Cast your net on the right side of the vessel, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes.
And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were wrought by the apostles.
And taking him by the right-hand, he lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle-bones were strengthened,
And Ananias hearing these words, fell down and expired; and great fear came on all that heard these things.
And immediately she fell at his feet and expired; and the young men coming in, found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
And many signs and wonders were wrought among the people by the hands of the apostles: (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico:
So that they brought out the sick along the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that even the shadow of Peter coming by, might overshadow some of them.
were filled with zeal, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them into the common prison.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
And Simon himself believed also; and being baptized, he continued with Philip, and was astonished, beholding the signs and mighty miracles which were done.
And Peter said to him, Eneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee. Arise and make thy bed.
But Peter, having put them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals; and he did so. And he saith to him, Throw thy garment 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 season. And immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him, and going about, he sought some to lead him.
This man heard Paul speaking; who fixing his eyes upon him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
And this she did for many days. But Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ, to go out of 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 immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
So that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits came out of them.
And Paul went down and fell on him; and taking him in his arms, said, Be not troubled; for his life is in him.
Now as Paul was gathering a bundle of sticks, and laying them on the fire, a viper coming from the heat, fastened upon his hand.
Now the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and bloody flux; to whom Paul went in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.
to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.
And God hath set in the church, first, apostles, secondly, prophets, thirdly, teachers: afterward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, different kinds of tongues.
For I delivered to you first, that which I also received, That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, And that he was buried, and that he was raised the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
according to the scriptures, And that he was buried, and that he was raised the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
Whose coming is after the mighty working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders,
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 came and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus stretching forth his hand, touched him, saying, I will; Be thou clean. read more. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith to him, See thou tell no man, but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came to him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth in the house, ill of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith to him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy, that thou shouldst come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, be it to thee. And his servant was healed in that hour. And Jesus coming into Peter's house, saw his wife's mother lying sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose and waited upon them.
And when he was come into the vessel, his disciples followed him. And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, so that the vessel was covered with the waves. read more. But he was asleep. And his disciples coming to him awoke him, saying, Lord, save us; we perish. And he saith to them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then arising, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and seas obey him? And when he was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two demoniacs, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way. And behold they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was afar off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go into the herd of swine. And he said to them, Go. And coming out, they went into the herd of swine, and behold the whole herd rushed down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. But they that kept them fled, and going into the city, told every thing, and what had befallen the demoniacs. And behold the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and seeing him, they besought him, to depart out of their coasts.
And behold they brought to him a paralytic, lying on a couch; and Jesus seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Son, Take courage: thy sins are forgiven thee. And behold certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. read more. And Jesus seeing their thoughts said, Why think ye evil in your hearts? For which is easier? To say, Thy sins are forgiven thee? Or to say, Arise and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the paralytic) Arise, take up thy couch, and go to thy house. And he arose and went to his own house. And the multitude seeing it,
While he spake these things to them, behold a certain ruler coming worshiped him, saying, My daughter is even now dying: but come and lay thine hand on her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose and followed him, and so did his disciples. read more. (And behold a woman who had had a flux of blood, twelve years, coming behind him, touched the hem of his garment.
(And behold a woman who had had a flux of blood, twelve years, coming behind him, touched the hem of his garment. For she said within herself, if I but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
For she said within herself, if I but touch his garment, I shall be whole. And Jesus turning and seeing her, said, Daughter, take courage; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.)
And Jesus turning and seeing her, said, Daughter, take courage; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.) And Jesus coming into the ruler's house, and seeing the minstrels and the croud who cried out aloud, read more. Saith to them, Withdraw; for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth: and they derided him. But when the people were put forth, he went in and took her by the hand; and the maid arose. And the fame of it went abroad into all that country. And when Jesus passed thence, two blind men followed him, crying and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith to them, Believe ye 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 straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But when they were gone out, they spread his fame in all that country. As they were going out, behold men brought a dumb demoniac to him. And when the devil were cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never seen thus, even in Israel.
And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath? that they might accuse him. And he said to them, What man is there among you, that shall have one sheep, who if it fall into a pit on the sabbath, will not lay hold on it and lift it out? read more. How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath-day. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, as the other.
Then was brought to him a demoniac, blind and dumb; and he healed him, so that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
And in the evening his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past: send the multitude away, that going into the villages, they may buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said to them, They need not go: give ye them to eat. read more. They say to him, We have here but five loaves and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, he blessed and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they all ate and were satisfied: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand, beside women and children.
