Reference: Miracles
Fausets
Three distinct New Testament Greek words represent miracles: seemeion, "a sign"; teras, "a prodigy"; dunamis, "a mighty work." Septuagint uses seemeion and teras for Hebrew 'owt and mopheth (Ex 7:9). Seemeion, "sign," views the miracle as evidence of a divine commission: Joh 3:2, "no man can do these signs (Greek) which Thou doest except God be with him" (Joh 9:30,33; 15:24; Lu 7:19-22); teras, "prodigy" or "wonder," expresses the effect on the spectator; dunamis, "mighty work," marks its performance by a superhuman power (Ac 2:22; 2Co 12:12; 2Th 2:9). The "sign" is God's seal, attestation, or proof of a revelation being genuine. Jesus' miracles were not merely wonders but signs; signs not merely of His power, but of the nature of His ministry and of His divine person.
A grand distinction peculiar to Christianity is, it won the world to it in an age of high civilization, through a few preachers of humble position, on the evidence of miracles. Basing its claim on miracles the creed of the slave became eventually the faith of the Caesars. Muhammed on the contrary, even in a half-enlightened age and country, pretended no miracle. Christ and His apostles still less than Mahomet among friends would have dared to allege miracles, in the midst of hostile Jews and skeptical Romans, unless they were true. This claim is the more striking, since John the Baptist, though coming "in the spirit and power of Elias," the great miracle worker of the Old Testament, never claimed miraculous power; so far is Scripture from indiscriminately gratifying men's love of the marvelous at the cost of truth.
Similarly, Abraham, David, and other Old Testament heroes never appear as miracle workers. Early Christian writers, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and Origen, occasionally appeal to miracles in proof of Christianity; but state that their pagan opponents, admitting the facts, attributed them to magic; which accounts for the fewness of their references to miracles. The Jewish writings, as the Sepher Toldoth Jeshu, also the extant fragments of Celsus, Porphyry, and Julian, admit the fact of the miracles, though ascribing them to magic and evil spirits. In the case of the resurrection (Mt 28:11-15) and the cure of the blind man (John 9) the Jews made a self confuted charge of fraud. The early Christian apologists allege in support of Christianity:
(1) the greatness, number, completeness, and publicity of the miracles;
(2) the beneficial tendency of the doctrine;
(3) the connection of the miracles with prophecy and the whole scheme of redemption from Adam to Christ. The miracles must have been altogether different from the wonders of exorcists, magicians, etc.; else they would not have gained for the gospel so wide and permanent an acceptance. The effect of Philip's ministry on the Samaritans, in opposition to Simon Magus (Acts 8), proves this. The holy character of Christ and His apostles, and the tendency of Christianity to promote truth and virtue, are against the origination of the miracles from evil spirits or jugglery. In the fourth century miracles had ceased (Chrysostom on 1 Corinthians 11-13); in the third, miracles are alleged, but are suspicious, as wrought among those already believing and predisposed to accept prodigies credulously. The ecclesiastical miracles are not attested by inspired writers. The apostles alone could transmit the power of working miracles to others. Cornelius was an exception, being the firstfruit of the Gentiles.
But Philip could not impart it; Peter and John must come to confer on his Samaritan converts miraculous gifts, by laying on of hands (Ac 8:15-20; 10:44-46; 19:6; Mr 16:17-18). Christianity being once proved and attested to us, the analogy of God's dealings leads us to expect He would leave it to make its way by ordinary means; the edifice being erected, the scaffolding is taken down; perpetual miracle is contrary to His ways. The ecclesiastical miracles alleged are ambiguous, or tentative, or legendary, i.e. resembling known products of human credulity and imposture. Many are childish, and palpably framed for superstitious believers, rather than as evidences capable of bearing critical scrutiny. Most of them are not told until long after their presumed occurrence. Herein the New Testament miracles wholly differ from them. The Christian miracles are:
(1) Recorded by contemporaries.
(2) In the same country.
(3) Not based on transient rumor, but confirmed by subsequent investigation, and recorded in independent accounts.
(4) Not naked history, but the history combined with the institution and with the religion of our day, as also with the time and place of the miracle recorded and of Christianity's origin.
(5) With particular specification of names, places, dates, and circumstances.
(6) Not requiring merely otiose assent, as the popular superstitions on which nothing depends, but claiming to regulate the opinions and acts of people.
(7) Not like popish miracles in Roman Catholic countries, in affirmation of opinions already formed, but performed amidst enemies, converting men from their most cherished prejudices; there was no anterior persuasion to lay hold of, Jesus' miracles gave birth to the sect; frauds might mix with the progress, but could not have place in the commencement of the religion.
(8) Not an imaginary perception, as Socrates' demon; the giving sight to the blind leaves a lasting effect; in those of a mixed nature the principal miracle is momentary, but some circumstance combined with it is permanent; Peter's vision might be a dream, but the message of Cornelius could not have been; the concurrence could only be supernatural.
(9) Not tentative, where out of many trials some succeed, as the ancient oracles, cures wrought by relics, etc.
(10) Not doubtful miracles, as the liquefaction of Januarius' blood, cures of nervous ailments.
(11) Not stories which can be resolved into exaggerations.
(12) Not gradual, but instantaneous for the most part (Lu 18:43); not incomplete; not merely temporary, but complete and lasting.
(13) Witnessed to at the cost of suffering and death. (Paley, Evidences of Christianity.)
A miracle is not a "violation of the laws of nature" (Hume), but the introduction of a new agent. Such introduction accords with human experience, for we see an intelligent agent often modifying the otherwise uniform laws of nature. "Experience" informs us of human free will counteracting the lower law of gravitation. Infinitely more can the divine will introduce a new element, counteracting, without destroying, lower physical law; the higher law for a time controls and suspends the action of the lower. Or, "law" being simply the expression of God's will, in miracles God's will intervenes, for certain moral ends, to suspend His ordinary mode of working. The wise men following the star, and then receiving further guidance from the Scripture word, illustrate the twofold revelation, God's works, and God's word, the highest guide. Both meet in the Incarnate Word (Matthew 2; 2Pe 1:19-21). As disturbance has entered the world by sin, as nature visibly attests, God must needs miraculously interfere to nullify that disturbance.
Hume alleged against miracles their contrariety to "experience," and that experience shows testimony to be often false. But "experience" is not to be limited to our time and knowledge. The "experience" of the witnesses for Christianity attests the truth of miracles. However improbable miracles are under ordinary circumstances, they are probable, nay necessary, to attest a religious revelation and a divine commission. "In whatever degree it is probable that a revelation should be communicated to mankind at all, in the same degree is it probable that miracles should be wrought" (Paley, Evidences of Christianity). That they are out of the ordinary course of nature, so far from being an objection, is just what they need to be in order to be fit signs to attest a revelation. It is as easy to God to continue the ordinary course of the rest of nature, with the change of one part, as of all the phenomena without any change. It is objected, miracles "interrupt the course of nature."
But as that course really compri
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And Jesus went through all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, and healing every disease and every malady among the people.
And behold a leper came and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst cleanse me:
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion beseeching Him, and saying, Lord,
And when Jesus came to Peter's house. He saw his wife's mother lying ill of a fever:
And when it was evening they brought to him many demoniacs: and he cast out the evil spirits with a word, and healed all that were ill: that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, He took our infirmities himself, and bore our diseases.
Why are ye so frighted, O ye of little faith? Then He rose up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
and behold, they brought to Him one that had the palsy laid on a couch: and Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, Take heart my son, for thy sins are forgiven thee.
As He was speaking these things to them, behold there came a ruler and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is at the point of death: but come, I pray Thee, and put thy hand upon her, and she shall live:
(And lo, a woman who had had a flux of blood for twelve years, came close behind Him, and touched the hem of his garment:
And as Jesus was going from thence, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, Have compassion on us, O Son of David. And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus saith unto them, Do ye believe that I am able to do this? and they say unto Him, Yes Lord. read more. Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you: and their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, Do not divulge it: but
And as they were going out, there was brought to Him a dumb man, a demoniac:
Now Jesus went round to all the cities, and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, and healing every disease, and every malady among the people.
