Reference: Miracles
Fausets
Three distinct New Testament Greek words represent miracles: seemeion, "a sign"; teras, "a prodigy"; dunamis, "a mighty work." Septuagint uses seemeion and teras for Hebrew 'owt and mopheth (Ex 7:9). Seemeion, "sign," views the miracle as evidence of a divine commission: Joh 3:2, "no man can do these signs (Greek) which Thou doest except God be with him" (Joh 9:30,33; 15:24; Lu 7:19-22); teras, "prodigy" or "wonder," expresses the effect on the spectator; dunamis, "mighty work," marks its performance by a superhuman power (Ac 2:22; 2Co 12:12; 2Th 2:9). The "sign" is God's seal, attestation, or proof of a revelation being genuine. Jesus' miracles were not merely wonders but signs; signs not merely of His power, but of the nature of His ministry and of His divine person.
A grand distinction peculiar to Christianity is, it won the world to it in an age of high civilization, through a few preachers of humble position, on the evidence of miracles. Basing its claim on miracles the creed of the slave became eventually the faith of the Caesars. Muhammed on the contrary, even in a half-enlightened age and country, pretended no miracle. Christ and His apostles still less than Mahomet among friends would have dared to allege miracles, in the midst of hostile Jews and skeptical Romans, unless they were true. This claim is the more striking, since John the Baptist, though coming "in the spirit and power of Elias," the great miracle worker of the Old Testament, never claimed miraculous power; so far is Scripture from indiscriminately gratifying men's love of the marvelous at the cost of truth.
Similarly, Abraham, David, and other Old Testament heroes never appear as miracle workers. Early Christian writers, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and Origen, occasionally appeal to miracles in proof of Christianity; but state that their pagan opponents, admitting the facts, attributed them to magic; which accounts for the fewness of their references to miracles. The Jewish writings, as the Sepher Toldoth Jeshu, also the extant fragments of Celsus, Porphyry, and Julian, admit the fact of the miracles, though ascribing them to magic and evil spirits. In the case of the resurrection (Mt 28:11-15) and the cure of the blind man (John 9) the Jews made a self confuted charge of fraud. The early Christian apologists allege in support of Christianity:
(1) the greatness, number, completeness, and publicity of the miracles;
(2) the beneficial tendency of the doctrine;
(3) the connection of the miracles with prophecy and the whole scheme of redemption from Adam to Christ. The miracles must have been altogether different from the wonders of exorcists, magicians, etc.; else they would not have gained for the gospel so wide and permanent an acceptance. The effect of Philip's ministry on the Samaritans, in opposition to Simon Magus (Acts 8), proves this. The holy character of Christ and His apostles, and the tendency of Christianity to promote truth and virtue, are against the origination of the miracles from evil spirits or jugglery. In the fourth century miracles had ceased (Chrysostom on 1 Corinthians 11-13); in the third, miracles are alleged, but are suspicious, as wrought among those already believing and predisposed to accept prodigies credulously. The ecclesiastical miracles are not attested by inspired writers. The apostles alone could transmit the power of working miracles to others. Cornelius was an exception, being the firstfruit of the Gentiles.
But Philip could not impart it; Peter and John must come to confer on his Samaritan converts miraculous gifts, by laying on of hands (Ac 8:15-20; 10:44-46; 19:6; Mr 16:17-18). Christianity being once proved and attested to us, the analogy of God's dealings leads us to expect He would leave it to make its way by ordinary means; the edifice being erected, the scaffolding is taken down; perpetual miracle is contrary to His ways. The ecclesiastical miracles alleged are ambiguous, or tentative, or legendary, i.e. resembling known products of human credulity and imposture. Many are childish, and palpably framed for superstitious believers, rather than as evidences capable of bearing critical scrutiny. Most of them are not told until long after their presumed occurrence. Herein the New Testament miracles wholly differ from them. The Christian miracles are:
(1) Recorded by contemporaries.
(2) In the same country.
(3) Not based on transient rumor, but confirmed by subsequent investigation, and recorded in independent accounts.
(4) Not naked history, but the history combined with the institution and with the religion of our day, as also with the time and place of the miracle recorded and of Christianity's origin.
(5) With particular specification of names, places, dates, and circumstances.
(6) Not requiring merely otiose assent, as the popular superstitions on which nothing depends, but claiming to regulate the opinions and acts of people.
(7) Not like popish miracles in Roman Catholic countries, in affirmation of opinions already formed, but performed amidst enemies, converting men from their most cherished prejudices; there was no anterior persuasion to lay hold of, Jesus' miracles gave birth to the sect; frauds might mix with the progress, but could not have place in the commencement of the religion.
(8) Not an imaginary perception, as Socrates' demon; the giving sight to the blind leaves a lasting effect; in those of a mixed nature the principal miracle is momentary, but some circumstance combined with it is permanent; Peter's vision might be a dream, but the message of Cornelius could not have been; the concurrence could only be supernatural.
(9) Not tentative, where out of many trials some succeed, as the ancient oracles, cures wrought by relics, etc.
(10) Not doubtful miracles, as the liquefaction of Januarius' blood, cures of nervous ailments.
(11) Not stories which can be resolved into exaggerations.
(12) Not gradual, but instantaneous for the most part (Lu 18:43); not incomplete; not merely temporary, but complete and lasting.
(13) Witnessed to at the cost of suffering and death. (Paley, Evidences of Christianity.)
A miracle is not a "violation of the laws of nature" (Hume), but the introduction of a new agent. Such introduction accords with human experience, for we see an intelligent agent often modifying the otherwise uniform laws of nature. "Experience" informs us of human free will counteracting the lower law of gravitation. Infinitely more can the divine will introduce a new element, counteracting, without destroying, lower physical law; the higher law for a time controls and suspends the action of the lower. Or, "law" being simply the expression of God's will, in miracles God's will intervenes, for certain moral ends, to suspend His ordinary mode of working. The wise men following the star, and then receiving further guidance from the Scripture word, illustrate the twofold revelation, God's works, and God's word, the highest guide. Both meet in the Incarnate Word (Matthew 2; 2Pe 1:19-21). As disturbance has entered the world by sin, as nature visibly attests, God must needs miraculously interfere to nullify that disturbance.
Hume alleged against miracles their contrariety to "experience," and that experience shows testimony to be often false. But "experience" is not to be limited to our time and knowledge. The "experience" of the witnesses for Christianity attests the truth of miracles. However improbable miracles are under ordinary circumstances, they are probable, nay necessary, to attest a religious revelation and a divine commission. "In whatever degree it is probable that a revelation should be communicated to mankind at all, in the same degree is it probable that miracles should be wrought" (Paley, Evidences of Christianity). That they are out of the ordinary course of nature, so far from being an objection, is just what they need to be in order to be fit signs to attest a revelation. It is as easy to God to continue the ordinary course of the rest of nature, with the change of one part, as of all the phenomena without any change. It is objected, miracles "interrupt the course of nature."
But as that course really compri
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Then Jesus travelled through all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and curing every kind of disease and infirmity among the people.
And a leper came to Him, and throwing himself at His feet, said, "Sir, if only you are willing you are able to cleanse me."
After His entry into Capernaum a Captain came to Him, and entreated Him.
After this Jesus went to the house of Peter, whose mother-in-law he found ill in bed with fever.
In the evening many demoniacs were brought to Him, and with a word He expelled the demons; and He cured all the sick, in order that this prediction of the Prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled, "He took on Him our weaknesses, and bore the burden of our diseases."
"Why are you so easily frightened," He replied, "you men of little faith?" Then He rose and reproved the winds and the waves, and there was a perfect calm;
Here they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, my child; your sins are pardoned."
While He was thus speaking, a Ruler came up and profoundly bowing said, "My daughter is just dead; but come and put your hand upon her and she will return to life."
But a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage came behind Him and touched the tassel of His cloak;
As Jesus passed on, two blind men followed Him, shouting and saying, "Pity us, Son of David." And when He had gone indoors, they came to Him. "Do you believe that I can do this?" He asked them. "Yes, Sir," they replied. read more. So He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be to you." Then their eyes were opened. And assuming a stern tone Jesus said to them, "Be careful to let no one know."
And as they were leaving His presence a dumb demoniac was brought to Him.
And Jesus continued His circuits through all the towns and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom, and curing every kind of disease and infirmity.
Now John had heard in prison about the Christ's doings, and he sent some of his disciples to inquire: "Are you the Coming One, or is it a different person that we are to expect?" read more. "Go and report to John what you see and hear," replied Jesus;
where there was a man with a shrivelled arm. And they questioned Him, "Is it right to cure people on the Sabbath?" Their intention was to bring a charge against Him.
Aware of this, Jesus departed elsewhere; and a great number of people followed Him, all of whom He cured.
And the crowds of people were all filled with amazement and said, "Can this be the Son of David?"
So Jesus went out and saw an immense multitude, and felt compassion for them, and cured those of them who were out of health.
"They need not go away," replied Jesus; "you yourselves must give them something to eat."
But towards daybreak He went to them, walking over the waves.
and the men of the place, recognizing Him, sent word into all the country round. So they brought all the sick to Him, and they entreated Him that they might but touch the tassel of His outer garment; and all who did so were restored to perfect health.
Here a Canaanitish woman of the district came out and persistently cried out, "Sir, Son of David, pity me; my daughter is cruelly harassed by a demon."
Soon great crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were crippled in feet or hands, blind or dumb, and many besides, and they hastened to lay them at His feet. And He cured them,
and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them up and then distributed them to the disciples, and they to the people.
A wicked and faithless generation are eager for a sign; but none shall be given to them except the sign of Jonah." and He left them and went away.