And in the evening, he was there alone: but the vessel was now in the midst of the sea, tossed by the waves; for the wind was contrary. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. read more. And the disciples seeing him walking on the sea, were troubled, saying, It is an apparition: and they cried out for fear. But Jesus immediately spake to them, saying, Take courage: it is I: be not afraid. And Peter answering him said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee on the water. And he said, Come. And Peter coming down from the vessel, walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But seeing the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus reaching forth his hand, caught him, and saith to him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the vessel, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the vessel, came and worshiped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
And Jesus going thence, retired to the coast of Tyre and Sidon. And behold a woman of Canaan, of those coasts, came and cried to him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David: my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. read more. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away, for she crieth after us. But he answering said, I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshiped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answering said, It is not right, to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs. And she said, True, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. And Jesus answering said to her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Then Jesus calling his disciples to him said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I am not willing to send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. And his disciples say to him, Whence should we have so much bread in a wilderness, as to satisfy so great a multitude? read more. And Jesus saith to them, How many loaves have you? They said, Seven, and a few small fishes. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass. And taking the seven loaves and the fishes, he gave thanks and brake them and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they took up of the fragments that remained seven baskets full. And they that had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children.
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic, and suffereth grievously; for often he falleth into the fire and often into the water. read more. And I brought him to thy disciples, but they could not cure him. Then Jesus answering said, O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he went out of him, and the child was cured from that hour.
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the tribute-mony came to Peter and said, Doth not your master pay the tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he came into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? read more. Of their own sons, or of strangers? Peter saith to him, Of strangers. Jesus saith to him, Then are the sons free. Yet that we may not offend them, go to the sea, and cast an hook, and take the fish that first cometh up. And when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money. That take and give them for me and thee.
And behold two blind men sitting by the way-side, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude charged them to hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. read more. And Jesus standing still called them and said, What do ye desire that I should do to you? They say to him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus moved with tender compassion, touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Now in the morning, as he was returning to the city he hungered. And seeing a fig-tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon but leaves only. And he saith to it, Let no fruit grow on thee hence-forward for ever. read more. And presently the fig-tree withered away. And the disciples seeing it marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig-tree withered away? Jesus answering said to them, Verily I say to you, if ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this to the fig-tree, but also if ye shall say to this mountain, Be thou lifted up, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
For false Christs and false prophets shall arise and shew great signs and wonders, so that they would deceive (if it were possible) even the elect.
And there was in their synagogue a man heaving an unclean spirit, and he cried out, saying, Let us alone: what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy one of God. read more. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace and come out of him. And the unclean spirit having torn him, and cried with a loud noise, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? What new teaching is this? For with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits and they obey him. And immediately his fame went forth into all the country of Galilee round about.
And Simon's wife's mother lay ill of a fever, and immediately they tell him of her. And he came and taking her by the hand, lifted her up; and straightway the fever left her, and she waited on them.
And there came to him a leper beseeching him and kneeling down to him and saying to him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with tender compassion, putting forth his hand, touched him, and saith to him, I will; be thou clean. read more. And when he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was cleansed. And having straitly charged him, he forthwith sent him away, And saith to him, See thou say nothing to any man; but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them. But he going out published it much and blazed abroad the matter, so that he could no more openly enter into the city; but he was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
And he spake the word to them. And they come to him, bringing a paralytic, borne of four. And not being able to come nigh him for the croud, they uncovered the roof where he was, and having broken it up, they let down the couch whereon the paralytic lay. read more. Jesus seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Son, thy sins are forgiven thee. But certain of the scribes were sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God only? And Jesus immediately knowing in his spirit, that they so reasoned in themselves, said to them, Why reason ye thus in your hearts? Which is easier? To say to the paralytic, Thy sins are forgiven thee? Or to say, Arise, and take up thy couch and walk? But that ye may know, that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins: (He saith to the paralytic) I say to thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go to thine house. And immediately he arose, and taking up his couch, went forth before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, We never saw it thus.