Now when John heard in prison of the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples to ask Him, Art thou He who was to come, or are we to expect another? read more. And Jesus said to them in answer, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see:
they asked Him, if it were lawful to heal on the sabbath-days? that they might accuse Him.
but Jesus knew it, and withdrew from thence; and great multitudes followed Him with their sick,
and all the multitudes were amazed, and said, "Is not this the Son of David?"
and when Jesus came out of the ship, He saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them; and He healed their sick.
But Jesus said to them, they have no need to go away, do ye give them something to eat.
And the men of that place getting knowledge of Him, sent into all that country about; and they brought to Him all that were ill; and intreated Him that they might but touch the border of his garment; and as many as touched Him were made perfectly well.
And there came out of those quarters a Canaanitish woman, and cried to Him saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; for my daughter is grievously tormented by a demon.
And great multitudes came to Him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others; and laid them at the feet of Jesus, and He healed them.
and taking the seven loaves and the fishes, when He had given thanks, He brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
This wicked and degenerate race demand a sign; but no sign shall be given them, except that of the prophet Jonah. And so He left them and went away.
And after six days, Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up to a high mountain apart;
Lord, have compassion upon my son, for he is lunatic and grievously afflicted; for he often falleth into the fire, and often into the water.
but that we may not give them offence, go to the sea-side and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and open its mouth, and thou shalt find a piece of money: that take and give them for me and thee.
and great multitudes followed Him, and there He healed them.
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and drove out all that were selling and buying in the court of the temple, and threw down the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves:
And there came to Him in the temple both blind and lame, and He healed them:
for there shall rise up false Christs, and false prophets, who shall shew great signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
And immediately after the affliction of those days, the fun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give it's light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Now while they were going, behold some of the guard came into the city, and told the chief priests all that had happened: and they assembled with the elders, and taking counsel together gave the soldiers a large sum of money, read more. saying, Do you say, that his disciples came by night, and stole Him away, while we were asleep. And if this should come to a hearing before the governor, we will satisfy him, and indemnify you. So they took the money, and did as they were instructed: and this is commonly reported among the Jews to this day.
and he cried out, saying, Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee, who thou art, the holy one of God.
And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him from the tombs,
And He strictly charged them, that no one should know it: and bid them give her something to eat.
And He could do no miracle there, only laying his hands on a few sick people He healed them; and He was amazed at their unbelief. But he went about all the villages round, teaching.
And He said unto her, For this saying, go thy way, the demon is gone out of thy daughter.
And He charged them to tell no one, but the more He charged them, the more they published it:
Then He cometh to Bethsaida, where they brought to Him a blind man, and begged of Him that He would touch him.
And these signs shall accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they should drink any thing poisonous, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall be well.
And when He had done speaking, He said to Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
And the day after He went to a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with Him, and a great multitude besides: and as He came near to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carrying out to be buried, his mother's only son, and she was a widow: and many of the people of the city were with her.
And He came up and touched the bier, (and the bearers stopped,) and He said, Young man, I say unto thee, arise.
and sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou He that was to come, or are we to expect another? And the men came to Him, and said, John the baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou He that was to come, or are we to expect another? read more. (Now at that very time He cured many of their diseases and plagues, and of evil spirits, and gave sight to many that were blind.) And Jesus answering said unto them, Go and tell John what ye have seen and heard: that the blind recover sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them,
But some of them said, He casteth out demons by Beelzebub the prince of demons: and others, to try Him, desired of Him a sign from heaven.
there was a woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and utterly unable to lift herself upright.
and as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers:
And as he was near to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side begging.
And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
but Jesus said, Suffer ye thus far; and He touched his ear and healed him.
For the passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those that sold oxen,
The Jews therefore answered and said unto Him, What sign dost thou shew us, seeing thou dost these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again: then said the Jews, read more. Forty and six years has this temple been in building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days? but He spake of the temple of his body. Therefore when he was risen from the dead,
And when he was in Jerusalem at the passover on the feast-day, many believed in his name, seeing his miracles, which He wrought.
who came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for none can do these miracles which thou dost, unless God be with him.
And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum: who, when he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, went to Him, and intreated Him, that he would come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.
And there was a man who had been under illness thirty eight years.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh without intermission, and so do I.
And many of the people believed on Him, and said, When the Messiah cometh, will He do more miracles than this man hath done?
Then came the officers to the chief priests and pharisees, and they said, Why have ye not brought Him? and the officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
And as Jesus was passing along, He saw a man, who had been blind from his birth.
The man answered, and said unto them, Why this is something strange, that ye know not whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes.
And Jesus said, I am come into this world to execute judgement; that they who see not, may see; and that they who say they see, may be made blind. And some of the pharisees who were present, heard these words, and said to Him, Are we blind also? read more. Jesus replied, If ye were blind, ye would not have sin: but now ye say, We see; your sin therefore remaineth.
If I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had not comparatively had sin: but now they have both seen, and hated, both me and my Father.
If I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had not comparatively had sin: but now they have both seen, and hated, both me and my Father.
Now as soon as He said unto them, I am He, they went backwards and fell to the ground.
And indeed Jesus wrought many other signs also in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these things are written, that ye may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life through his name.
They answered Him, No. And He said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye will find some. So they cast it, and they were not able to draw it up by reason of the multitude of fishes.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and prodigies, and signs, which God wrought by Him in the midst of you,
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and prodigies, and signs, which God wrought by Him in the midst of you,
But Peter said, Silver and gold I have not; but what I have I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
by what means he is cured, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, but whom God hath raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone that was set at nought by you builders, which is become the head of the corner. read more. And there is salvation in no other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we can be saved.
who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the holy Spirit: (for He was not yet fallen upon any of them, only they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus:) and then they laid their hands on them, read more. and they received the holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that the holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the holy Spirit. But Peter said unto him, Let thy money perish with thee, since thou thoughtest to purchase the gift of God with money.
While Peter was yet speaking these words, the holy Spirit fell upon all them that heard the word. And those of the circumcision that were believers, who came with Peter, were astonished, that the gift of the holy Spirit was conferred upon the Gentiles also: read more. for they heard them speaking in divers languages, and glorifying God.
And as Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And the men were in all about twelve.
But tho' we or an angel from heaven should preach to you any other gospel than what we have preached to you; let him be accursed. I say it again, if any one preach to you any other gospel than what ye have received, let him be accursed.
who comes, through the efficacy of Satan, with all kind of lying power, and signs,
But this know, that in the last days there will be difficult times; for men will be selfish, covetous, arrogant, proud, blasphemers, undutiful to parents, ungrateful, unholy, read more. without natural affection, perfidious, false accusers, intemperate, savage, enemies to the good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but strangers to the power of it: from such turn away. For of these are they who insinuate themselves into families, and captivate weak women, that are laden with sins, and led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. And as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth; being men of corrupt minds, and of no judgement in the faith.
God also testifying together with them by signs, and wonders, and divers miracles, and gifts of the holy Spirit, according to his own will.
We have also the more sure word of the prophets, to which ye do well to attend, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till the day dawn, and the morning-star rise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation; read more. for prophecy was not delivered of old at the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit.
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye shall see Him, even they that pierced Him: and all the tribes of the earth shall lament before Him. Even so, Amen!
And I saw another beast ascending out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb; but he spake like a dragon. And he exerciseth all the authority of the first beast in his presence; and makes the earth, and those that dwell in it, to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. read more. And he doth great wonders, so that even maketh fire to come down from heaven to earth in the sight of men; and deceiveth those that dwell on the earth, by the signs which it was given him to do in the presence of the beast, telling the inhabitants of the earth to make an image to the beast, that had received the wound of the sword, and yet lived. And he was permitted to give life to the image of the beast, that it might both speak, and cause all those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet, who had wrought signs before him, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast, and those who worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Hastings
MIRACLES
1. The narratives
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and saith unto Him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He will give his angels charge concerning thee, and they shall bear thee up as in their hands, least at any time thou shouldst dash thy foot against a stone: but Jesus said unto him, it is also written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
and Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou cleansed: and immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
And Jesus said to the centurion, Go, and be it unto thee as thou hast believed. And his servant was healed in that very hour.
and He did but touch her hand, and the fever left her; and she rose up and waited on them.
Why are ye so frighted, O ye of little faith? Then He rose up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men wondered, saying, What an amazing person is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him! read more. And when He was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demoniacs coming out from the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no one could pass by that way:
but that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, Arise (saith He then to the paralytic) and take up thy couch, and go away to thy house.
but that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, Arise (saith He then to the paralytic) and take up thy couch, and go away to thy house.