Six day later, Jesus took with Him Peter and the brothers James and John, and brought them up a high mountain to a solitary place.
"Sir," he said, "have pity on my son, for he is an epileptic and is very ill. Often he falls into the fire and often into the water.
"However, lest we cause them to sin, go and throw a hook into the Lake, and take the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel in it: bring that coin and give it to them for yourself and me."
And a vast multitude followed him, and He cured them there.
Entering the Temple, Jesus drove out all who were buying and selling there, and overturned the money-changers' tables and the seats of the pigeon-dealers.
And the blind and the lame came to Him in the Temple, and He cured them.
For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets, displaying wonderful signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, were it possible, even God's own People.
"But immediately after those times of distress the sun will be darkened, the moon will not shed her light, the stars will fall from the firmament, and the forces which control the heavens will be disordered and disturbed.
While they went on this errand, some of the guards came into the city and reported to the High Priests every detail of what had happened. So the latter held a conference with the Elders, and after consultation with them they heavily bribed the soldiers, read more. telling them to say, "His disciples came during the night and stole his body while we were asleep." "And if this," they added, "is reported to the Governor, we will satisfy him and screen you from punishment." So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this story was noised about among the Jews, and is current to this day.
"What have you to do with us, Jesus the Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--God's Holy One."
At once, on His landing, there came from the tombs to meet Him a man possessed by a foul spirit.
but He gave strict injunctions that the matter should not be made known, and directed them to give her something to eat.
And He could not do any miracle there, except that He laid His hands on a few who were out of health and cured them; and He wondered at their unbelief. So He went round the adjacent villages, teaching.
"For those words of yours, go home," He replied; "the demon has gone out of your daughter."
Then Jesus charged them to tell no one; but the more He charged them, all the more did they spread the news far and wide.
And they came to Bethsaida. And a blind man was brought to Jesus and they entreated Him to touch him.
And signs shall attend those who believe, even such as these. By making use of my name they shall expel demons. They shall speak new languages. They shall take up venomous snakes, and if they drink any deadly poison it shall do them no harm whatever. They shall lay their hands on the sick, and the sick shall recover."
but He passed through the midst of them and went His way.
When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Push out into deep water, and let down your nets for a haul."
Shortly afterwards He went to a town called Nain, attended by His disciples and a great crowd of people. And just as He reached the gate of the town, they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the townspeople were with her.
Then He went close and touched the bier, and the bearers halted. "Young man," He said, "I command you, wake!"
so John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord. "Are you the Coming One?" he asked, "or is there another that we are to expect?" The men came to Jesus and said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you with this question: 'Are you the Coming One, or is there another that we are to expect?'" read more. He immediately cured many of diseases, severe pain, and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave the gift of sight. Then He answered the messengers, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard. Blind men receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are purified, deaf persons hear, the dead are raised to life, the poor have the Good News proclaimed to them.
But some among them said, "It is by the power of Baal-zebul, the Prince of the demons, that he expels the demons." Others, to put Him to the test, asked Him for a sign in the sky.
where a woman was present who for eighteen years had been a confirmed invalid: she was bent double, and was unable to lift herself to her full height.
And as He entered a certain village, ten men met Him who were lepers and stood at a distance.
As Jesus came near to Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the way-side begging.
No sooner were the words spoken than the man regained his sight and followed Jesus, giving glory to God; and all the people, seeing it, gave praise to God.
"Permit me thus far," said Jesus. And He touched the ear and healed it.
But the Jewish Passover was approaching, and for this Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
So the Jews asked Him, "What proof of your authority do you exhibit to us, seeing that you do these things?" "Demolish this Sanctuary," said Jesus, "and in three days I will rebuild it." read more. "It has taken forty-six years," replied the Jews, "to build this Sanctuary, and will you rebuild it in three days?" But He was speaking of the Sanctuary of His body.
Now when He was in Jerusalem, at the Festival of the Passover, many became believers in Him through watching the miracles He performed.
He came to Jesus by night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God; for no one can do these miracles which you are doing, unless God is with him.
Having heard that Jesus had come from Judaea to Galilee, he came to Him and begged Him to go down and cure his son; for he was at the point of death.
And there was one man there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.
His reply to their accusation was, "My Father works unceasingly, and so do I."
But from among the crowd a large number believed in Him. "When the Christ comes," they said, "will He perform more miracles than this teacher has performed?"
Meanwhile the officers returned to the High Priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why have you not brought him?" "No mere man has ever spoken as this man speaks," said the officers.
As He passed by, He saw a man who had been blind from his birth.
"Why, this is marvellous!" the man replied; "you do not know where he comes from, and yet he has opened my eyes!
Had that man not come from God, he could have done nothing."
"I came into this world," said Jesus, "to judge men, that those who do not see may see, and that those who do see may become blind." These words were heard by those of the Pharisees who were present, and they asked Him, "Are *we* also blind?" read more. "If you were blind," answered Jesus, "you would have no sin; but as a matter of fact you boast that you see. So your sin remains!"
If I had not done among them, as I have, such miracles as no one else ever did, they would have had no sin; but they have in fact seen and also hated both me and my Father.
If I had not done among them, as I have, such miracles as no one else ever did, they would have had no sin; but they have in fact seen and also hated both me and my Father.
As soon then as He said to them, "I am he," they went backwards and fell to the ground.
There were also a great number of other signs which Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these have been recorded in order that you may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, through believing, you may have Life through His name.
"Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish.
"Listen, Israelites, to what I say. Jesus, the Nazarene, a man accredited to you from God by miracles and marvels and signs which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know, Him--
"Listen, Israelites, to what I say. Jesus, the Nazarene, a man accredited to you from God by miracles and marvels and signs which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know, Him--
"I have no silver or gold," Peter said, "but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene-- walk!"
be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that through the name of Jesus the Anointed, the Nazarene, whom *you* crucified, but whom *God* has raised from among the dead-- through that name this man stands here before you in perfect health. This Jesus is the Stone treated with contempt by you the builders, but it has been made the Cornerstone. read more. And in no other is the great salvation to be found; for, in fact, there is no second name under Heaven that has been given among men through which we are to be saved."
They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit: for He had not as yet fallen upon any of them. They had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. read more. Then the Apostles placed their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When, however, Simon saw that it was through the laying on of the Apostles' hands that the Spirit was bestowed, he offered them money. "Give me too," he said, "that power, so that every one on whom I place my hands will receive the Holy Spirit." "Perish your money and yourself," replied Peter, "because you have imagined that you can obtain God's free gift with money!
While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the Message. And all the Jewish believers who had come with Peter were astonished that on the Gentiles also the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out. read more. For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling the majesty of God. Then Peter said,
and when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy.
But if even we or an angel from Heaven should bring you a Good News different from that which we have already brought you, let him be accursed. What I have just said I repeat--if any one is preaching to you a Good News other than that which you originally received, let him be accursed.
The appearing of the Lawless one will be attended by various miracles and tokens and delusive marvels--for so Satan works--
But of this be assured: in the last days grievous times will set in. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, profane. They will be disobedient to parents, thankless, irreligious, read more. destitute of natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers. They will have no self-control, but will be brutal, opposed to goodness, treacherous, headstrong, self-important. They will love pleasure instead of loving God, and will keep up a make-believe of piety and yet live in defiance of its power. Turn away from people of this sort. Among them are included the men who make their way into private houses and carry off weak women as their prisoners--women who, weighed down by the burden of their sins, are led by ever-changing caprice, and are always learning something new, and yet are never able to arrive at real knowledge of the truth. And just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also these false teachers withstand the truth--being, as they are, men of debased intellects, and of no real worth so far as faith is concerned.
while God corroborated their testimony by signs and marvels and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed in accordance with His own will.
And in the written word of prophecy we have something more permanent; to which you do well to pay attention--as to a lamp shining in a dimly-lighted place--until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. But, above all, remember that no prophecy in Scripture will be found to have come from the prophet's own prompting; read more. for never did any prophecy come by human will, but men sent by God spoke as they were impelled by the Holy Spirit.
He is coming in the clouds, and every eye will see Him, and so will those who pierced Him; and all the nations of the earth will gaze on Him and mourn. Even so. Amen.
Then I saw another Wild Beast, coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. And the authority of the first Wild Beast--the whole of that authority--he exercises in his presence, and he causes the earth and its inhabitants to worship the first Wild Beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. read more. He also works great miracles, so as even to make fire come down from Heaven to earth in the presence of human beings. And his power of leading astray the inhabitants of the earth is due to the marvels which he has been permitted to work in the presence of the Wild Beast. And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered. And power was granted him to give breath to the statue of the Wild Beast, so that the statue of the Wild Beast could even speak and cause all who refuse to worship it to be put to death.
who had done the miracles in his presence with which he had led astray those who had received the mark of the Wild Beast, and those who worshipped his statue. Both of them were thrown alive into the Lake of fire that was all ablaze with sulphur.
Hastings
MIRACLES
1. The narratives
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and said, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, "'To His angels He will give orders concerning thee, and on their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any moment thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'" "Again it is written," replied Jesus, "'Thou shalt not put the Lord thy God to the proof.'"
So Jesus put out His hand and touched him, and said, "I am willing: be cleansed." Instantly he was cleansed from his leprosy;
And Jesus said to the Captain, "Go, and just as you have believed, so be it for you." And the servant recovered precisely at that time.
He touched her hand and the fever left her: and then she rose and waited upon Him.
"Why are you so easily frightened," He replied, "you men of little faith?" Then He rose and reproved the winds and the waves, and there was a perfect calm; and the men, filled with amazement, exclaimed, "What kind of man is this? for the very winds and waves obey him!" read more. On His arrival at the other side, in the country of the Gadarenes, there met Him two men possessed by demons, coming from among the tombs: they were so dangerously fierce that no one was able to pass that way.