And having sent away the multitude, they take him as he was in the boat. And there were with him other little vessels. And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was now full. read more. But he was asleep on the pillow, in the stern of the boat. And they awake him and say to him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace; be still. And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. And he said to them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it, that ye have not faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And as he came out of the boat, there met him immediately out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, read more. Who had his dwelling among the tombs, and no man could bind him, no not with chains. For he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder, by him, and the fetters broken in pieces; and no man could tame him. And always night and day, he was in the tombs, and in the mountains, crying and cutting himself with stones. But seeing Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped him, And crying with a loud voice, said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. (For he had said to him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.) And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered saying, My name is Legion; for we are many. And he earnestly besought him, that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there at the mountain a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us to the swine, that we may go into them. And Jesus forthwith gave them leave. And the unclean spirits going out, entered into the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep into the sea, (they were about two thousand) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see that which was done. And they come to Jesus and see the demoniac, sitting and clothed and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they saw it told them how it befell that demoniac, and also concerning the swine. And they prayed him to depart out of their coasts. And as he went into the boat, he that had been possessed with the devils, besought him, that he might be with him. But Jesus suffered him not, but said to him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed and published in Decapolis, how great things Jesus had done for him. And all men marvelled.
And there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, falleth at his feet. And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death: read more. come and lay thy hands on her that she may be healed, and she shall live. And he went with him, and much people followed him and thronged him. And a certain woman who had had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians,
And a certain woman who had had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered,
and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grown worse, Having heard of Jesus, came in the croud behind, and touched his garment.
but rather grown worse, Having heard of Jesus, came in the croud behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I but touch his clothes, I shall be whole.
For she said, If I but touch his clothes, I shall be whole. And the fountain of her blood was straightway dried up, and she knew in her body, that she was healed of that plague.
And the fountain of her blood was straightway dried up, and she knew in her body, that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus immediately knowing in himself, that virtue had gone out of him, turning about in the croud said, Who touched my clothes?
And Jesus immediately knowing in himself, that virtue had gone out of him, turning about in the croud said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said to him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
And his disciples said to him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round to see her that had done this.
And he looked round to see her that had done this. And the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
And the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said to her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole: go in peace, and continue whole of thy plague.
And he said to her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole: go in peace, and continue whole of thy plague. While he yet spake, they come from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master farther? read more. When Jesus heard the word spoken he saith to the ruler of the synagogue, Fear not; only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth a tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And coming in, he saith to them, Why make ye this ado and weep? The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But having put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and goeth in where the damsel was lying. And taking the damsel by the hand he said to her, Talitha cumi, which is, being interpreted, Damsel, (I say to thee) arise. And straightway the damsel arose and walked: for she was twelve years old. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly, that no man should know it, and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
And when the day was now far spent, the disciples coming to him said, This is a desert place, and it is now late. Send them away, that they may go into the country and villages round about, and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat. read more. He answered and said to them, Give ye them to eat. And they say to him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith to them, How many loaves have you? Go and see. And when they knew, they said, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies on the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves, and the two fishes, looking up to heaven, he blessed, and gave them to the disciples to set before them: and he divided the two fishes among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments and of the fishes. And they that had eaten of the loaves, were about five thousand men.
And in the evening, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary to them. And about the fourth watch of the night he cometh to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed by them. read more. But they seeing him walking on the sea, supposed it had been an apparition, and cried out. (For they all saw him and were troubled.) And immediately he talked with them, and saith to them, Take courage: it is I: be not afraid. And he went up to them into the boat, and the wind ceased: and they were amazed in themselves above measure and wondered.
And ran thro' the whole country round about, and brought about in beds them that were ill, where they heard he was. And wheresoever he entered into villages, cities, or country-places, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the hem of his garment; and as many as touched him were made whole.
And he arose and went thence into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. And entring into an house, he would have had no man know it; but he could not be hid. For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, read more. having heard of him, came and fell at his feet, (The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation) and besought him to cast the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said to her, Let the children first be satisfied; for it is not right to take the childrens bread and cast it to the dogs. She answered and said to him, True, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said to her, For this saying, go: the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And going to her house, she found the devil gone out and her daughter lying on the bed. And departing again from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, he came to the sea of Galilee, thro' the midst of the country of Decapolis. And they bring to him one that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and beseech him to put his hand upon him. And taking him aside from the multitude, he put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he groaned and saith to him, Ephphatha, that is, be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them to tell no man; but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it, And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well; he maketh both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.