And Jesus turning about, and seeing her, said, Daughter be comforted, thy faith hath cured thee. And from that time the woman was healed.)
But when the people were put out, He went in and took hold of her hand, and the damsel rose up.
Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you: and their eyes were opened.
and when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spake; and the multitudes were amazed, saying, there had never been seen the like in Israel:
cleanse the leprous, raise the dead, cast out demons; and as ye have received freely, freely give.
Then began He to upbraid the cities, in which most of his miracles were wrought; because they did not repent.
Then saith He to the man, Stretch out thine hand: and he stretched it out, and it was made sound like the other.
Then was brought to Him a demoniac, who was blind and dumb; and he healed Him, so that the blind and dumb man both spake and saw:
And he did not many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
And having ordered the multitudes to sit down upon the grass, and taken the five loaves and the two fishes, He looked up to heaven and blessed them; and He brake the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples to the people: and they did all eat, and were satisfied;
Then Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, command me to come unto thee upon the waters.
Then Jesus answering, said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it therefore unto thee as thou desirest. And her daughter was cured from that very hour.
This wicked and degenerate race demand a sign; but no sign shall be given them, except that of the prophet Jonah. And so He left them and went away.
Bring him here to me. And when Jesus rebuked him, the demon departed out of him, and the child was cured from that time.
but that we may not give them offence, go to the sea-side and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and open its mouth, and thou shalt find a piece of money: that take and give them for me and thee.
but that we may not give them offence, go to the sea-side and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and open its mouth, and thou shalt find a piece of money: that take and give them for me and thee.
And Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes; and straightway their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
and seeing a fig-tree by the way, He went up to it, and finding nothing upon it but leaves, He saith to it, Let no fruit ever hereafter grow out of thee: and the fig-tree withered immediately.
and seeing a fig-tree by the way, He went up to it, and finding nothing upon it but leaves, He saith to it, Let no fruit ever hereafter grow out of thee: and the fig-tree withered immediately.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me both in heaven and on earth.
and of the holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out of him: and the impure spirit threw him into convulsions,
and immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake distinctly.
Then He put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored to sight, and saw them all plainly.
And these signs shall accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they should drink any thing poisonous, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall be well.
And when they had done this, they inclosed a multitude of fishes; and their net was breaking.
he fell at the knees of Jesus, saying, Lord, depart from me, for I am a sinful man;
And the dead person sat up, and began to speak: and He delivered him to his mother.
And the disciples of John told him of all these things: so John called two of his disciples to him,
And when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him, and said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
And when the manager of the feast had tasted the water which was made wine, and knew not whence it was, (but the servants, that drew the water, knew,) he called the bride-groom,
This beginning of his miracles Jesus wrought at Cana of Galilee, and made manifest his glory: and his disciples believed on Him.
Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe.
Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe.
Jesus saith unto him, Go, thy son is well. And the man believed what Jesus said unto him, and went his way.
But I have a testimony greater than John's: for the works which the Father hath given me to perform, the very works which I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Therefore the people when they had seen the miracle that Jesus wrought, said, this is certainly the Prophet who was to come into the world.
and said to him, Go wash at the pool of Siloam (which signifies Sent.) He went therefore and washed, and came again seeing.
So they took away the stone from the place where the corpse was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast heard me. I knew indeed that Thou always hearest me: but because of the people standing by I say this, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me.
And he that had been dead came forth, having his feet and hands rolled up in grave-cloths: and his face bound about with a napkin. Then Jesus bid them, Loosen him and let him go.
But though He had done so many miracles before their eyes, yet they did not believe on Him:
Believe me therefore that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: at lest, believe me for the very works.
They answered Him, No. And He said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye will find some. So they cast it, and they were not able to draw it up by reason of the multitude of fishes.
And fear came upon all the people: and many miracles and signs were wrought by the apostles.
And taking him by the right hand, he raised him up: and immediately his feet and ancles were strengthened:
And Ananias at the hearing of these words fell down and expired: and great fear came on all that heard these things.
And immediately she fell down at his feet and expired: and the young men coming in found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders done among the people: And they all met with one accord in Solomon's portico:
insomuch that they brought the sick out into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at lest the shadow of Peter, as he came by, might pass over some of them.
and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the public prison.
Now Stephen being full of grace and power, wrought miracles and great signs among the people.
and Simon himself also believed, and was baptized, and kept constantly with Philip: and beholding the signs and miracles that were wrought, he was amazed.
And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus the Messiah, healeth thee. Arise, and make thy bed. And he rose up immediately.
But Peter, putting them all out, kneeled down and prayed: and then turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself and tie on thy sandals: and he did so. And he saith unto him, Throw thy garment round thee, and follow me.
And now behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing even the sun for a time. And immediately there fell upon him a mist and darkness; and groping about he sought for somebody to lead him by the hand.
This man heard Paul speaking; who looking earnestly at him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
And this she did for many days. But Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
And on a sudden there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bonds were loosed.
so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases lest them, and evil spirits went out of them.
And Paul went down and leaned over him, and took him up and said, Be not disturbed; for his life is in him.
And Paul having gathered together a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came out a viper from the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery: to whom Paul went in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.
For in the first place I delivered to you, that which I also received, to wit, that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures: and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the scriptures.
and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the scriptures.
who comes, through the efficacy of Satan, with all kind of lying power, and signs,
Morish
No sincere believer in the inspiration of scripture can have a doubt as to real miracles having been wrought by the power of God both in O.T. and N.T. times. It is philosophy so-called, or scepticism, that mystifies the subject. Much is said about 'the laws of nature;' and it is confidently affirmed that these are irrevocable and cannot be departed from. To which is added that laws of nature previously unknown are frequently being discovered, and if our forefathers could witness the application of some of the more recent discoveries, as the computer, mobile telephone, etc., they would judge that miracles were being performed. So, it is argued, the actions recorded in scripture as miracles, were merely the bringing into use some law of nature which had been hidden up to that time.
All this is based upon a fallacy. There are no laws of nature, as if nature made its own laws: there are laws in nature, which God in His wisdom as Creator was pleased to make; but He who made those laws has surely the same power to suspend them when He pleases. Though laws in nature hitherto unknown are being discovered from time to time, they in no way account for such things as dead persons being raised to life, the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame walking, and demons being cast out of those who were possessed by them. Neither has natural philosophy discovered any law that will account for such a thing as an iron axe-head swimming in water. The simple truth is that God, for wise purposes, allowed some of the natural laws to be suspended, and at times He put forth His almighty power, as in supplying the Israelites with manna from heaven, and in feeding thousands from a few loaves and fishes, or by recalling life that had left the body.
The words translated 'miracle' in the O.T. are
1. oth, 'a sign,' as it is often translated, and in some places 'token.' Nu 14:22; De 11:3.
2. mopheth, 'a wonder,' as it is mostly translated: it is something out of the ordinary course of events. Ex 7:9; De 29:3.
3. pala, 'wonderful, marvellous.' Jg 6:13.
Moses was enabled to work miracles for two distinct objects. One was in order to convince the children of Israel that God had sent him. God gave him three signs to perform before them: his rod became a serpent, and was again a rod; his hand became leprous, and was then restored; and he could turn the water of the Nile into blood. Ex 4:1-9.
The other miracles, wrought by him in Egypt, were to show to Pharaoh the mighty power of God, who said, I will "multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt . . . . and the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt." Ex 7:3-5. The ten plagues followed, which were miracles or signs of the power of God
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And behold a leper came and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst cleanse me: and Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou cleansed: and immediately his leprosy was cleansed. read more. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no one; but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion beseeching Him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth in my house ill of the palsy, grievously afflicted: and Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. But the centurion answering said, Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof, but speak the word, and my servant will be healed: for I also am a man under the authority of others, yet have soldiers under me; and I say to one, go, and he goeth; and to another, come, and he cometh; and to my servant, do this, and he doth it. And when Jesus heard it He marvelled, and said to them that followed Him, Verily, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith even in Israel: but I tell you, that many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; and the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness; where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion, Go, and be it unto thee as thou hast believed. And his servant was healed in that very hour. And when Jesus came to Peter's house. He saw his wife's mother lying ill of a fever: and He did but touch her hand, and the fever left her; and she rose up and waited on them.