But, to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He then says to the paralytic, "Rise, and take up your bed and go home."
But, to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He then says to the paralytic, "Rise, and take up your bed and go home."
And Jesus turned and saw her, and said, "Take courage, daughter; your faith has cured you." And the woman was restored to health from that moment.
When however the place was cleared of the crowd, Jesus went in, and on His taking the little girl by the hand, she rose up.
So He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be to you."
When the demon was expelled, the dumb man could speak. And the crowds exclaimed in astonishment, "Never was such a thing seen in Israel."
Cure the sick, raise the dead to life, cleanse lepers, drive out demons: you have received without payment, give without payment.
Then began He to upbraid the towns where most of His mighty works had been done--because they had not repented.
Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your arm." And he stretched it out, and it was restored quite sound like the other.
At that time a demoniac was brought to Him, blind and dumb; and He cured him, so that the dumb man could speak and see.
And He performed but few mighty deeds there because of their want of faith.
and He told all the people to sit down on the grass. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and after looking up to heaven and blessing them, He broke up the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples distributed them to the people.
"Master," answered Peter, "if it is you, bid me come to you upon the water."
"O woman," replied Jesus, "great is your faith: be it done to you as you desire." And from that moment her daughter was restored to health.
A wicked and faithless generation are eager for a sign; but none shall be given to them except the sign of Jonah." and He left them and went away.
Then Jesus reprimanded the demon, and it came out and left him; and the boy was cured from that moment.
"However, lest we cause them to sin, go and throw a hook into the Lake, and take the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel in it: bring that coin and give it to them for yourself and me."
"However, lest we cause them to sin, go and throw a hook into the Lake, and take the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel in it: bring that coin and give it to them for yourself and me."
Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
and seeing a fig-tree on the road-side He went up to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. "On you," He said, "no fruit shall ever again grow." And immediately the fig-tree withered away.
and seeing a fig-tree on the road-side He went up to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. "On you," He said, "no fruit shall ever again grow." And immediately the fig-tree withered away.
Jesus however came near and said to them, "All power in Heaven and over the earth has been given to me.
and teach them to obey every command which I have given you. And remember, I am with you always, day by day, until the Close of the Age."
And the man's ears were opened, and his tongue became untied, and he began to speak perfectly.
Then for the second time He put His hands on the man's eyes, and the man, looking steadily, recovered his sight and saw everything distinctly.
And signs shall attend those who believe, even such as these. By making use of my name they shall expel demons. They shall speak new languages. They shall take up venomous snakes, and if they drink any deadly poison it shall do them no harm whatever. They shall lay their hands on the sick, and the sick shall recover."
This they did, and enclosed a vast number of fish; and their nets began to break.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at the knees of Jesus, and exclaimed, "Master, leave my boat, for I am a sinful man."
The dead man sat up and began to speak; and He restored him to his mother.
John's disciples brought him an account of all these things;
But Jesus saw her, and calling to her, He said to her, "Woman, you are free from your weakness."
In front of Him was a man suffering from dropsy.
Have none been found to come back and give glory to God except this foreigner?"
So they carried some to him. And no sooner had the President tasted the water now turned into wine, than--not knowing where it came from, though the attendants who had drawn the water knew--he called to the bridegroom
This, the first of His miracles, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee, and thus displayed His glorious power; and His disciples believed in Him.
"Unless you and others see miracles and marvels," said Jesus, "nothing will induce you to believe."
"Unless you and others see miracles and marvels," said Jesus, "nothing will induce you to believe."
"You may return home," replied Jesus; "your son has recovered." He believed the words of Jesus, and started back home;
"Rise," said Jesus, "take up your mat and walk."
"But the testimony which I have is weightier than that of John; for the work the Father has assigned to me for me to bring it to completion--the very work which I am doing--affords testimony concerning me that the Father has sent me.
Thereupon the people, having seen the miracle He had performed, said, "This is indeed the Prophet who was to come into the world."
"Go and wash in the pool of Siloam" --the name means 'Sent.' So he went and washed his eyes, and returned able to see.
So they removed the stone. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard me. I know that Thou always hearest me; but for the sake of the crowd standing round I have said this--that they may believe that Thou didst send me."
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped in cloths, and his face wrapped round with a towel. "Untie him," said Jesus, "and let him go free."
though some of them went off to the Pharisees and told them what He had done.
But though He had performed such great miracles in their presence, they did not believe in Him--
Believe me, all of you, that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me; or at any rate, believe me because of what I do.
"Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish.
Fear came upon every one, and many marvels and signs were done by the Apostles.
Then taking his hand Peter lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened.
Upon hearing these words Ananias fell down dead, and all who heard the words were awe-struck.
Instantly she fell down dead at his feet, and the young men came in and found her dead. So they carried her out and buried her by her husband's side.
Many signs and marvels continued to be done among the people by the Apostles; and by common consent they all met in Solomon's Portico.
so that they would even bring out their sick friends into the streets and lay them on light couches or mats, in order that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or other of them.
and laid hands upon the Apostles, and put them into the public jail.
And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great marvels and signs among the people.
Simon himself also believed, and after being baptized remained in close attendance on Philip, and was full of amazement at seeing such signs and such great miracles performed.
Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you. Rise and make your own bed." He at once rose to his feet.
Peter, however, putting every one out of the room, knelt down and prayed, and then turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, rise." Dorcas at once opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up.
"Fasten your girdle," said the angel, "and tie on your sandals." He did so. Then the angel said, "Throw your cloak round you, and follow me."
The Lord's hand is now upon you, and you will be blind for a time and unable to see the light of day." Instantly there fell upon him a mist and a darkness, and, as he walked about, he begged people to lead him by the hand.
After this man had listened to one of Paul's sermons, the Apostle, looking steadily at him and perceiving that he had faith to be cured,
This she persisted in for a considerable time, until Paul, wearied out, turned round and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out immediately.
when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner.
Towels or aprons, for instance, which Paul had handled used to be carried to the sick, and they recovered from their ailments, or the evil spirits left them.
Paul, however, went down, threw himself upon him, and folding him in his arms said, "Do not be alarmed; his life is still in him."
Now, when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and had thrown them on the fire, a viper, driven by the heat, came out and fastened itself on his hand.
It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him.
to another the exercise of miraculous powers; to another the gift of prophecy; to another the power of discriminating between prophetic utterances; to another varieties of the gift of 'tongues;' to another the interpretation of tongues.
And by God's appointment there are in the Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.'
For I repeated to you the all-important fact which also I had been taught, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried; that He rose to life again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
that He was buried; that He rose to life again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
The appearing of the Lawless one will be attended by various miracles and tokens and delusive marvels--for so Satan works--
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 a leper came to Him, and throwing himself at His feet, said, "Sir, if only you are willing you are able to cleanse me." So Jesus put out His hand and touched him, and said, "I am willing: be cleansed." Instantly he was cleansed from his leprosy; read more. and Jesus said to him, "Be careful to tell no one, but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift which Moses appointed as evidence for them." After His entry into Capernaum a Captain came to Him, and entreated Him. "Sir," he said, "my servant at home is lying ill with paralysis, and is suffering great pain." "I will come and cure him," said Jesus. "Sir," replied the Captain, "I am not a fit person to receive you under my roof: merely say the word, and my servant will be cured. For I myself am also under authority, and have soldiers under me. To one I say 'Go,' and he goes, to another 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave 'Do this or that,' and he does it." Jesus listened to this reply, and was astonished, and said to the people following Him, "I solemnly tell you that in no Israelite have I found faith as great as this. And I tell you that many will come from the east and from the west and will recline at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of the Heavens, while the natural heirs of the Kingdom will be driven out into the darkness outside: there will be the weeping aloud and the gnashing of teeth." And Jesus said to the Captain, "Go, and just as you have believed, so be it for you." And the servant recovered precisely at that time. After this Jesus went to the house of Peter, whose mother-in-law he found ill in bed with fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her: and then she rose and waited upon Him.
Then He went on board a fishing-boat, and His disciples followed Him. But suddenly there arose a great storm on the Lake, so that the waves threatened to engulf the boat; but He was asleep. read more. So they came and woke Him, crying, "Master, save us, we are drowning!" "Why are you so easily frightened," He replied, "you men of little faith?" Then He rose and reproved the winds and the waves, and there was a perfect calm; and the men, filled with amazement, exclaimed, "What kind of man is this? for the very winds and waves obey him!" On His arrival at the other side, in the country of the Gadarenes, there met Him two men possessed by demons, coming from among the tombs: they were so dangerously fierce that no one was able to pass that way. They cried aloud, "What hast Thou to do with us, Thou Son of God? Hast Thou come here to torment us before the time?" Now at some distance from them a vast herd of swine were feeding. So the demons entreated Him. "If Thou drivest us out," they said, "send us into the herd of swine." "Go," He replied. Then they came out from the men and went into the swine, whereupon the entire herd instantly rushed down the cliff into the Lake and perished in the water. The swineherds fled, and went and told the whole story in the town, including what had happened to the demoniacs. So at once the whole population came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they besought Him to leave their country.
Here they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, my child; your sins are pardoned." "Such language is impious," said some of the Scribes among themselves. read more. Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts? Why, which is easier? --to say, 'Your sins are pardoned,' or to say 'Rise up and walk'? But, to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He then says to the paralytic, "Rise, and take up your bed and go home." And he got up, and went off home.