And he cometh to Bethsaida. And they bring to him a blind man, and beseech him to touch him. And taking the blind man by the hand, he led him out of the town, and having spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him, If he saw ought? read more. And looking up he said, I see men, as trees walking. Then he put his hands again on his eyes and made him look up, and he was restored and saw all men clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
And coming to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the multitude seeing him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, saluted him. read more. And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? And one of the multitude answering said, Master, I have brought to thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit. And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him, and he foameth and gnasheth with his teeth and pineth away. And I spake to thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not. He answereth them and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him to me. And they brought him to him. And when he saw him, immediately the spirit tore him, and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it since this came to him? And he said, From a little child. And it hath often cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him; but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us and help us. Jesus saith to him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child crying out, said with tears, Lord, I do believe: help thou mine unbelief. And Jesus seeing that the multitude came running together, rebuked the unclean spirit, saying, Thou deaf and dumb spirit, I command thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And having cried and rent him sore, he came out; and he was as dead, so that many said, He is dead. But Jesus taking him by the hand, lifted him up, and he arose.
And they come to Jericho. And as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the way-side begging. And when he heard, It is Jesus of Nazareth, he cried out and said, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. read more. And many charged him to hold his peace; but he cried so much the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing still, commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying to him, Take courage; rise; he calleth thee. And casting away his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. And Jesus answering said to him, What wilt thou that I should do for thee? The blind man said to him, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said, Go; thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him in the way.
And on the morrow, as they were coming from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing a fig-tree afar off, having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and coming to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not a season of figs. read more. And he answering said to it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever: And his disciples heard it. And they come to Jerusalem. And Jesus going into the temple, drove out them that bought and sold in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the mony-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And suffered not that any one should carry any vessel thro' the temple. And he taught, saying to them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations an house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his teaching. And when evening was come, he went out of the city. And passing by in the morning, they saw the fig-tree dried up from the roots. And Peter remembring, saith to him, Master, behold the fig-tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith to them, Have faith in God. For verily I say to you, Whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed and cast into the sea, and not doubt in his heart, but believe that the things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say to you, What things soever ye ask in prayer, believe that ye shall receive, and ye shall have them.
He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name they shall cast out devils: read more. they shall speak with new tongues: They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
And there was in the synagogue, a man who had a spirit of an unclean devil; and he cried out with a loud voice, saying, Let us alone: What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy one of God. read more. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And the devil having thrown him in the midst, came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What word is this, that with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out! And the same of him went forth into every place of the country round about. And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was ill of a fever, and they besought him for her. And standing over her, he rebuked the fever, and it left her: and immediately she arose and served them.
And as the multitude pressed on him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesareth, And saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. read more. And going into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he desired him to thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the multitude out of the boat. When he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. But Simon answering said to him, Master, Having toiled all the night, we have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net. And having done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net brake. And they beckoned to their partners, who were in the other boat, to come and help them; and they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. Simon Peter seeing it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For astonishment seized him, and all that were with him, at the draught of fishes, which they had taken, And in like manner also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed him. And when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy, who seeing Jesus, fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And putting forth his hand he touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a testimony to them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him, and great multitudes came together, to hear and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
And behold men bringing on a couch a man that was ill of the palsy; and they sought to bring him in, and lay him before him. And not finding by what way they might bring him in thro' the multitude, they went upon the house, and let him down thro' the tiling with his couch into the midst, before Jesus. read more. And seeing their faith, he said to him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees reasoned, saying, Who is this that speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only? And Jesus knowing their thoughts, answered and said to them, Why reason ye in your hearts? Which is easier? To say, Thy sins are forgiven thee? Or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know, that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he said to the paralytic) I say to thee, Arise, take up thy couch, and go to thine house. And immediately rising up before them, and taking up that on which he lay, he went to his house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed and glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to-day.
And on another sabbath also he went into the synagogue and taught. And there was a man whose right-hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched, whether he would heal on the sabbath, that they might find an accusation against him. read more. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man that had the withered hand, Rise up and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus to them, I will ask you, Which is lawful on the sabbath, To do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill? And looking round upon them all, he said to him, Stretch forth thy hand; and he did so: and his hand was restored as the other. And they were filled with madness, and talked one with another, what they should do to Jesus.
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. read more. And hearing of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, beseeching him to come and heal his servant. And coming to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, He is worthy for whom thou shouldest do this. For he loveth our nation, and hath himself built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come to thee; but speak in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man set under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doth it. Jesus hearing these things, marvelled at him, and turning, said to the people that followed him, I say to you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that had been sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. And he went afterward to a city called Nain, and many of his disciples went with him and a great multitude. And as he drew nigh the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a great multitude of the city was with her. And the Lord seeing her, was moved with tender compassion for her, and said, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say to thee, Arise. And the dead man sat up, and began to speak: and he delivered him to his mother. And fear seized all, and they glorified God, saying, A great prophet is risen up among us; and, God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth through all Judea, and all the country round about.