And when He was entered into the ship, his disciples followed Him: and behold a great tempest rose on the sea, so that the vessel was even covered by the waves; but He was asleep. read more. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord save us, for we are perishing: and He saith unto them, Why are ye so frighted, O ye of little faith? Then He rose up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men wondered, saying, What an amazing person is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him! And when He was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demoniacs coming out from the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no one could pass by that way: and they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus thou Son of God? Art Thou come hither to torment us before the time? Now there was at some distance from them a large herd of swine seeding: and the devils besought Him, saying, If Thou cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine: and He said unto them, Go: and they came out and went away into the herd of swine; and lo, all the herd of swine ran furiously down a precipice into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that were feeding them fled, and went away into the city, and related all these things, as also concerning the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Him, they intreated Him to depart from their coasts.
and behold, they brought to Him one that had the palsy laid on a couch: and Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, Take heart my son, for thy sins are forgiven thee. Upon which, some of the scribes said in themselves, This man blasphemeth: but Jesus knowing their surmises, read more. said to them, Why think ye evil in your hearts? For which is easier? To say, thy sins be forgiven thee? or to say, rise up and walk? but that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, Arise (saith He then to the paralytic) and take up thy couch, and go away to thy house. And he rose up and went away to his own house.
As He was speaking these things to them, behold there came a ruler and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is at the point of death: but come, I pray Thee, and put thy hand upon her, and she shall live: and Jesus rose up, and followed him; as did also his disciples. read more. (And lo, a woman who had had a flux of blood for twelve years, came close behind Him, and touched the hem of his garment:
(And lo, a woman who had had a flux of blood for twelve years, came close behind Him, and touched the hem of his garment: for she said within herself, If I can but touch his garment, I shall be cured.
for she said within herself, If I can but touch his garment, I shall be cured. And Jesus turning about, and seeing her, said, Daughter be comforted, thy faith hath cured thee. And from that time the woman was healed.)
And Jesus turning about, and seeing her, said, Daughter be comforted, thy faith hath cured thee. And from that time the woman was healed.) And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the musicians, and the people in confusion; read more. He saith unto them, Retire; for the child is not dead, but asleep. And they laughed at Him. But when the people were put out, He went in and took hold of her hand, and the damsel rose up. And the fame of it spread over all the country. And as Jesus was going from thence, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, Have compassion on us, O Son of David. And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus saith unto them, Do ye believe that I am able to do this? and they say unto Him, Yes Lord. Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you: and their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, Do not divulge it: but they went out and spread his fame through all that country. And as they were going out, there was brought to Him a dumb man, a demoniac: and when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spake; and the multitudes were amazed, saying, there had never been seen the like in Israel:
they asked Him, if it were lawful to heal on the sabbath-days? that they might accuse Him. But He said unto them, What man of you shall have one of his sheep fall into a pit on the sabbath-day, and will not lay hold of it and lift it out? read more. And of how much more worth is a man than a sheep? Sure then it is lawful to do good on the sabbath-days. Then saith He to the man, Stretch out thine hand: and he stretched it out, and it was made sound like the other.
Then was brought to Him a demoniac, who was blind and dumb; and he healed Him, so that the blind and dumb man both spake and saw:
Now when it was evening his disciples came to Him and said, This is a desert place, and meal-time is now past; dismiss the people, that they may go away to the towns, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said to them, they have no need to go away, do ye give them something to eat. read more. And they said, we have nothing here but five loaves and two fishes: and He said, bring them hither to me. And having ordered the multitudes to sit down upon the grass, and taken the five loaves and the two fishes, He looked up to heaven and blessed them; and He brake the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples to the people: and they did all eat, and were satisfied; and they took up what was left even of fragments twelve baskets full. Now they that had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
And in the evening He was there alone. Now the ship was by this time in the midst of the sea, and violently tossed by the waves; for the wind was contrary: but in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them walking on the sea: read more. and when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were affrighted and said, It is an apparition; and they cried out for fear: but Jesus immediately spake to them, saying, Take courage, it is I, be not afraid. Then Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be thou, command me to come unto thee upon the waters. And He said, Come. And Peter went down from the ship and walked upon the waters to go to Jesus: but seeing the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink cried out, Lord, save me. And Jesus, immediately stretching forth his hand, laid hold of him, and saith to him, O man of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? So they got into the ship, and the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Thou art indeed the Son of God.
And Jesus went from thence, and retired into the parts adjacent to Tyre and Sidon. And there came out of those quarters a Canaanitish woman, and cried to Him saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; for my daughter is grievously tormented by a demon. read more. But he answered her not a word: and his disciples came and intreated Him, saying, Send her away, for she crieth importunately after us. But he answered and said, I am sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. However, she came and worshipped Him, saying, Lord help me. But he answered, It is not fit to take the children's bread and throw it to dogs: and she said, True, Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from the table of their masters. Then Jesus answering, said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it therefore unto thee as thou desirest. And her daughter was cured from that very hour.
Then Jesus called his disciples to Him and said, I am moved with compassion to the multitude, for they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: I will not let them go away fasting, least they faint in the way. And his disciples replied, Whence can we have so much bread in this desert place as to satisfy so great a multitude? read more. And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? and they said, Seven, and a few small fishes. Then He bid the people sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves and the fishes, when He had given thanks, He brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were satisfied: and they took up what was left even of fragments seven baskets full. Now they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to Him a man kneeling down and saying, Lord, have compassion upon my son, for he is lunatic and grievously afflicted; for he often falleth into the fire, and often into the water. read more. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not heal him. Then Jesus answered and said, O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to me. And when Jesus rebuked him, the demon departed out of him, and the child was cured from that time.
And when they were come to Capernaum, the receivers of the tribute-money came to Peter and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? Yes, saith he. And when he came into the house, Jesus prevented him and said, What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of other people? read more. Peter saith unto Him, Of others. Jesus answered him, Then are the children free: but that we may not give them offence, go to the sea-side and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and open its mouth, and thou shalt find a piece of money: that take and give them for me and thee.
and behold, two blind men siting by the way-side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the people rebuked them, that they might hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. read more. And Jesus stopt and called them, and said, What do ye desire me to do for you? They answered Him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. And Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes; and straightway their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.
Now in the morning as He was returning to the city, He was hungry; and seeing a fig-tree by the way, He went up to it, and finding nothing upon it but leaves, He saith to it, Let no fruit ever hereafter grow out of thee: and the fig-tree withered immediately. read more. And the disciples seeing it were amazed and said, How suddenly is the fig-tree withered! but Jesus answering said unto them, Verily I tell you, if ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only be able to do this to a fig-tree, but also if ye shall say to this mountain, "Be thou removed and cast into the sea," it shall be done. And all things whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
for there shall rise up false Christs, and false prophets, who shall shew great signs and prodigies, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
And there was in their synagogue a man with an impure spirit, and he cried out, saying, Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee, who thou art, the holy one of God. read more. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out of him: and the impure spirit threw him into convulsions, and roaring with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they inquired of each other, saying, What is this, what new kind of doctrine is this? for He commands with authority even the impure spirits, and they obey Him. And straitway his fame spread into all the country round about Galilee.
And Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever: and they immediately told Him of her: and He came to her, and taking her by the hand raised her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she waited upon them.
And there came to Him a leper, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If thou wilt, thou canst cleanse me: and Jesus, being moved with compassion, stretched out his hand and touched him, and saith unto Him, I will; read more. be thou healed: and as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was healed. And he gave him a strict charge, and immediately dismissed him, and saith unto him, See thou tell no man: but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy purification what Moses has commanded, for a testimony to them. But when he was gone he began to publish it much, and to spread abroad the report: so that Jesus could no more go openly into the city, but kept out in country places: and they came to Him from all parts.
there came some to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men: and not being able to come near to Him for the croud, they uncovered the roof where He was, and when they had made an openning, they let down the couch on which the paralytic was laid. read more. And Jesus, seeing their faith, saith to him that had the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven thee. But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God? And Jesus, who knew immediately in his spirit that they were thus reasoning within themselves, said unto them, Why do ye dispute these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Thy sins are forgiven; or to say, Rise, take up thy couch, and walk? But that ye may know, that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, I say unto thee (saith He to the paralytic,) Arise, and take up thy couch, and go thy way to thine own house. And he instantly arose, and taking up his couch, went out before them all, so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, we never saw the like.