While He was thus speaking, a Ruler came up and profoundly bowing said, "My daughter is just dead; but come and put your hand upon her and she will return to life." And Jesus rose and followed him, as did also His disciples. read more. But a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage came behind Him and touched the tassel of His cloak;
But a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage came behind Him and touched the tassel of His cloak; for she said to herself, "If I but touch His cloak, I shall be cured."
for she said to herself, "If I but touch His cloak, I shall be cured." And Jesus turned and saw her, and said, "Take courage, daughter; your faith has cured you." And the woman was restored to health from that moment.
And Jesus turned and saw her, and said, "Take courage, daughter; your faith has cured you." And the woman was restored to health from that moment. Entering the Ruler's house, Jesus saw the flute-players and the crowd loudly wailing, read more. and He said, "Go out of the room; the little girl is not dead, but asleep." And they laughed at Him. When however the place was cleared of the crowd, Jesus went in, and on His taking the little girl by the hand, she rose up. And the report of this spread throughout all that district. As Jesus passed on, two blind men followed Him, shouting and saying, "Pity us, Son of David." And when He had gone indoors, they came to Him. "Do you believe that I can do this?" He asked them. "Yes, Sir," they replied. So He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be to you." Then their eyes were opened. And assuming a stern tone Jesus said to them, "Be careful to let no one know." But they went out and published His fame in all that district. And as they were leaving His presence a dumb demoniac was brought to Him. When the demon was expelled, the dumb man could speak. And the crowds exclaimed in astonishment, "Never was such a thing seen in Israel."
where there was a man with a shrivelled arm. And they questioned Him, "Is it right to cure people on the Sabbath?" Their intention was to bring a charge against Him. "Which of you is there," He replied, "who, if he has but a single sheep and it falls into a hole on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? read more. Is not a man, however, far superior to a sheep? Therefore it is right to do good on the Sabbath." Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your arm." And he stretched it out, and it was restored quite sound like the other.
At that time a demoniac was brought to Him, blind and dumb; and He cured him, so that the dumb man could speak and see.
But when evening was come, the disciples came to Him and said, "This is an uninhabited place, and the best of the day is now gone; send the people away to go into the villages and buy something to eat." "They need not go away," replied Jesus; "you yourselves must give them something to eat." read more. "We have nothing here," they said, "but five loaves and a couple of fish." "Bring them here to me," He said, and He told all the people to sit down on the grass. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and after looking up to heaven and blessing them, He broke up the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples distributed them to the people. So all ate, and were fully satisfied. The broken portions that remained over they gathered up, filling twelve baskets. Those who had eaten were about 5,000 adult men, without reckoning women and children.
Meanwhile the boat was far out on the Lake, buffeted and tossed by the waves, the wind being adverse. But towards daybreak He went to them, walking over the waves. read more. When the disciples saw Him walking on the waves, they were greatly alarmed. "It is a spirit," they exclaimed, and they cried out with terror. But instantly Jesus spoke to them, and said, "There is no danger; it is I; do not be afraid." "Master," answered Peter, "if it is you, bid me come to you upon the water." "Come," said Jesus. Then Peter climbed down from the boat and walked upon the water to go to Him. But when he felt the wind he grew frightened, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me." Instantly Jesus stretched out His hand and caught hold of him, saying to him, "O little faith, why did you doubt?" So they climbed into the boat, and the wind lulled; and the men on board fell down before him and said, "You are indeed God's Son."
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew into the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. Here a Canaanitish woman of the district came out and persistently cried out, "Sir, Son of David, pity me; my daughter is cruelly harassed by a demon." read more. But He answered her not a word. Then the disciples interposed, and begged Him, saying, "Send her away because she keeps crying behind us." "I have only been sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel," He replied. Then she came and threw herself at His feet and entreated Him. "O Sir, help me," she said. "It is not right," He said, "to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." "Be it so, Sir," she said, "for even the dogs eat the scraps which fall from their masters' tables." "O woman," replied Jesus, "great is your faith: be it done to you as you desire." And from that moment her daughter was restored to health.
But Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, "My heart yearns over this mass of people, for it is now the third day that they have been with me and they have nothing to eat. I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they should faint on the road." "Where can we," asked the disciples, "get bread enough in this remote place to satisfy so vast a multitude?" read more. "How many loaves have you?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they said, "and a few small fish." So He bade all the people sit down on the ground, and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them up and then distributed them to the disciples, and they to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied. The broken portions that remained over they took up--seven full hampers. Those who ate were 4,000 adult men, without reckoning women and children.
When they had returned to the people, there came to Him a man who fell on his knees before Him and besought Him. "Sir," he said, "have pity on my son, for he is an epileptic and is very ill. Often he falls into the fire and often into the water. read more. I have brought him to your disciples, and they have not been able to cure him." "O unbelieving and perverse generation!" replied Jesus; "how long shall I be with you? how long shall I endure you? Bring him to me." Then Jesus reprimanded the demon, and it came out and left him; and the boy was cured from that moment.
After their arrival at Capernaum the collectors of the half-shekel came and asked Peter, "Does not your Teacher pay the half-shekel?" "Yes," he replied, and then went into the house. But before he spoke a word Jesus said, "What think you, Simon? From whom do this world's kings receive customs or capitation tax? from their own children, or from others?" read more. "From others," he replied. "Then the children go free," said Jesus. "However, lest we cause them to sin, go and throw a hook into the Lake, and take the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel in it: bring that coin and give it to them for yourself and me."
two blind men sitting by the roadside heard that it was Jesus who was passing by, and cried aloud, "Sir, Son of David, pity us." The people angrily tried to silence them, but they cried all the louder. "O Sir, Son of David, pity us," they said. read more. So Jesus stood still and called to them. "What shall I do for you?" He asked. "Sir, let our eyes be opened," they replied. Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.
Early in the morning as He was on His way to return to the city He was hungry, and seeing a fig-tree on the road-side He went up to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. "On you," He said, "no fruit shall ever again grow." And immediately the fig-tree withered away. read more. When the disciples saw it they exclaimed in astonishment, "How instantaneously the fig-tree has withered away!" "I solemnly tell you," said Jesus, "that if you have an unwavering faith, you shall not only perform such a miracle as this of the fig-tree, but that even if you say to this mountain, 'Be thou lifted up and hurled into the sea,' it shall be done; and everything, whatever it be, that you ask for in your prayers, if you have faith, you shall obtain."
For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets, displaying wonderful signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, were it possible, even God's own People.
when all at once, there in their synagogue, a man under the power of a foul spirit screamed out: "What have you to do with us, Jesus the Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--God's Holy One." read more. But Jesus reprimanded him, saying, "Silence! come out of him." So the foul spirit, after throwing the man into convulsions, came out of him with a loud cry. And all were amazed and awe-struck, so they began to ask one another, "What does this mean? Here is a new sort of teaching--and a tone of authority! And even to foul spirits he issues orders and they obey him!" And His fame spread at once everywhere in all that part of Galilee.
Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill in bed with a fever, and without delay they informed Him about her. So He went to her, and taking her hand He raised her to her feet: the fever left her, and she began to wait upon them.
One day there came a leper to Jesus entreating Him, and pleading on his knees. "If you are willing," he said, "you are able to cleanse me." Moved with pity Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. "I am willing," He said; "be cleansed." read more. The leprosy at once left him, and he was cleansed. Jesus at once sent him away, strictly charging him, and saying, "Be careful not to tell any one, but go and show yourself to the Priest, and for your purification present the offerings that Moses appointed as evidence for them." But the man, when he went out, began to tell every one and to publish the matter abroad, so that it was no longer possible for Jesus to go openly into any town; but He had to remain outside in unfrequented places, where people came to Him from all parts.
when there came a party of people bringing a paralytic--four men carrying him. Finding themselves unable, however, to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they untiled the roof just over His head, and after clearing an opening they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying. read more. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are pardoned." Now there were some of the Scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts. "Why does this man use such words?" they said; "he is blaspheming. Who can pardon sins but One--that is, God?" At once perceiving by His spirit that they were reasoning within themselves, Jesus asked them, "Why do you thus argue in your minds? Which is easier?--to say to this paralytic, 'Your sins are pardoned,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your mat, and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He turned to the paralytic, and said, "To you I say, 'Rise, take up your mat and go home.'" The man rose, and immediately under the eyes of all took up his mat and went out, so that they were all filled with astonishment, gave the glory to God, and said, "We never saw anything like this."
So they got away from the crowd, and took Him--as He was--in the boat; and other boats accompanied Him. But a heavy squall came on, and the waves were now dashing into the boat, so that it was fast filling. read more. But He Himself was in the stern asleep, with His head on the cushion: so they woke Him. "Rabbi," they cried, "is it nothing to you that we are drowning?" So He roused Himself and rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" The wind sank, and a perfect calm set in. "Why are you so timid?" He asked; "have you still no faith?" Then they were filled with terror, and began to say to one another, "Who is this, then? For even wind and sea obey Him."