And on a certain day he went into a vessel with his disciples: and he said to them, Let us go over to the other side of the lake. And they put to sea. And as they sailed, he fell asleep. And there came down a storm of wind on the lake, and they were filled with water, and were in danger. read more. And they came and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish! And he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said to them, Where is your faith? But they were afraid and wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this? For he commandeth even the winds and the water, and they obey him. And they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is over-against Galilee. And as he went forth to land, there met him out of the city, a certain man that had had devils a long time, and wore no clothes, neither abode in an house, but in the tombs. But seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, What hast thou to do with me, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man: for many times it had caught him, and he had been kept bound with chains and fetters, and breaking the bands asunder, he had been driven by the spirit into the deserts.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion; because many devils had entered into him. And they besought him, that he would not command them to go into the abyss. And there was an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him, that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine; and the herd rushed down a steep place into the lake and were choked. And they that fed them, seeing what was done, fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done, and came to Jesus, and found the man out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind; and they were afraid. They also that had seen it told them, How he that was possessed by the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about, besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear, and he went in the vessel and returned. And the man out of whom the devils were departed, besought him that he might be with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, Return home, and shew what great things God hath done for thee. And he went and published through the whole city, how great things Jesus had done for him.
And behold there came a man named Jairus, and he was ruler of the synagogue; and falling down at the feet of Jesus, he besought him to come to his house. For he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay dying. But as he went, the people thronged him. read more. And a woman who had had an issue of blood twelve years, and had spent all her living upon Physicians, neither could be healed by any,
And a woman who had had an issue of blood twelve years, and had spent all her living upon Physicians, neither could be healed by any, Came behind him and touched the border of his garment, and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
Came behind him and touched the border of his garment, and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Some one hath touched me; for I know that virtue is gone out of me.
And Jesus said, Some one hath touched me; for I know that virtue is gone out of me. And the woman, seeing that she was not hid, came trembling, and falling down before him, declared to him before all the people, for what cause she had touched him, and how she had been healed immediately.
And the woman, seeing that she was not hid, came trembling, and falling down before him, declared to him before all the people, for what cause she had touched him, and how she had been healed immediately. And he said to her, Daughter, take courage: thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
And he said to her, Daughter, take courage: thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the master. read more. Jesus hearing it answered him, saying, Fear not; believe only, and she shall be made whole. And coming into the house, he suffered none to go in, save Peter and James and John, and the father and mother of the maiden. And all wept and bewailed her. But he said, Weep not; she is not dead; but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and taking her by the hand, called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit returned, and she arose straightway, and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them, to tell no man that which had been done.
And the day began to decline. And the twelve coming to him said, send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge and find victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said to them, give ye them to eat. And they said, we have no more than five loaves and two fishes, except we should go and buy meat for all this people. read more. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down, by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they all ate and were satisfied, and there were taken up of fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
And the next day, as they came down from the mountain, a great multitude met him. And behold a man from the croud, cried aloud saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son; for he is my only child. read more. And lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out, and it teareth him, that he foameth, and bruising him, hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet coming, the devil threw him down and tore him: and Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb: and when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake, and the people wondered.
And behold, there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together and utterly unable to lift up herself. And Jesus seeing her, called her to him, and said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thy infirmity. read more. And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue, being much displeased, because Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, answered and said, There are six days, in which man ought to work: on these therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath. The Lord answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each of you loose his ox or ass from the stall on the sabbath, and lead him away to watering! And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound lo these eighteen years, to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
And as he went to Jerusalem, he passed thro' the confines of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten lepers, who stood afar off: read more. And they lifted up their voice and said, Jesus, master, have mercy on us. And seeing them, he said to them, Go, shew yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said to him, Arise and go, thy faith hath saved thee.
And while he was yet nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging. And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked, what it meant? read more. And they told him, Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried aloud saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. And they that went before charged him to hold his peace; but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus standing still, commanded him to be brought to him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I should do for thee? He said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said to him, Receive thy sight, thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: And all the people seeing it gave praise to God.
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answering said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him.