So they dismissed the multitude, and took Him as He was in the ship. But there were other small vessels likewise with Him. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now almost full. read more. And He was in the stern asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, art thou under no concern that we are perishing? And He rose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still; and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how! have ye no faith? And they were exceedingly afraid, and said to one another, Who is this? that even the wind and the sea obey Him?
And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him from the tombs, read more. a man with an impure spirit, who kept among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains: for he had often been bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been pulled asunder by him, and the fetters broken; and no man could tame him: and he was always night and day upon the hills and among the sepulchres bawling, and gashing himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped Him, and crying out with a loud voice said, Jesus thou Son of the most high God, what have I to do with thee? I adjure thee by God, that thou wouldst not torment me: (for He said to him, Thou impure spirit, come out of the man.) And He asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he earnestly intreated Him, that He would not send them out of that country. Now there was a great herd of swine feeding upon the mountains: and all the demons intreated Him, saying, Send us to the swine, that we may enter into them. And immediately Jesus permitted them: and the impure spirits went out of the man, and entered into the swine; and the herd (which were about two thousand,) ran violently down a precipice into the sea, and were suffocated. And they that were feeding the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what was done: and they come to Jesus, and see the demoniac, who had been possessed by the legion, sitting and clothed, and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And when those that saw it told them what had happened to the demoniac, and concerning the swine, they intreated Him to depart from their borders. And as He went into the ship, the demoniac intreated Him that he might be with Him: but Jesus did not permit him; but saith to him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee: and he departed, and published in Decapolis, how great things Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed.
And behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, named Jairus; and as soon as he saw Him, he fell at his feet, and earnestly intreated Him, saying, My little daughter is at the point of death, I beseech thee that thou wouldst come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live. read more. So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him, and pressed about Him. And a woman who had been in a flux twelve years,
And a woman who had been in a flux twelve years, and had suffered a great deal from many physicians, and spent all that she had, and received no benefit, but rather grew worse,
and had suffered a great deal from many physicians, and spent all that she had, and received no benefit, but rather grew worse, when she heard of Jesus, came behind Him in the croud, and touched his garment; for she said,
when she heard of Jesus, came behind Him in the croud, and touched his garment; for she said, If I can but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.
If I can but touch his clothes, I shall be cured. And immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt within herself that she was healed of the disorder.
And immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt within herself that she was healed of the disorder. And immediately Jesus, knowing in Himself that power was gone out of Him, turned about in the croud and said, Who touched my clothes?
And immediately Jesus, knowing in Himself that power was gone out of Him, turned about in the croud and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto Him, Thou seest the multitude crouding about thee, and dost thou ask, Who touched me?
And his disciples said unto Him, Thou seest the multitude crouding about thee, and dost thou ask, Who touched me? and He looked round about to see who had done it.
and He looked round about to see who had done it. But the woman being afraid and trembling, as knowing what had been done in her, came and prostrated herself to Him, and told Him all the truth:
But the woman being afraid and trembling, as knowing what had been done in her, came and prostrated herself to Him, and told Him all the truth: and He said to her, Daughter, thy faith has saved thee; go in peace, and be healed of thy disorder.
and He said to her, Daughter, thy faith has saved thee; go in peace, and be healed of thy disorder. While He was yet speaking, there came some from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying, Thy daughter is dead, why dost thou trouble the Master any more? read more. But Jesus hearing the word that was spoken, immediately saith to the ruler of the synagogue, Fear not, only believe: and He suffered none to go along with Him, but Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And He cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth a tumult, people weeping and lamenting greatly: and when He was come in, He saith unto them, Why do ye take on thus and weep? the child is not dead, but asleep. And they laughed at Him: but when He had turned them all out, He taketh the father, and the mother of the child, and those three that were with Him, and goes in where the child was laid: and taking hold of her hand, He saith unto her, Talitha, cumi, which is, being interpreted, Damsel, (I say unto thee) arise: and immediately the damsel rose up and walked; for she was twelve years old; and they were struck with great astonishment. And He strictly charged them, that no one should know it: and bid them give her something to eat.
And when it was now late in the day, his disciples came to Him, and said, this is a desert place, and it is now late: dismiss them, that they may go into the country-places and villages round about, and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat. read more. But He answered them, Do ye give them something to eat. And they say to Him, shall we go and buy two hundred penny-worth of bread, and give them to eat? But He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they had examined, they said, Five, and two fishes. And He ordered them to cause all the people to sit down by companies upon the grass: and they sat down in an oblong square, an hundred by fifty. And when He had taken the five loaves, and the two fishes, He looked up to heaven, and gave thanks; then He brake the loaves and gave them to his disciples, to set before them; the two fishes likewise He divided among them all. And they did all eat and were fully satisfied. And they took up of the fragments of the bread, and of the fishes, twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men.
And when the evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone upon the land: and He saw them labouring in rowing; (for the wind was contrary:) and about the fourth watch of the night He cometh to them walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. read more. But they seeing Him walking upon the water, thought it was an apparition, and cried out: for they all saw Him and were frighted. And He immediately spake to them, and saith, Be of good courage, it is I, be not afraid. And He went up into the ship to them, and the wind ceased, and they were exceedingly amazed in themselves, and wondered: not considering the miracle of the loaves,
and carried about in beds those that were sick, where they heard He was. And wherever He came into their towns, or cities, or villages, they laid the sick in the streets, and intreated Him that they might but touch the border of his garment, and as many as touched it were healed.
And He arose and went from thence to the borders of Tyre and Sidon; and going into a house He would have had no body know it, but He could not be concealed: for a woman, whose child was possessed by an evil spirit, having heard of Him, came and fell at his feet, read more. (now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation,) and she besought Him to cast out the demon from her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be satisfied: for it is not fit to take the children's bread, and throw it to the dogs. And she answered and said unto Him, True, Lord, yet the dogs under the table, eat of the children's crumbs. And He said unto her, For this saying, go thy way, the demon is gone out of thy daughter. And she went away to her house, and found the demon gone out, and her daughter laid on the bed. And departing again out of the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, He came to the sea of Galilee thro' the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they brought to Him a deaf man, who had likewise an impediment in his speech, and pray Him to put his hand upon him. And He took him aside out of the croud, and He spit and put his fingers into his ears, and touched his tongue: and looking up to heaven He sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, be opened: and immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake distinctly. And He charged them to tell no one, but the more He charged them, the more they published it: and were exceedingly astonished, saying, He hath done all things well; he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
Then He cometh to Bethsaida, where they brought to Him a blind man, and begged of Him that He would touch him. And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and having spit on his eyes, He laid his hands upon him, and asked him, If he saw any thing. read more. And he looked up, and said, I see men (as it were trees) walking. Then He put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored to sight, and saw them all plainly. And He sent him away to his house, and said, Neither go into the town, nor tell any one in the town.
And when He came to the other disciples, He saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes disputing with them. And immediately all the people, when they saw Him, were astonished; and running to Him, saluted Him. read more. And he asked the scribes, What are ye disputing about? And one of the multitude answered, and said, Master I have brought unto thee my son, who is possessed by a dumb spirit: and wherever it seizeth him, it convulseth him; and he fometh, and gnasheth his teeth, and thus he pineth away: and I desired thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not. And He answered and said, O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? bring him to me. And they brought him to Him: and as soon as he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into convulsions: and he fell upon the ground, and rolled about foming. And He asked his father, How long is it since this befel him? And he said, From a child. And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into the waters to destroy him. But if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us and help us. And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And the father of the child immediately cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief. when Jesus saw the people flock together, He rebuked the impure spirit, and said to him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I command thee, Come out of him, and enter no more into him. And when he had rored and vehemently convulsed him, he came out of him: and the child was as one dead, so that many said, that he was dead. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
And they came to Jericho: and as He was going out of Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the way-side begging. And hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. read more. And many rebuked him, that he might hold his peace: but he cried out so much the more, Thou son of David, have pity on me. And Jesus stopt, and ordered him to be called: so they called the blind man, and said to him, Be of good courage, rise up, He calleth thee. And he threw off his outer garment, and arose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, What dost thou desire that I should do for thee? And the blind man said to Him, Lord, that I may recover my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way, thy faith has cured thee. And he immediately recovered his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
And on the morrow, as they came from Bethany, He was hungry: and seeing a fig-tree at a distance, with leaves, He went to see if He might find any thing upon it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; (for the time of gathering figs was not yet come:) And Jesus spake and said unto it, read more. Let no one ever eat fruit of thee hereafter. And his disciples heard it. Then they came to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to turn out those that sold and bought in the court of the temple, and threw down the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves: and suffered not any one to carry a burthen through the courts of the temple. And He taught them, saying, Is it not written, my house shall be called an house of prayer for all nations? But ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how to destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were struck with his doctrine. And when it was evening, He went out of the city. And in the morning, as they were passing by it, they saw the fig-tree withered from the roots. And Peter remembring the tree, saith unto Him, Master, behold, the fig-tree which thou cursedst, is withered. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God: for verily I tell you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, "Be thou removed and cast into the sea," and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith shall be done, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye ask in prayer, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be condemned. And these signs shall accompany them that believe; in my name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues; read more. they shall take up serpents, and if they should drink any thing poisonous, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall be well.