So they arrived at the opposite shore of the Lake, in the country of the Gerasenes. At once, on His landing, there came from the tombs to meet Him a man possessed by a foul spirit. read more. This man lived among the tombs, nor could any one now secure him even with a chain; for many a time he had been left securely bound in fetters and chains, but afterwards the chains lay torn link from link, and the fetters in fragments, and there was no one strong enough to master him. And constantly, day and night, he remained among the tombs or on the hills, shrieking, and mangling himself with sharp stones. And when he saw Jesus in the distance, he ran and threw himself at His feet, crying out in a loud voice, "What hast Thou to do with me, Jesus, Son of God Most High? In God's name I implore Thee not to torment me." For He had said to him, "Foul spirit, come out of the man." Jesus also questioned him. "What is your name?" He said. "Legion," he replied, "for there are a host of us." And he earnestly entreated Him not to send them away out of the country. Feeding there, on the mountain slope, was a great herd of swine. So they besought Jesus. "Send us to the swine," they said, "so that we may enter into them." He gave them leave; and the foul spirits came out and entered into the swine, and the herd--about 2,000 in number--rushed headlong down the cliff into the Lake and were drowned in the Lake. The swineherds fled, and spread the news in town and country. So the people came to see what it was that had happened; and when they came to Jesus, they beheld the demoniac quietly seated, clothed and of sane mind--the man who had had the legion; and they were awe-stricken. And those who had seen it told them the particulars of what had happened to the demoniac, and all about the swine. Then they began entreating Him to depart from their district. As He was embarking, the man who had been possessed asked permission to accompany Him. But He would not allow it. "Go home to your family," He said, "and report to them all that the Lord has done for you, and the mercy He has shown you." So the man departed, and related publicly everywhere in the Ten Towns all that Jesus had done for him; and all were astonished.
when there came one of the Wardens of the Synagogue--he was called Jair--who, on beholding Him, threw himself at His feet, and besought Him with many entreaties. "My little daughter," he said, "is at the point of death: I pray you come and lay your hands upon her, that she may recover and live." read more. And Jesus went with him. And a dense crowd followed Him, and thronged Him on all sides. Now a woman who for twelve years had suffered from haemorrhage,
Now a woman who for twelve years had suffered from haemorrhage, and had undergone many different treatments under a number of doctors and had spent all she had without receiving benefit but on the contrary growing worse,
and had undergone many different treatments under a number of doctors and had spent all she had without receiving benefit but on the contrary growing worse, heard of Jesus. And she came in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak;
heard of Jesus. And she came in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak; for she said, "If I but touch His clothes, I shall be cured."
for she said, "If I but touch His clothes, I shall be cured." In a moment the flow of her blood ceased, and she felt in herself that her complaint was cured.
In a moment the flow of her blood ceased, and she felt in herself that her complaint was cured. Immediately Jesus, well knowing that healing power had gone from within Him, turned round in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"
Immediately Jesus, well knowing that healing power had gone from within Him, turned round in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the multitude pressing you on all sides," His disciples exclaimed, "and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'"
"You see the multitude pressing you on all sides," His disciples exclaimed, "and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'" But He continued looking about to see the person who had done this,
But He continued looking about to see the person who had done this, until the woman, frightened and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and threw herself at His feet, and told Him all the truth.
until the woman, frightened and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and threw herself at His feet, and told Him all the truth. "Daughter," He said, "your faith has cured you: go in peace, and be free from your complaint."
"Daughter," He said, "your faith has cured you: go in peace, and be free from your complaint." While He is yet speaking, men come from the house to the Warden, and say, "Your daughter is dead: why trouble the Rabbi further?" read more. But Jesus, overhearing the words, said to the Warden, "Do not be afraid; only have faith." And He allowed no one to accompany Him except Peter and the brothers James and John. So they come to the Warden's house. Here He gazes on a scene of uproar, with people weeping aloud and wailing. He goes in. "Why all this outcry and loud weeping?" He asks; "the child is asleep, not dead." To this their reply is a scornful laugh. He, however, puts them all out, takes the child's father and mother and those He has brought with Him, and enters the room where the child lies. Then, taking her by the hand, He says to her, "Talitha, koum;" that is to say, "Little girl, I command you to wake!" Instantly the little girl rises to her feet and begins to walk (for she was twelve years old) but He gave strict injunctions that the matter should not be made known, and directed them to give her something to eat.
By this time it was late; so His disciples came to Him, and said, "This is a lonely place, and the hour is now late: send them away that they may go to the farms and villages near here and buy themselves something to eat." read more. "Give them food yourselves," He replied. "Are we," they asked, "to go and buy two hundred shillings' worth of bread and give them food?" "How many loaves have you?" He inquired; "go and see." So they found out, and said, "Five; and a couple of fish." So He directed them to make all sit down in companies on the green grass. And they sat down in rows of hundreds and of fifties. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and lifting His eyes to Heaven He blessed the food. Then He broke the loaves into portions which He went on handing to the disciples to distribute; giving pieces also of the two fish to them all. All ate and were fully satisfied. And they carried away broken portions enough to fill twelve baskets, besides pieces of the fish. Those who ate the bread were 5,000 adult men.
When evening was come, the boat was half way across the Lake, while he Himself was on shore alone. But when He saw them distressed with rowing (for the wind was against them) read more. They saw Him walking on the water, and thinking that it was a spirit they cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. He, however, immediately spoke to them. "There is no danger," He said; "it is I; be not alarmed." Then He went up to them on board the boat, and the wind lulled; and they were beside themselves with silent amazement.
Then they scoured the whole district, and began to bring Him the sick on their mats wherever they heard He was. And enter wherever He might--village or town or hamlet--they laid their sick in the open places, and entreated Him to let them touch were it but the tassel of His robe; and all, whoever touched Him, were restored to health.
Then He rose and left that place and went into the neighbourhood of Tyre and Sidon. Here He entered a house and wished no one to know it, but He could not escape observation. Forthwith a woman whose little daughter was possessed by a foul spirit heard of Him, and came and flung herself at His feet. read more. She was a Gentile woman, a Syro-phoenician by nation: and again and again she begged Him to expel the demon from her daughter. "Let the children first eat all they want," He said; "it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." "True, Sir," she replied, "and yet the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps." "For those words of yours, go home," He replied; "the demon has gone out of your daughter." So she went home, and found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Returning from the neighbourhood of Tyre, He came by way of Sidon to the Lake of Galilee, passing through the district of the Ten Towns. Here they brought to Him a deaf man that stammered, on whom they begged Him to lay His hands. So Jesus taking him aside, apart from the crowd, put His fingers into his ears, and spat, and moistened his tongue; and looking up to Heaven He sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Open!") And the man's ears were opened, and his tongue became untied, and he began to speak perfectly. Then Jesus charged them to tell no one; but the more He charged them, all the more did they spread the news far and wide. The amazement was extreme. "He succeeds in everything he attempts," they exclaimed; "he even makes deaf men hear and dumb men speak!"
And they came to Bethsaida. And a blind man was brought to Jesus and they entreated Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the arm and brought him out of the village, and spitting into his eyes He put His hands on him and asked him, "Can you see anything?" read more. He looked up and said, "I can see the people: I see them like trees--only walking." Then for the second time He put His hands on the man's eyes, and the man, looking steadily, recovered his sight and saw everything distinctly. So He sent him home, and added, "Do not even go into the village."
As they came to rejoin the disciples, they saw an immense crowd surrounding them and a party of Scribes disputing with them. Immediately the whole multitude on beholding Him were astonished and awe-struck, and yet they ran forward and greeted Him. read more. "What is the subject you are discussing?" He asked them. "Rabbi," answered one of the crowd, "I have brought you my son. He has a dumb spirit in him; and wherever it comes upon him, it dashes him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth, and he is pining away. I begged your disciples to expel it, but they had not the power." "O unbelieving generation!" replied Jesus; "how long must I be with you? how long must I have patience with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought him to Jesus. And the spirit, when he saw Jesus, immediately threw the youth into convulsions, so that he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Then Jesus asked the father, "How long has he been like this?" "From early childhood," he said; "and often it has thrown him into the fire or into pools of water to destroy him. But, if you possibly can, have pity on us and help us." "'If I possibly can!'" replied Jesus; "why, everything is possible to him who believes." Immediately the father cried out, "I do believe: strengthen my weak faith." Then Jesus, seeing that an increasing crowd was running towards Him, rebuked the foul spirit, and said to it, "Dumb and deaf spirit, *I* command you, come out of him and never enter into him again." So with a loud cry he threw the boy into fit after fit, and came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, so that most of them said he was dead; but Jesus took his hand and raised him up, and he stood on his feet.
They came to Jericho; and as He was leaving that town--Himself and His disciples and a great crowd--Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus) Hearing that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, "Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me." read more. Many angrily told him to leave off shouting; but he only cried out all the louder, "Son of David, have pity on me." Then Jesus stood still. "Call him," He said. So they called the blind man. "Cheer up," they said; "rise, he is calling you." The man flung away his outer garment, sprang to his feet, and came to Jesus. "What shall I do for you?" said Jesus. "Rabboni," replied the blind man, "let me recover my sight." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has cured you." Instantly he regained his sight, and followed Him along the road.
The next day, after they had left Bethany, He was hungry. But in the distance He saw a fig-tree in full leaf, and went to see whether perhaps He could find some figs on it. When however He came to it, He found nothing but leaves (for it was not fig time) read more. and He said to the tree, "Let no one ever again eat fruit from thee!" And His disciples heard this. They reached Jerusalem, and entering the Temple He began to drive out the buyers and sellers, and upset the money-changers' tables and the stools of the pigeon-dealers, and would not allow any one to carry anything through the Temple. And He remonstrated with them. "Is it not written," He said, "'My House shall be called The House of Prayer for all the nations?' But you have made it what it now is--a robbers' cave." This the High Priests and Scribes heard, and they began to devise means to destroy Him. For they were afraid of Him, because of the deep impression produced on all the people by His teaching. When evening came on, Jesus and His disciples used to leave the city. In the early morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig-tree withered to the roots; and Peter, recollecting, said to Him, "Look, Rabbi, the fig-tree which you cursed is withered up." Jesus said to them, "Have faith in God. In solemn truth I tell you that if any one shall say to this mountain, 'Remove, and hurl thyself into the sea,' and has no doubt about it in his heart, but stedfastly believes that what he says will happen, it shall be granted him. That is why I tell you, as to whatever you pray and make request for, if you believe that you have received it it shall be yours.