And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. And both Jesus and his disciples were invited to the marriage. read more. And wine falling short, the mother of Jesus saith to him, They have not wine. Jesus saith to her, Woman, what is it to me and thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith to the servants, Whatsoever he saith to you, do. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. Jesus saith to them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith to them, Draw out now, and carry to the governor of the feast. And they carried it. When the governor of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine (he knew not whence it was, but the servants, who had drawn the water knew) the governor of the feast calleth the bridegroom, And saith to him, Every man doth set out good wine first, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine till now. Jesus wrought this beginning of miracles in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed on him.
So he came again to Cana of Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and besought him, to come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. read more. Jesus said to him, Unless ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe. The nobleman saith to him, Sir, come down, ere my child die. Jesus saith to him, Go: thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus spake to him, and he went. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then he asked of them the hour when he amended. And they said to him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew, it was at the same hour, in which Jesus had said to him, Thy son liveth. And himself believed, and his whole house. This second miracle again Jesus wrought, being come out of Judea into Galilee.
Jesus then lifting up his eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming to him, saith to Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? (But this he said, trying him; for he himself knew what he intended to do.) read more. Philip answered him, Two hundred penny-worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that each of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith to him, Here is a lad, who hath five barley-loaves and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? Jesus said, Make the men sit down. (Now there was much grass in the place) So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Then Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were sat down, and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he saith to his disciples, Gather up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost. They therefore gathered them, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley-loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Then those men, having seen the miracle which Jesus did, said, Of a truth this is the prophet that was to come into the world.
In the evening, his disciples went down to the sea, And entering into the vessel, they went over the sea toward Capernaum: And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. read more. And the sea ran high, a great wind blowing. And having rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh to the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith to them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship; and immediately the ship was at the land to which they were bound.
Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith to him, Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been buried four days. read more. Jesus saith to her, Said I not to thee, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from where the dead lay. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but I spake this, because of the people who stand by, that they may believe thou hast sent me. And having spoken thus, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapt about with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go.
After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; he manifested himself thus. There were together Simon Peter and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. read more. Simon Peter saith to them, I go a fishing. They say to him, We also go with thee. They went out and entered into the vessel, but caught nothing that night. When the morning was come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith to them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said to them, Cast your net on the right side of the vessel, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved saith to Peter, It is the Lord. Simon Peter hearing that it was the Lord, girt on his upper coat (for he was stript) and threw himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in the vessel (for they were not far from land, about two hundred cubits) drawing the net, full of fishes. When they came ashore, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith to them, Bring of the fishes which ye have taken now. Simon Peter went on board, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three; and tho' there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus saith to them, Come ye and dine. And none of the disciples presumed to ask him, Who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh and taketh bread, and giveth to them, and fish likewise. This was the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after he was risen from the dead.
which, if they were to be written particularly, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that were written.
Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man pointed out to you of God, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know:
But a certain man, named Simon, had been before in the city, using magic, and astonishing the Samaritans, saying, that he was some great one.
And having gone through the whole isle to Paphos, they found a certain magician, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus. Who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man. He calling to him Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God. read more. But Elymas, the magician (so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith.
Many also of those who had practised curious arts, bringing their books together, burnt them before all men, and they computed the value of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you, in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Whose coming is after the mighty working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders,
The Lord be with you all.
And he doth great wonders, so that he even maketh fire to come down out of heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the wonders which it is given him to do before the wild beast: saying to them that dwell on the earth, to make an image to the wild beast, which had the wound by the sword, and yet lived.
Smith
Miracles.