And there was a man in the synagogue possessed by the spirit of an impure demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying, Let us alone, what hast thou to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know who thou art, the holy one of God: read more. but Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out of him. And the demon threw him down in the midst of the assembly, and came out of him, having done him no hurt. And they were all amazed, and said one to another, What a speech is this? for with authority and power He commandeth the impure spirits, and they come out! And his fame spread all over the country round about. And He rose up and went out of the synagogue, and came into the house of Simon: now Simon's wife's mother had a violent fever, and they intreated Him on her behalf. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever, and it left her: and immediately she arose and waited upon them.
And when the people were pressing on Him to hear the word of God, as He stood by the lake of Gennesareth, seeing two vessels at the edge of the lake, (but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets:) read more. He went into one of them, which was Simon's, and desired him to put off a little way from the shore: and He sat down and taught the multitudes from the ship. And when He had done speaking, He said to Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said unto Him, Master, we have been toiling all the night, and have caught nothing; however at thy word I will cast the net. And when they had done this, they inclosed a multitude of fishes; and their net was breaking. And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, to come and help them; and they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were even sinking: and when Simon Peter saw it, he fell at the knees of Jesus, saying, Lord, depart from me, for I am a sinful man; for he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of fishes which they had taken; as were also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Be not afraid, from henceforth thou shalt be a captor of men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they left all and followed Him. And when He was in one of the cities of that country, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus, fell prostrate to Him, and besought Him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst cleanse me. And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, I will; be thou cleansed: and immediately the leprosy departed from him. And He charged him to tell no one: but go, said He, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But the fame of Him spread more and more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities.
and behold, some men bringing on a couch a man that was paralytic; and they endeavoured to bring him in, and lay him before Him: but when they could not find what way to bring him in because of the croud, they went up on the battlements of the house, and let him down from the roof with his couch, into the midst before Jesus, read more. who seeing their faith said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and pharisees began to cavil, saying, Who is this that talketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God? but Jesus knowing their thoughts, answered and said unto them, What are ye disputing in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say, Rise up and walk? but that ye may know, that the Son of man hath power even on earth to forgive sins, (He spake to the paralytic) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go to thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, took up the bed on which he lay, and went away to his house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed and glorified God, and were filled with awe, saying, we have seen wonderful things to-day.
And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that He went into a synagogue and taught; and there was a man there, whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and pharisees watched Him to see if He would work a cure on the sabbath: that they might find an accusation against Him. read more. But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man that had the withered hand, Rise, and stand in the midst: and he rose up and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing, Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to let it be lost? And looking round upon them all, He said to the man, Stretch out thine hand: and he did so, and his hand was made as sound as the other. And they were filled with confusion: and consulted together, what they might do to Jesus.
Now when He had finished his discourse in the audience of the people, He entered into Capernaum: and a certain centurion's servant, whom he had a great value for, was ill and ready to die; read more. and having heard of Jesus, he sent unto Him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that He would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they intreated Him earnestly, saying, he is worthy of this favor: for he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue. So Jesus went with them. And when He was now not far from the house, the centurion sent some of his friends to Him, saying Lord, trouble not thyself, for I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof: neither did I think myself worthy to come unto thee. But speak the word, and my servant will be recovered. For I also am a man placed under the authority of others, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doth it. And when Jesus heard these things, He marvelled, and turning about, said to the multitude that followed Him, I declare unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. And when they that were sent, returned to the house, they found the servant well, that had been sick. And the day after He went to a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with Him, and a great multitude besides: and as He came near to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carrying out to be buried, his mother's only son, and she was a widow: and many of the people of the city were with her. And when the Lord saw her, He was moved with compassion for her, and said to her, Do not weep. And He came up and touched the bier, (and the bearers stopped,) and He said, Young man, I say unto thee, arise. And the dead person sat up, and began to speak: and He delivered him to his mother. And an awe seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, a great prophet is risen up among us, and God hath visited his people. And this report of Him was spread through all Judea, and in all the country round about.
And it came to pass on one of the days that He went into a ship, Himself and his disciples, and He said to them, Let us go over to the other side of the lake. And they launched forth: but as they were failing, He fell asleep: and a storm of wind came down upon the lake, and they were filled with water, and were in great danger. read more. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, Master, master, we are perishing. Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was a calm. And He said unto them, Where is your faith? But they were struck with awe and amazement, and said one to another, who is this? for He commandeth even the winds and the sea, and they obey Him. And they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when He was landed, there met Him a man out of the city, who had been possessed by demons a long while, and wore no clothes, and abode in no dwelling but the tombs. But when he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down to Him, and said with a loud voice, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I beseech thee, do not torment me. (For He commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man; which had oftentimes seized him so violently, that tho' he was bound with chains and fetters, yet he broke the bands asunder, and was driven by the demon into those lonely places.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? and he said, Legion: because many demons were entred into him. And they besought Him that He would not command them to go into the abyss: but as there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain, they intreated Him that He would suffer them to enter into them, and He permitted them. So the demons went out of the man and entred into the swine: and the herd ran violently down the hill into the lake and were drowned. And when those that looked after them saw what was done they fled; and went and told it in city and country: and the people went out to see what was done, and came to Jesus; and found the man, from whom the demons were gone out, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind: and they were afraid, for those that saw it told them how the demoniac was healed. And all the people of the country round about the Gadarenes desired Him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear: and He went into the ship and returned. Now the man from whom the demons were gone out, prayed Him to let him be with Him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return home, and relate what God hath done for thee. So he went away publishing through the whole city what great things Jesus had done to him.
And behold there came a man whose name was Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, and he fell at the feet of Jesus, and intreated Him to come into his house: for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. (But as He was going, the people crouded Him: read more. and a woman who had been in a flux twelve years, and had spent her whole livelyhood upon physicians,
and a woman who had been in a flux twelve years, and had spent her whole livelyhood upon physicians, but could not be healed by any, came close behind Him and touched the hem of his garment, and immediately her flux was stopt.
but could not be healed by any, came close behind Him and touched the hem of his garment, and immediately her flux was stopt. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied it, Peter, and those that were with him, said, Sir, the multitudes throng and press thee, and dost thou ask, Who was it that touched me?
And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied it, Peter, and those that were with him, said, Sir, the multitudes throng and press thee, and dost thou ask, Who was it that touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive a peculiar virtue is gone out of me.
And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive a peculiar virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not concealed, she came trembling, and fell down to Him, and declared before all the people, for what reason she had touched Him, and how she was healed immediately.
And when the woman saw that she was not concealed, she came trembling, and fell down to Him, and declared before all the people, for what reason she had touched Him, and how she was healed immediately. And He said unto her, Daughter, be comforted, thy faith has healed thee, go in peace.)
And He said unto her, Daughter, be comforted, thy faith has healed thee, go in peace.) While He was yet speaking, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's, and said to Him, Thy daughter is dead, trouble not the Master. read more. But Jesus hearing it, answered saying, Fear not, only believe, and she shall be recovered. And when He came to the house, He suffered none to go in but Peter, and James, and John, and the father and mother of the child. And they were all weeping and bewailing her: but He said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. But He turned them all out, and taking hold of her hand, called to her, saying, Child, arise. And her spirit returned, and immediately she stood up: and He ordered something to be given her to eat. And her parents were exceedingly astonished: but He charged them to tell no one what was done.