He who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he who disbelieves will be condemned. And signs shall attend those who believe, even such as these. By making use of my name they shall expel demons. They shall speak new languages. read more. They shall take up venomous snakes, and if they drink any deadly poison it shall do them no harm whatever. They shall lay their hands on the sick, and the sick shall recover."
But in the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of a foul demon. In a loud voice he cried out, "Ha! Jesus the Nazarene, what have you to do with us? I know who you are--God's Holy One!" read more. But Jesus rebuked the demon. "Silence!" He exclaimed; "come out of him." Upon this, the demon hurled the man into the midst of them, and came out of him without doing him any harm. All were astonished and awe-struck; and they asked one another, "What sort of language is this? For with authority and real power He gives orders to the foul spirits and they come out." And the talk about Him spread into every part of the neighbouring country. Now when He rose and left the synagogue He went to Simon's house. Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from an acute attack of fever; and they consulted Him about her. Then standing over her He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she at once rose and waited on them.
On one occasion the crowd was pressing on Him and listening to God's Message, while He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He, however, saw two fishing-boats drawn up on the beach (for the men had gone away from them and were washing the nets) read more. and going on board one of them, which was Simon's He asked him to push out a little from land. Then He sat down and taught the crowd of people from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Push out into deep water, and let down your nets for a haul." "Rabbi," replied Peter, "all night long we have worked hard and caught nothing; but at your command I will let down the nets." This they did, and enclosed a vast number of fish; and their nets began to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came, and they filled both the boats so that they almost sank. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at the knees of Jesus, and exclaimed, "Master, leave my boat, for I am a sinful man." (For he was astonished and terrified--he and all his companions--at the haul of fish which they had taken; and so were Simon's partners James and John, the sons of Zabdi.) Then, after bringing their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him. On another occasion, when He was in one of the towns, there was a man there covered with leprosy, who, seeing Jesus, threw himself at His feet and implored Him, saying, "Sir, if only you are willing, you are able to make me clean." Reaching out His hand and touching him, Jesus said, "I am willing; be cleansed!" And instantly the leprosy left him. He ordered him to tell no one. "But go," He said, "show yourself to the Priest, and make the offering for your purification which Moses appointed, as evidence for them." But all the more the report about Him spread abroad, and great multitudes crowded to hear Him and to be cured of their diseases;
And a party of men came carrying a palsied man on a bed, and they endeavoured to bring him in and lay him before Jesus. But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiling--bed and all--into the midst, in front of Jesus. read more. He saw their faith and said to him, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." Then the Scribes and Pharisees began to cavil, asking, "Who is this, uttering blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?" Well aware of their reasonings, Jesus answered their questions by asking in turn, "What is this that you are debating in your hearts? Which is easier? --to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" --Turning to the paralytic He said, "I bid you, Rise, take up your bed, and go home." Instantly he stood up in their presence, took up the mattress on which he had been lying, and went away to his home, giving glory to God. Amazement seized them all. "Glory to God!" was the abiding feeling. Yet fear flashed through their minds and they said, "We have seen strange things to-day."
On another Sabbath He had gone to the synagogue and was teaching there; and in the congregation was a man whose right arm was withered. The Scribes and the Pharisees were on the watch to see whether He would cure him on the Sabbath that they might be able to bring an accusation against Him. read more. He knew their thoughts, and said to the man with the withered arm, "Rise, and stand there in the middle." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I put it to you all whether we are allowed to do good on the Sabbath, or to do evil; to save a life, or to destroy it." And looking round upon them all He said to the man, "Stretch out your arm." He did so, and the arm was restored. But they were filled with madness, and began to discuss with one another what they should do to Jesus.
After He had finished teaching all these things in the hearing of the people, He went into Capernaum. Here the servant of a certain Captain, a man dear to his master, was ill and at the point of death; read more. and the Captain, hearing about Jesus, sent to Him some of the Jewish Elders, begging Him to come and restore his servant to health. And they, when they came to Jesus, earnestly entreated Him, pleading, "He deserves to have this favour granted him, for he loves our nation, and at his own expense he built our synagogue for us." Then Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the Captain sent friends to Him with the message: "Sir, do not trouble to come. I am not worthy of having you come under my roof; and therefore I did not deem myself worthy to come to you. Only speak the word, and let my young man be cured. For I too am a man obedient to authority, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this or that,' and he does it." Jesus listened to the Captain's message and was astonished at him, and He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I tell you that not even in Israel have I found faith like that." And the friends who had been sent, on returning to the house, found the servant in perfect health. Shortly afterwards He went to a town called Nain, attended by His disciples and a great crowd of people. And just as He reached the gate of the town, they happened to be bringing out for burial a dead man who was his mother's only son; and she was a widow; and a great number of the townspeople were with her. The Lord saw her, was moved with pity for her, and said to her, "Do not weep." Then He went close and touched the bier, and the bearers halted. "Young man," He said, "I command you, wake!" The dead man sat up and began to speak; and He restored him to his mother. All were awe-struck, and they gave glory to God--some saying, "A Prophet, a great Prophet, has risen up among us." Others said, "God has not forgotten His People." And the report of what Jesus had done spread through the whole of Judaea and in all the surrounding districts.
One day He went on board a boat--both He and his disciples; and He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the Lake." So they set sail. During the passage He fell asleep, and there came down a squall of wind on the Lake, so that the boat began to fill and they were in deadly peril. read more. So they came and woke Him, crying, "Rabbi, Rabbi, we are drowning." Then He roused Himself and rebuked the wind and the surging of the water, and they ceased and there was a calm. "Where is your faith?" He asked them. But they were filled with terror and amazement, and said to one another, "Who then is this? for He gives orders both to wind and waves, and they obey Him." Then they put in to shore in the country of the Gerasenes, which lies opposite to Galilee. Here, on landing, He was met by one of the townsmen who was possessed by demons--for a long time he had not put on any garment, nor did he live in a house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, and said in a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of God Most High? Do not torture me, I beseech you." For already He had been commanding the foul spirit to come out of the man. For many a time it had seized and held him, and they had repeatedly put him in chains and fetters and kept guard over him, but he used to break the chains to pieces, and, impelled by the demon, to escape into the Desert. "What is your name?" Jesus asked him. "Legion," he replied--because a great number of demons had entered into him; and they besought Him not to command them to be gone into the Bottomless Pit. Now there was a great herd of swine there feeding on the hill-side; and the demons begged Him to give them leave to go into them, and He gave them leave. The demons came out of the man and left him, and entered into the swine; and the herd rushed violently over the cliff into the Lake and were drowned. The swineherds, seeing what had happened, fled and reported it both in town and country; whereupon the people came out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus, and they found the man from whom the demons had gone out sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were terrified. And those who had seen it told them how the demoniac was cured. Then the whole population of the Gerasenes and of the adjacent districts begged Him to depart from them; for their terror was great. So He went on board and returned. But the man from whom the demons had gone out earnestly asked permission to go with Him; but He sent him away. "Return home," He said, "and tell there all that God has done for you." So he went and published through the whole town all that Jesus had done for him.
Just then there came a man named Jair, a Warden of the Synagogue, who threw himself at the feet of Jesus, and entreated Him to come to his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. And as He went, the dense throng crowded on Him. read more. And a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage--and had spent on doctors all she had, but none of them had been able to cure her--
And a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with haemorrhage--and had spent on doctors all she had, but none of them had been able to cure her-- came close behind Him and touched the tassel of His robe; and instantly her flow of blood stopped.
came close behind Him and touched the tassel of His robe; and instantly her flow of blood stopped. "Who is it touched me?" Jesus asked. And when all denied having done so, Peter and the rest said, "Rabbi, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing on you."
"Who is it touched me?" Jesus asked. And when all denied having done so, Peter and the rest said, "Rabbi, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing on you." "Some one has touched me," Jesus replied, "for I feel that power has gone out from me."
"Some one has touched me," Jesus replied, "for I feel that power has gone out from me." Then the woman, perceiving that she had not escaped notice, came trembling, and throwing herself down at His feet she stated before all the people the reason why she had touched Him and how she was instantly cured.
Then the woman, perceiving that she had not escaped notice, came trembling, and throwing herself down at His feet she stated before all the people the reason why she had touched Him and how she was instantly cured. "Daughter," said He, "your faith has cured you; go, and be at peace."
"Daughter," said He, "your faith has cured you; go, and be at peace." While He was still speaking, some one came to the Warden of the Synagogue from his house and said, "Your daughter is dead; trouble the Rabbi no further." read more. Jesus heard the words and said to him, "Have no fear. Only believe, and she shall be restored to life." So He came to the house, but allowed no one to go in with Him but Peter and John and James and the girl's father and mother. The people were all weeping aloud and beating their breasts for her; but He said, "Leave off wailing; for she is not dead, but asleep." And they jeered at Him, knowing that she was dead. He, however, took her by the hand and called aloud, "Child, awake!" And her spirit returned, and instantly she stood up; and He directed them to give her some food. Her parents were astounded; but He forbad them to mention the matter to any one.
Now when the day began to decline, the Twelve came to Him and said, "Send the people away, that they may go to the villages and farms round about and find lodging and a supply of food; because here we are in an uninhabited district." "You yourselves," He said, "must give them food." "We have nothing," they replied, "but five loaves and a couple of fish, unless indeed we were to go and buy provisions for all this host of people." read more. But He said to His disciples, "Make them sit down in parties of about fifty each." They did so, making them all, without exception, sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to Heaven He blessed them and broke them into portions which He gave to the disciples to distribute to the people. So they ate and were fully satisfied, all of them; and what they had remaining over was gathered up, twelve baskets of fragments.