A miracle may be defined to be a plain and manifest exercise by a man, or by God at the call of a man, of those powers which belong only to the Creator and Lord of nature; and this for the declared object of attesting that a divine mission is given to that man. It is not, therefore, the wonder, the exception to common experience, that constitutes the miracle, as is assumed both in the popular use of the word and by most objectors against miracles. No phenomenon in nature, however unusual, no event in the course of God's providence, however unexpected, is a miracle unless it can be traced to the agency of man (including prayer under the term agency), and unless it be put forth as a proof of divine mission. Prodigies and special providences are not miracles. (A miracle is not a violation of the laws of nature. It is God's acting upon nature in a degree far beyond our powers, but the same king of act as our wills are continually exerting upon nature. We do not in lifting a stone interfere with any law of nature, but exert a higher force among the laws. Prof. Tyndall says that "science does assert that without a disturbance of natural law quite as serious as the stoppage of an eclipse, or the rolling of the St. Lawrence up the falls of Niagara, no act of humiliation, individual or nation, could call one shower from heaven." And yet men by firing cannon during battle can cause a shower: does that cause such a commotion among the laws of nature? The exertion of a will upon the laws does not make a disturbance of natural law; and a miracle is simply the exertion of God's will upon nature. --ED.) Again, the term "nature" suggests to many persons the idea of a great system of things endowed with powers and forces of its own --a sort of machine, set a-going originally by a first cause, but continuing its motions of itself. Hence we are apt to imagine that a change in the motion or operation of any part of it by God would produce the same disturbance of the other parts as such a change would be likely to produce in them if made by us or by any other natural agent. But if the motions and operations of material things be produced really by the divine will, then his choosing to change, for a special purpose, the ordinary motion of one part does not necessarily or probably imply his choosing to change the ordinary motions of other parts in a way not at all requisite for the accomplishment of that special purpose. It is as easy for him to continue the ordinary course of the rest, with the change of one part, as of all the phenomena without any change at all. Thus, though the stoppage of the motion of the earth in the ordinary course of nature would be attended with terrible convulsions, the stoppage of the earth miraculously, for a special purpose to be served by that only, would not of itself be followed by any such consequences. (Indeed, by the action of gravitation it could be stopped, as a stone thrown up is stopped, in less than two minutes, and yet so gently as not to stir the smallest feather or mote on its surface. --ED.) From the same conception of nature as a machine, we are apt to think of interferences with the ordinary course of nature as implying some imperfection in it. But it is manifest that this is a false analogy; for the reason why machines are made is to save us trouble; and, therefore, they are more perfect in proportion as they answer this purpose. But no one can seriously imagine that the universe is a machine for the purpose of saving trouble to the Almighty. Again, when miracles are described as "interferences with the law of nature," this description makes them appear improbable to many minds, from their not sufficiently considering that the laws of nature interfere with one another, and that we cannot get rid of "interferences" upon any hypothesis consistent with experience. The circumstances of the Christian miracles are utterly unlike those of any pretended instances of magical wonders. This difference consists in -- (1) The greatness, number, completeness and publicity of the miracles. (2) In the character of the miracles. They were all beneficial, helpful, instructive, and worthy of God as their author. (3) The natural beneficial tendency of the doctrine they attested. (4) The connection of them with a whole scheme of revelation extending from the origin of the human race to the time of Christ.
Watsons
MIRACLES. A miracle, in the popular sense, is a prodigy, or an extraordinary event, which surprises us by its novelty. In a more accurate and philosophic sense, a miracle is an effect which does not follow from any of the regular laws of nature, or which is inconsistent with some known law of it, or contrary to the settled constitution and course of things. Accordingly, all miracles presuppose an established system of nature, within the limits of which they operate, and with the order of which they disagree. Of a miracle in the theological sense many definitions have been given. That of Dr. Samuel Clarke is: "A miracle is a work effected in a manner unusual, or different from the common and regular method of providence, by the interposition of God himself, or of some intelligent agent superior to man, for the proof or evidence of some particular doctrine, or in attestation of the authority of some particular person." Mr. Hume has insidiously or erroneously maintained that a miracle is contrary to experience; but in reality it is only different from experience. Experience informs us that one event has happened often; testimony informs us that another event has happened once or more. That diseases should be generally cured by the application of external causes, and sometimes at the mere word of a prophet, and without the visible application of causes, are facts not inconsistent with each other in the nature of things themselves, nor irreconcilable according to our ideas. Each fact may arise from its own proper cause; each may exist independently of the other; and each is known by its own proper proof, whether of sense or testimony. As secret causes often produce events contrary to those we do expect from experience, it is equally conceivable that events should sometimes be produced which we do not expect. To pronounce, therefore, a miracle to be false, because it is different from experience, is only to conclude against its general existence from the very circumstance which constitutes its particular nature; for if it were not different from experience, where would be its singularity? or what particular proof could be drawn from it, if it happened according to the ordinary train of human events, or was included in the operation of the general laws of nature? We grant that it does differ from experience; but we do not presume to make our experience the standard of the divine conduct. He that acknowledges a God must, at least, admit the possibility of a miracle. The atheist, that makes him inseparable from what is called nature, and binds him to its laws by an insurmountable necessity; that deprives him of will, and wisdom, and power, as a distinct and independent Being; may deny even the very possibility of a miraculous interposition, which can in any instance suspend or counteract those general laws by which the world is governed. But he who allows of a First Cause in itself perfect and intelligent, abstractedly from those effects which his wisdom and power have produced, must at the same time allow that this cause can be under no such restraints as to be debarred the liberty of controlling its laws as often as it sees fit. Surely, the Being that made the world can govern it, or any part of it, in such a manner as he pleases; and he that constituted the very laws by which it is in general conducted, may suspend the operation of those laws in any given instance, or impress new powers on matter, in order to produce new and extraordinary effects.