And when the day began to decline, the twelve came and said to Him, Dismiss the people, that they may go into the villages and country-places round about, and bait, and get food: for here we are in a desert place. But He said unto them, Do ye give them food. And they said, We have but five loaves and two fishes: unless we should go and buy provisions for all this people: read more. for they were about five thousand men. And He said to his disciples, Make them sit down in companies by fifty. And they did so, and caused them all to sit down. And He took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven He blessed them; and brake and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all satisfied: and there was taken up what remained even of fragments twelve baskets.
And the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a great multitude met Him: and one of the people cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee look upon my son, for he is my only child; read more. and lo, a spirit seizeth him, and all on a sudden he screameth, and it convulses him with foaming; and bruising him, with much ado departs from him. And I prayed thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not. Then Jesus answered and said, O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and bear with you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was coming along, the devil bruised and convulsed him: but Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him to his father.
And He was casting out a demon, and it was dumb: and when the demon was gone out, the dumb man spake; and the people wondered.
there was a woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and utterly unable to lift herself upright. And when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him, and said to her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. read more. And He laid his hands upon her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue, being provoked that Jesus had wrought a cure on the sabbath-day, said to the people, There are six days in which ye ought to work; on these therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath-day. The Lord therefore answered him and said, Thou hypocrite, does not any of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall and lead him away to watering? And might not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath-day? Upon his saying this, all his adversaries were ashamed: but the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
And as He was going to Jerusalem, He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee; and as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers: read more. who stood at a distance, and lifted up their voice, saying, Jesus master, have pity on us. And when He saw them, He said unto them, Go and shew yourselves to the priests. And it came to pass as they were going, they were cleansed. And one of them, perceiving that he was healed, returned, with a loud voice glorifying God: and fell prostrate at his feet, giving Him thanks; and He was a Samaritan. And Jesus answered and said, Were not all the ten cleansed? and where are the other nine? Are there none returning to give glory to God, but this stranger? And He said to him, Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath saved thee.
And as he was near to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. read more. And they told him, Jesus of Nazareth is coming by. And he cried out, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have compassion on me. And they, that went before, rebuked him, that he might hold his peace, but he cried out the more, O Son of David, have pity on me. So Jesus stopt, and ordered him to be brought to Him: and when he was come near, He asked him, saying, What wouldst thou that I should do for thee? And he said, Lord, that I may recover my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
And one of them smote the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear: but Jesus said, Suffer ye thus far; and He touched his ear and healed him.
And on the third day after, there was a marriage at Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. read more. And the wine falling short, the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? my time is not yet come. His mother saith to the servants, Whatsoever he ordereth you to do, do it. And there were six stone waterpots, placed according to the custom of purifying among the Jews, containing each about two or three firkins. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water: and they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and carry it to the master of the feast. And they carried it to him. And when the manager of the feast had tasted the water which was made wine, and knew not whence it was, (but the servants, that drew the water, knew,) he called the bride-groom, and saith unto him, Every man sets out good wine at first, and when they have drank plentifully, then that which is worse; but thou hast keep the good wine till now. This beginning of his miracles Jesus wrought at Cana of Galilee, and made manifest his glory: and his disciples believed on Him.
Therefore Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum: who, when he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, went to Him, and intreated Him, that he would come down and heal his son; for he was at the point of death. read more. Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto Him, Lord, come down before my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go, thy son is well. And the man believed what Jesus said unto him, and went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, Thy son is well. He inquired therefore of them the hour in which he grew better: and they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was in that same hour, in which Jesus said to him, Thy son is well. And he and his whole family believed. This is the second miracle that Jesus wrought, upon coming out of Judea into Galilee.
Then Jesus lifted up his eyes, and seeing a great multitude come to Him, saith to Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these people may eat? (and this He said to try him, for He knew what He was going to do:) read more. Philip answered Him, Two hundred penny-worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of his disciples, to wit, Andrew the brother of Simon Peter, saith unto Him, There is a lad here, that hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down: (now there was much grass in the place:) so the men sat down in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were sat down; and of the fishes likewise, as much as they would take. And when they were filled, He saith to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that are left, that nothing may be lost. They therefore gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley-loaves, which remained after they had eaten. Therefore the people when they had seen the miracle that Jesus wrought, said, this is certainly the Prophet who was to come into the world.
And when evening was come, his disciples went down to the sea: and having entered into a ship were going over the Sea towards Capernaum: and it was now dark, and Jesus was not yet come to them. read more. And the sea rose high by reason of a violent wind. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and near the ship: and they were affrighted. But He saith unto them, It is I: be not afraid. They desired therefore to take Him into the ship: and immediately the vessel was at the land to which they were going.
Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre: which was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith unto Him, Lord, by this time he is offensive; for it is the fourth day. read more. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that if thou believest, thou shalt see the glory of God? So they took away the stone from the place where the corpse was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast heard me. I knew indeed that Thou always hearest me: but because of the people standing by I say this, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me. And when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, having his feet and hands rolled up in grave-cloths: and his face bound about with a napkin. Then Jesus bid them, Loosen him and let him go.
After these things Jesus shewed Himself again to the disciples near the sea of Tiberias; and He shewed Himself thus. Simon Peter and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together: read more. and Simon Peter saith unto them, I will go a fishing, and they say to him, We will also go with thee. So they went out, and forthwith entered into a ship: and that night they caught nothing. But when it was morning, Jesus stood on the shore: though the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Young men, have ye any thing to eat? They answered Him, No. And He said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye will find some. So they cast it, and they were not able to draw it up by reason of the multitude of fishes. Whereupon that disciple whom Jesus loved, saith to Peter, "It is the Lord." Then Simon Peter perceiving that it was the Lord, girded on his coat, (for he was stript,) and threw himself into the sea; and the other disciples came in the boat dragging the net of fishes; for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits. And as soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire laid, and fish upon it, and bread. And Jesus saith unto them, Bring some of the fish, which ye have now caught. Then Simon Peter went aboard, and drew the net to land, full of large fishes, an hundred fifty-three: and though there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come, and dine. And none of the disciples presumed to ask Him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus therefore cometh and taketh bread, and giveth it to them, and fish likewise. This was the third time that Jesus shewed Himself to a number of his disciples, after He was risen from the dead.
There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were to be described particularly, I suppose that the whole world could not contain the books that would be written concerning them. Amen.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and prodigies, and signs, which God wrought by Him in the midst of you,
But there was before in the city a man named Simon practising magic and bewitching the people of Samaria, giving out that he was some great person.
And going quite through the island even to Paphos, they found there a certain magician, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. Who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an understanding man: who calling for Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God. read more. But Elymas the magician (for so his name signifies) withstood them endeavouring to turn away the proconsul from the faith.
And a great number of those that had used inquisitive arts, brought the books, and burned them before them all: and they computed the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.
The marks indeed of an apostle have been shewn among you with all patience, by signs, and wonders, and miracles.
who comes, through the efficacy of Satan, with all kind of lying power, and signs,
The salutation of me Paul by my own hand, which is the token in every epistle; for so I write,
And he doth great wonders, so that even maketh fire to come down from heaven to earth in the sight of men; and deceiveth those that dwell on the earth, by the signs which it was given him to do in the presence of the beast, telling the inhabitants of the earth to make an image to the beast, that had received the wound of the sword, and yet lived.
Smith
Miracles.