On the following day, when they were come down from the mountain, a great crowd came to meet Him; and a man from the crowd called out, "Rabbi, I beg you to pity my son, for he is my only child. read more. At times a spirit seizes him and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him, and makes him foam at the mouth, and does not leave him till it has well-nigh covered him with bruises. I entreated your disciples to expel the spirit, but they could not." "O unbelieving and perverse generation!" replied Jesus; "how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here to me." Now while the youth was coming, the spirit dashed him to the ground and cruelly convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the foul spirit, and cured the youth and gave him back to his father.
On once occasion He was expelling a dumb demon; and when the demon was gone out the dumb man could speak, and the people were astonished.
where a woman was present who for eighteen years had been a confirmed invalid: she was bent double, and was unable to lift herself to her full height. But Jesus saw her, and calling to her, He said to her, "Woman, you are free from your weakness." read more. And He put His hands on her, and she immediately stood upright and began to give glory to God. Then the Warden of the Synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured her on a Sabbath, said to the crowd, "There are six days in the week on which people ought to work. On those days therefore come and get yourselves cured, and not on the Sabbath day." But the Lord's reply to him was, "Hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his bullock or his ass from the stall and lead him to water? And this woman, daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan had bound for no less than eighteen years, was she not to be loosed from this chain because it is the Sabbath day?" When He had said this, all His opponents were ashamed, while the whole multitude was delighted at the many glorious things continually done by Him.
As they pursued their journey to Jerusalem, He passed through Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered a certain village, ten men met Him who were lepers and stood at a distance. read more. In loud voices they cried out, "Jesus, Rabbi, take pity on us." Perceiving this, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the Priests." And while on their way to do this they were made clean. One of them, seeing that he was cured, came back, adoring and praising God in a loud voice, and he threw himself at the feet of Jesus, thanking Him. He was a Samaritan. "Were not all ten made clean?" Jesus asked; "but where are the nine? Have none been found to come back and give glory to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Rise and go: your faith has cured you."
As Jesus came near to Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the way-side begging. He heard a crowd of people going past, and inquired what it all meant. read more. "Jesus the Nazarene is passing by," they told him. Then, at the top of his voice, he cried out, "Jesus, son of David, take pity on me." Those in front reproved him and tried to silence him; but he continued shouting, louder than ever, "Son of David, take pity on me." At length Jesus stopped and desired them to bring the man to Him; and when he had come close to Him He asked him, "What shall I do for you?" "Sir," he replied, "let me recover my sight." "Recover your sight," said Jesus: "your faith has cured you." No sooner were the words spoken than the man regained his sight and followed Jesus, giving glory to God; and all the people, seeing it, gave praise to God.
And one of them struck a blow at the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear. "Permit me thus far," said Jesus. And He touched the ear and healed it.
Two days later there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus also was invited and His disciples. read more. Now the wine ran short; whereupon the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." "Leave the matter in my hands," He replied; "the time for me to act has not yet come." His mother said to the attendants, "Whatever he tells you to do, do it." Now there were six stone jars standing there (in accordance with the Jewish regulations for purification) Jesus said to the attendants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them to the brim. Then He said, "Now, take some out, and carry it to the President of the feast." So they carried some to him. And no sooner had the President tasted the water now turned into wine, than--not knowing where it came from, though the attendants who had drawn the water knew--he called to the bridegroom and said to him, "It is usual to put on the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then that which is inferior. But you have kept the good wine till now." This, the first of His miracles, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee, and thus displayed His glorious power; and His disciples believed in Him.
So He came once more to Cana in Galilee, where He had made the water into wine. Now there was a certain officer of the King's court whose son was ill at Capernaum. Having heard that Jesus had come from Judaea to Galilee, he came to Him and begged Him to go down and cure his son; for he was at the point of death. read more. "Unless you and others see miracles and marvels," said Jesus, "nothing will induce you to believe." "Sir," pleaded the officer, "come down before my child dies." "You may return home," replied Jesus; "your son has recovered." He believed the words of Jesus, and started back home; and he was already on his way down when his servants met him and told him that his son was alive and well. So he inquired of them at what hour he had shown improvement. "Yesterday, about seven o'clock," they replied, "the fever left him." Then the father recollected that that was the time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son has recovered," and he and his whole household became believers. This is the second miracle that Jesus performed, after coming from Judaea into Galilee.
And when He looked round and saw an immense crowd coming towards Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for all these people to eat?" He said this to put Philip to the test, for He Himself knew what He was going to do. read more. "Seven pounds' worth of bread," replied Philip, "is not enough for them all to get even a scanty meal." One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, "There is a boy here with five barley loaves and a couple of fish: but what is that among so many?" "Make the people sit down," said Jesus. The ground was covered with thick grass; so they sat down, the adult men numbering about 5,000. Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were resting on the ground; and also the fish in like manner--as much as they desired. When all were fully satisfied, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the broken portions that remain over, so that nothing be lost." Accordingly they gathered them up; and with the fragments of the five barley loaves--the broken portions that remained over after they had done eating--they filled twelve baskets. Thereupon the people, having seen the miracle He had performed, said, "This is indeed the Prophet who was to come into the world."
When evening came on, His disciples went down to the Lake. There they got on board a boat, and pushed off to cross the Lake to Capernaum. By this time it had become dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. read more. The Lake also was getting rough, because a strong wind was blowing. When, however, they had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water and coming near the boat. They were terrified; but He called to them. "It is I," He said, "do not be afraid." Then they were willing to take Him on board; and in a moment the boat reached the shore at the point to which they were going.
Jesus, however, again restraining His strong feeling, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone had been laid against the mouth of it. "Take away the stone," said Jesus. Martha, the sister of the dead man, exclaimed, "Master, by this time there is a foul smell; for it is three days since he died." read more. "Did I not promise you," replied Jesus, "that if you believe, you shall see the glory of God?" So they removed the stone. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard me. I know that Thou always hearest me; but for the sake of the crowd standing round I have said this--that they may believe that Thou didst send me." After speaking thus, He called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped in cloths, and his face wrapped round with a towel. "Untie him," said Jesus, "and let him go free."
After this, Jesus again showed Himself to the disciples. It was at the Lake of Tiberias. The circumstances were as follows. Simon Peter was with Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zabdi, and two others of the Master's disciples. read more. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." "We will go too," said they. So they set out and went on board their boat; but they caught nothing that night. When, however, day was now dawning, Jesus stood on the beach, though the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. He called to them. "Children," He said, "have you any food there?" "No," they answered. "Throw the net in on the right hand side," He said, "and you will find fish." So they threw the net in, and now they could scarcely drag it along for the quantity of fish. This made the disciple whom Jesus loved say to Peter, "It is the Master." Simon Peter therefore, when he heard the words, "It is the Master," drew on his fisherman's shirt--for he had not been wearing it--put on his girdle, and sprang into the water. But the rest of the disciples came in the small boat (for they were not far from land--only about a hundred yards off) As soon as they landed, they saw a charcoal fire burning there, with fish broiling on it, and bread close by. Jesus told them to fetch some of the fish which they had just caught. So Simon Peter went on board the boat and drew the net ashore full of large fish, 153 in number; and yet, although there were so many, the net had not broken. "Come this way and have breakfast," said Jesus. But not one of the disciples ventured to question Him as to who He was, for they felt sure that it was the Master. Then Jesus came and took the bread and gave them some, and the fish in the same way. This was now the third occasion on which Jesus showed Himself to the disciples after He had risen from among the dead.
But there are also many other things which Jesus did--so vast a number indeed that if they were all described in detail, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would have to be written.
"Listen, Israelites, to what I say. Jesus, the Nazarene, a man accredited to you from God by miracles and marvels and signs which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know, Him--
Now for some time past there had been a man named Simon living there, who had been practising magic and astonishing the Samaritans, pretending that he was more than human.
When they had gone through the whole length of the island as far as Paphos, they there met with a Jewish magician and false prophet, Bar-Jesus by name, who was a friend of the Proconsul Sergius Paulus. The Proconsul was a man of keen intelligence. He sent for Barnabas and Saul, and asked to be told God's Message. read more. But Elymas (or 'the Magician,' for such is the meaning of the name)
and not a few of those who had practised magical arts brought their books together and burnt them in the presence of all. The total value was reckoned and found to be 50,000 silver coins.
The signs that characterize the true Apostle have been done among you, accompanied by unwearied fortitude, and by tokens and marvels and displays of power.
The appearing of the Lawless one will be attended by various miracles and tokens and delusive marvels--for so Satan works--
I Paul add the greeting with my own hand, which is the credential in every letter of mine.
He also works great miracles, so as even to make fire come down from Heaven to earth in the presence of human beings. And his power of leading astray the inhabitants of the earth is due to the marvels which he has been permitted to work in the presence of the Wild Beast. And he told the inhabitants of the earth to erect a statue to the Wild Beast who had received the sword-stroke and yet had recovered.
Smith
Miracles.