In judging of miracles there are certain criteria, peculiar to the subject, sufficient to conduct our inquiries, and warrant our determination. Assuredly they do not appeal to our ignorance, for they presuppose not only the existence of a general order of things, but our actual knowledge of the appearance which that order exhibits, and of the secondary material causes from which it, in most cases, proceeds. If a miraculous event were effected by the immediate hand of God, and yet bore no mark of distinction from the ordinary effects of his agency, it would impress no conviction, and probably awaken no attention. Our knowledge of the ordinary course of things, though limited, is real; and therefore it is essential to a miracle, both that it differ from that course, and be accompanied with peculiar and unequivocal signs of such difference. We have been told that the course of nature is fixed and unalterable, and therefore it is not consistent with the immutability of God to perform miracles. But, surely, they who reason in this manner beg the point in question. We have no right to assume that the Deity has ordained such general laws as will exclude his interposition; and we cannot suppose that he would forbear to interfere where any important end could be answered. This interposition, though it controls, in particular cases, the energy, does not diminish the utility, of those laws. It leaves them to fulfil their own proper purposes, and affects only a distinct purpose, for which they were not calculated. If the course of nature implies the general laws of matter and motion, into which the most opposite phenomena may be resolved, it is certain that we do not yet know them in their full extent; and, therefore, that events, which are related by judicious and disinterested persons, and at the same time imply no gross contradiction, are possible in themselves, and capable of a certain degree of proof. If the course of nature implies the whole order of events which God has ordained for the government of the world, it includes both his ordinary and extraordinary dispensations, and among them miracles may have their place, as a part of the universal plan. It is, indeed, consistent with sound philosophy, and not inconsistent with pure religion, to acknowledge that they might be disposed by the supreme Being at the same time with the more ordinary effects of his power; that their causes and occasions might be arranged with the same regularity; and that, in reference chiefly to their concomitant circumstances of persons and times, to the specific ends for which they were employed, and to our idea of the immediate necessity there is for a divine agent, miracles would differ from common events, in which the hand of God acts as efficaciously, though less visibly. On this consideration of the subject, miracles, instead of contradicting nature, might form a part of it. But what our limited reason and scanty experience may comprehend should never be represented as a full and exact view of the possible or actual varieties which exist in the works of God.
2. If we be asked whether miracles are credible, we reply, that, abstractedly considered, they are not incredible; that they are capable of indirect proof from analogy, and of direct, from testimony; that in the common and daily course of worldly affairs, events, the improbability of which, antecedently to all testimony, was very great, are proved to have happened, by the authority of competent and honest witnesses; that the Christian miracles were objects of real and proper experience to those who saw them; and that whatsoever the senses of mankind can perceive, their report may substantiate. Should it be asked whether miracles were necessary, and whether the end proposed to be effected by them could warrant so immediate and extraordinary an interference of the Almighty, as such extraordinary operations suppose; to this we might answer, that, if the fact be established, all reasonings a priori concerning their necessity must be frivolous, and may be false. We are not capable of deciding on a question which, however simple in appearance, is yet too complex in its parts, and too extensive in its object, to be fully comprehended by the human understanding. Whether God could or could not have effected all the ends designed to be promoted by the Gospel, without deviating from the common course of his providence, and interfering with its general laws, is a speculation that a modest inquirer would carefully avoid; for it carries on the very face of it a degree of presumption totally unbecoming the state of a mortal being. Infinitely safer is it for us to acquiesce in what the Almighty has done, than
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And Jesus answering said to them, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see. The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear; the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them: And happy is he, whosoever shall not be offended at me.
But the Pharisees hearing it said, This fellow casteth not out devils but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not be established. read more. And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself: how then shall his kingdom stand?
We know that God heareth not sinners; but if a man be a worshiper of God, and do his will, him he heareth. Since the world began it was not heard, that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. read more. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I have told you; yet ye do not believe: the works that I do in my Father's name, they testify of me.
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
Then the chief priests and elders assembled a council and said, What do we? For this man doth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans will come and subvert both our place and nation.