A miracle may be defined to be a plain and manifest exercise by a man, or by God at the call of a man, of those powers which belong only to the Creator and Lord of nature; and this for the declared object of attesting that a divine mission is given to that man. It is not, therefore, the wonder, the exception to common experience, that constitutes the miracle, as is assumed both in the popular use of the word and by most objectors against miracles. No phenomenon in nature, however unusual, no event in the course of God's providence, however unexpected, is a miracle unless it can be traced to the agency of man (including prayer under the term agency), and unless it be put forth as a proof of divine mission. Prodigies and special providences are not miracles. (A miracle is not a violation of the laws of nature. It is God's acting upon nature in a degree far beyond our powers, but the same king of act as our wills are continually exerting upon nature. We do not in lifting a stone interfere with any law of nature, but exert a higher force among the laws. Prof. Tyndall says that "science does assert that without a disturbance of natural law quite as serious as the stoppage of an eclipse, or the rolling of the St. Lawrence up the falls of Niagara, no act of humiliation, individual or nation, could call one shower from heaven." And yet men by firing cannon during battle can cause a shower: does that cause such a commotion among the laws of nature? The exertion of a will upon the laws does not make a disturbance of natural law; and a miracle is simply the exertion of God's will upon nature. --ED.) Again, the term "nature" suggests to many persons the idea of a great system of things endowed with powers and forces of its own --a sort of machine, set a-going originally by a first cause, but continuing its motions of itself. Hence we are apt to imagine that a change in the motion or operation of any part of it by God would produce the same disturbance of the other parts as such a change would be likely to produce in them if made by us or by any other natural agent. But if the motions and operations of material things be produced really by the divine will, then his choosing to change, for a special purpose, the ordinary motion of one part does not necessarily or probably imply his choosing to change the ordinary motions of other parts in a way not at all requisite for the accomplishment of that special purpose. It is as easy for him to continue the ordinary course of the rest, with the change of one part, as of all the phenomena without any change at all. Thus, though the stoppage of the motion of the earth in the ordinary course of nature would be attended with terrible convulsions, the stoppage of the earth miraculously, for a special purpose to be served by that only, would not of itself be followed by any such consequences. (Indeed, by the action of gravitation it could be stopped, as a stone thrown up is stopped, in less than two minutes, and yet so gently as not to stir the smallest feather or mote on its surface. --ED.) From the same conception of nature as a machine, we are apt to think of interferences with the ordinary course of nature as implying some imperfection in it. But it is manifest that this is a false analogy; for the reason why machines are made is to save us trouble; and, therefore, they are more perfect in proportion as they answer this purpose. But no one can seriously imagine that the universe is a machine for the purpose of saving trouble to the Almighty. Again, when miracles are described as "interferences with the law of nature," this description makes them appear improbable to many minds, from their not sufficiently considering that the laws of nature interfere with one another, and that we cannot get rid of "interferences" upon any hypothesis consistent with experience. The circumstances of the Christian miracles are utterly unlike those of any pretended instances of magical wonders. This difference consists in -- (1) The greatness, number, completeness and publicity of the miracles. (2) In the character of the miracles. They were all beneficial, helpful, instructive, and worthy of God as their author. (3) The natural beneficial tendency of the doctrine they attested. (4) The connection of them with a whole scheme of revelation extending from the origin of the human race to the time of Christ.
Watsons
MIRACLES. A miracle, in the popular sense, is a prodigy, or an extraordinary event, which surprises us by its novelty. In a more accurate and philosophic sense, a miracle is an effect which does not follow from any of the regular laws of nature, or which is inconsistent with some known law of it, or contrary to the settled constitution and course of things. Accordingly, all miracles presuppose an established system of nature, within the limits of which they operate, and with the order of which they disagree. Of a miracle in the theological sense many definitions have been given. That of Dr. Samuel Clarke is: "A miracle is a work effected in a manner unusual, or different from the common and regular method of providence, by the interposition of God himself, or of some intelligent agent superior to man, for the proof or evidence of some particular doctrine, or in attestation of the authority of some particular person." Mr. Hume has insidiously or erroneously maintained that a miracle is contrary to experience; but in reality it is only different from experience. Experience informs us that one event has happened often; testimony informs us that another event has happened once or more. That diseases should be generally cured by the application of external causes, and sometimes at the mere word of a prophet, and without the visible application of causes, are facts not inconsistent with each other in the nature of things themselves, nor irreconcilable according to our ideas. Each fact may arise from its own proper cause; each may exist independently of the other; and each is known by its own proper proof, whether of sense or testimony. As secret causes often produce events contrary to those we do expect from experience, it is equally conceivable that events should sometimes be produced which we do not expect. To pronounce, therefore, a miracle to be false, because it is different from experience, is only to conclude against its general existence from the very circumstance which constitutes its particular nature; for if it were not different from experience, where would be its singularity? or what particular proof could be drawn from it, if it happened according to the ordinary train of human events, or was included in the operation of the general laws of nature? We grant that it does differ from experience; but we do not presume to make our experience the standard of the divine conduct. He that acknowledges a God must, at least, admit the possibility of a miracle. The atheist, that makes him inseparable from what is called nature, and binds him to its laws by an insurmountable necessity; that deprives him of will, and wisdom, and power, as a distinct and independent Being; may deny even the very possibility of a miraculous interposition, which can in any instance suspend or counteract those general laws by which the world is governed. But he who allows of a First Cause in itself perfect and intelligent, abstractedly from those effects which his wisdom and power have produced, must at the same time allow that this cause can be under no such restraints as to be debarred the liberty of controlling its laws as often as it sees fit. Surely, the Being that made the world can govern it, or any part of it, in such a manner as he pleases; and he that constituted the very laws by which it is in general conducted, may suspend the operation of those laws in any given instance, or impress new powers on matter, in order to produce new and extraordinary effects.
In judging of miracles there are certain criteria, peculiar to the subject, sufficient to conduct our inquiries, and warrant our determination. Assuredly they do not appeal to our ignorance, for they presuppose not only the existence of a general order of things, but our actual knowledge of the appearance which that order exhibits, and of the secondary material causes from which it, in most cases, proceeds. If a miraculous event were effected by the immediate hand of God, and yet bore no mark of distinction from the ordinary effects of his agency, it would impress no conviction, and probably awaken no attention. Our knowledge of the ordinary course of things, though limited, is real; and therefore it is essential to a miracle, both that it differ from that course, and be accompanied with peculiar and unequivocal signs of such difference. We have been told that the course of nature is fixed and unalterable, and therefore it is not consistent with the immutability of God to perform miracles. But, surely, they who reason in this manner beg the point in question. We have no right to assume that the Deity has ordained such general laws as will exclude his interposition; and we cannot suppose that he would forbear to interfere where any important end could be answered. This interposition, though it controls, in particular cases, the energy, does not diminish the utility, of those laws. It leaves them to fulfil their own proper purposes, and affects only a distinct purpose, for which they were not calculated. If the course of nature implies the general laws of matter and motion, into which the most opposite phenomena may be resolved, it is certain that we do not yet know them in their full extent; and, therefore, that events, which are related by judicious and disinterested persons, and at the same time imply no gross contradiction, are possible in themselves, and capable of a certain degree of proof. If the course of nature implies the whole order of events which God has ordained for the government of the world, it includes both his ordinary and extraordinary dispensations, and among them miracles may have their place, as a part of the universal plan. It is, indeed, consistent with sound philosophy, and not inconsistent with pure religion, to acknowledge that they might be disposed by the supreme Being at the same time with the more ordinary effects of his power; that their causes and occasions might be arranged with the same regularity; and that, in reference chiefly to their concomitant circumstances of persons and times, to the specific ends for which they were employed, and to our idea of the immediate necessity there is for a divine agent, miracles would differ from common events, in which the hand of God acts as efficaciously, though less visibly. On this consideration of the subject, miracles, instead of contradicting nature, might form a part of it. But what our limited reason and scanty experience may comprehend should never be represented as a full and exact view of the possible or actual varieties which exist in the works of God.
2. If we be asked whether miracles are credible, we reply, that, abstractedly considered, they are not incredible; that they are capable of indirect proof from analogy, and of direct, from testimony; that in the common and daily course of worldly affairs, events, the improbability of which, antecedently to all testimony, was very great, are proved to have happened, by the authority of competent and honest witnesses; that the Christian miracles were objects of real and proper experience to those who saw them; and that whatsoever the senses of mankind can perceive, their report may substantiate. Should it be asked whether miracles were necessary, and whether the end proposed to be effected by them could warrant so immediate and extraordinary an interference of the Almighty, as such extraordinary operations suppose; to this we might answer, that, if the fact be established, all reasonings a priori concerning their necessity must be frivolous, and may be false. We are not capable of deciding on a question which, however simple in appearance, is yet too complex in its parts, and too extensive in its object, to be fully comprehended by the human understanding. Whether God could or could not have effected all the ends designed to be promoted by the Gospel, without deviating from the common course of his providence, and interfering with its general laws, is a speculation that a modest inquirer would carefully avoid; for it carries on the very face of it a degree of presumption totally unbecoming the state of a mortal being. Infinitely safer is it for us to acquiesce in what the Almighty has done, than
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"Go and report to John what you see and hear," replied Jesus; "blind eyes receive sight, and cripples walk; lepers are cleansed, and deaf ears hear; the dead are raised to life, and the poor have the Good News proclaimed to them;
The Pharisees heard it and said, "This man only expels demons by the power of Baal-zebul, the Prince of demons." Knowing their thoughts He said to them, "Every kingdom in which civil war has raged suffers desolation; and every city or house in which there is internal strife will be brought low. read more. And if Satan is expelling Satan, he has begun to make war on himself: how therefore shall his kingdom last?
We know that God does not listen to bad people, but that if any one is a God-fearing man and obeys Him, to him He listens. From the beginning of the world such a thing was never heard of as that any one should open the eyes of a man blind from his birth. read more. Had that man not come from God, he could have done nothing."
"I have told you," answered Jesus, "and you do not believe. The deeds that I do in my Father's name--they give testimony about me.
If the deeds I do are not my Father's deeds, do not believe me.
Therefore the High Priests and the Pharisees held a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What steps are we taking?" they asked one another; "for this man is performing a great number of miracles. If we leave him alone in this way, everybody will believe in him, and the Romans will come and blot out both our city and our nation."