A miracle may be defined to be a plain and manifest exercise by a man, or by God at the call of a man, of those powers which belong only to the Creator and Lord of nature; and this for the declared object of attesting that a divine mission is given to that man. It is not, therefore, the wonder, the exception to common experience, that constitutes the miracle, as is assumed both in the popular use of the word and by most objectors against miracles. No phenomenon in nature, however unusual, no event in the course of God's providence, however unexpected, is a miracle unless it can be traced to the agency of man (including prayer under the term agency), and unless it be put forth as a proof of divine mission. Prodigies and special providences are not miracles. (A miracle is not a violation of the laws of nature. It is God's acting upon nature in a degree far beyond our powers, but the same king of act as our wills are continually exerting upon nature. We do not in lifting a stone interfere with any law of nature, but exert a higher force among the laws. Prof. Tyndall says that "science does assert that without a disturbance of natural law quite as serious as the stoppage of an eclipse, or the rolling of the St. Lawrence up the falls of Niagara, no act of humiliation, individual or nation, could call one shower from heaven." And yet men by firing cannon during battle can cause a shower: does that cause such a commotion among the laws of nature? The exertion of a will upon the laws does not make a disturbance of natural law; and a miracle is simply the exertion of God's will upon nature. --ED.) Again, the term "nature" suggests to many persons the idea of a great system of things endowed with powers and forces of its own --a sort of machine, set a-going originally by a first cause, but continuing its motions of itself. Hence we are apt to imagine that a change in the motion or operation of any part of it by God would produce the same disturbance of the other parts as such a change would be likely to produce in them if made by us or by any other natural agent. But if the motions and operations of material things be produced really by the divine will, then his choosing to change, for a special purpose, the ordinary motion of one part does not necessarily or probably imply his choosing to change the ordinary motions of other parts in a way not at all requisite for the accomplishment of that special purpose. It is as easy for him to continue the ordinary course of the rest, with the change of one part, as of all the phenomena without any change at all. Thus, though the stoppage of the motion of the earth in the ordinary course of nature would be attended with terrible convulsions, the stoppage of the earth miraculously, for a special purpose to be served by that only, would not of itself be followed by any such consequences. (Indeed, by the action of gravitation it could be stopped, as a stone thrown up is stopped, in less than two minutes, and yet so gently as not to stir the smallest feather or mote on its surface. --ED.) From the same conception of nature as a machine, we are apt to think of interferences with the ordinary course of nature as implying some imperfection in it. But it is manifest that this is a false analogy; for the reason why machines are made is to save us trouble; and, therefore, they are more perfect in proportion as they answer this purpose. But no one can seriously imagine that the universe is a machine for the purpose of saving trouble to the Almighty. Again, when miracles are described as "interferences with the law of nature," this description makes them appear improbable to many minds, from their not sufficiently considering that the laws of nature interfere with one another, and that we cannot get rid of "interferences" upon any hypothesis consistent with experience. The circumstances of the Christian miracles are utterly unlike those of any pretended instances of magical wonders. This difference consists in -- (1) The greatness, number, completeness and publicity of the miracles. (2) In the character of the miracles. They were all beneficial, helpful, instructive, and worthy of God as their author. (3) The natural beneficial tendency of the doctrine they attested. (4) The connection of them with a whole scheme of revelation extending from the origin of the human race to the time of Christ.
Watsons
MIRACLES. A miracle, in the popular sense, is a prodigy, or an extraordinary event, which surprises us by its novelty. In a more accurate and philosophic sense, a miracle is an effect which does not follow from any of the regular laws of nature, or which is inconsistent with some known law of it, or contrary to the settled constitution and course of things. Accordingly, all miracles presuppose an established system of nature, within the limits of which they operate, and with the order of which they disagree. Of a miracle in the theological sense many definitions have been given. That of Dr. Samuel Clarke is: "A miracle is a work effected in a manner unusual, or different from the common and regular method of providence, by the interposition of God himself, or of some intelligent agent superior to man, for the proof or evidence of some particular doctrine, or in attestation of the authority of some particular person." Mr. Hume has insidiously or erroneously maintained that a miracle is contrary to experience; but in reality it is only different from experience. Experience informs us that one event has happened often; testimony informs us that another event has happened once or more. That diseases should be generally cured by the application of external causes, and sometimes at the mere word of a prophet, and without the visible application of causes, are facts not inconsistent with each other in the nature of things themselves, nor irreconcilable according to our ideas. Each fact may arise from its own proper cause; each may exist independently of the other; and each is known by its own proper proof, whether of sense or testimony. As secret causes often produce events contrary to those we do expect from experience, it is equally conceivable that events should sometimes be produced which we do not expect. To pronounce, therefore, a miracle to be false, because it is different from experience, is only to conclude against its general existence from the very circumstance which constitutes its particular nature; for if it were not different from experience, where would be its singularity? or what particular proof could be drawn from it, if it happened according to the ordinary train of human events, or was included in the operation of the general laws of nature? We grant that it does differ from experience; but we do not presume to make our experience the standard of the divine conduct. He that acknowledges a God must, at least, admit the possibility of a miracle. The atheist, that makes him inseparable from what is called nature, and binds him to its laws by an insurmountable necessity; that deprives him of will, and wisdom, and power, as a distinct and independent Being; may deny even the very possibility of a miraculous interposition, which can in any instance suspend or counteract those general laws by which the world is governed. But he who allows of a First Cause in itself perfect and intelligent, abstractedly from those effects which his wisdom and power have produced, must at the same time allow that this cause can be under no such restraints as to be debarred the liberty of controlling its laws as often as it sees fit. Surely, the Being that made the world can govern it, or any part of it, in such a manner as he pleases; and he that constituted the very laws by which it is in general conducted, may suspend the operation of those laws in any given instance, or impress new powers on matter, in order to produce new and extraordinary effects.
In judging of miracles there are certain criteria, peculiar to the subject, sufficient to conduct our inquiries, and warrant our determination. Assuredly they do not appeal to our ignorance, for they presuppose not only the existence of a general order of things, but our actual knowledge of the appearance which that order exhibits, and of the secondary material causes from which it, in most cases, proceeds. If a miraculous event were effected by the immediate hand of God, and yet bore no mark of distinction from the ordinary effects of his agency, it would impress no conviction, and probably awaken no attention. Our knowledge of the ordinary course of things, though limited, is real; and therefore it is essential to a miracle, both that it differ from that course, and be accompanied with peculiar and unequivocal signs of such difference. We have been told that the course of nature is fixed and unalterable, and therefore it is not consistent with the immutability of God to perform miracles. But, surely, they who reason in this manner beg the point in question. We have no right to assume that the Deity has ordained such general laws as will exclude his interposition; and we cannot suppose that he would forbear to interfere where any important end could be answered. This interposition, though it controls, in particular cases, the energy, does not diminish the utility, of those laws. It leaves them to fulfil their own proper purposes, and affects only a distinct purpose, for which they were not calculated. If the course of nature implies the general laws of matter and motion, into which the most opposite phenomena may be resolved, it is certain that we do not yet know them in their full extent; and, therefore, that events, which are related by judicious and disinterested persons, and at the same time imply no gross contradiction, are possible in themselves, and capable of a certain degree of proof. If the course of nature implies the whole order of events which God has ordained for the government of the world, it includes both his ordinary and extraordinary dispensations, and among them miracles may have their place, as a part of the universal plan. It is, indeed, consistent with sound philosophy, and not inconsistent with pure religion, to acknowledge that they might be disposed by the supreme Being at the same time with the more ordinary effects of his power; that their causes and occasions might be arranged with the same regularity; and that, in reference chiefly to their concomitant circumstances of persons and times, to the specific ends for which they were employed, and to our idea of the immediate necessity there is for a divine agent, miracles would differ from common events, in which the hand of God acts as efficaciously, though less visibly. On this consideration of the subject, miracles, instead of contradicting nature, might form a part of it. But what our limited reason and scanty experience may comprehend should never be represented as a full and exact view of the possible or actual varieties which exist in the works of God.
2. If we be asked whether miracles are credible, we reply, that, abstractedly considered, they are not incredible; that they are capable of indirect proof from analogy, and of direct, from testimony; that in the common and daily course of worldly affairs, events, the improbability of which, antecedently to all testimony, was very great, are proved to have happened, by the authority of competent and honest witnesses; that the Christian miracles were objects of real and proper experience to those who saw them; and that whatsoever the senses of mankind can perceive, their report may substantiate. Should it be asked whether miracles were necessary, and whether the end proposed to be effected by them could warrant so immediate and extraordinary an interference of the Almighty, as such extraordinary operations suppose; to this we might answer, that, if the fact be established, all reasonings a priori concerning their necessity must be frivolous, and may be false. We are not capable of deciding on a question which, however simple in appearance, is yet too complex in its parts, and too extensive in its object, to be fully comprehended by the human understanding. Whether God could or could not have effected all the ends designed to be promoted by the Gospel, without deviating from the common course of his providence, and interfering with its general laws, is a speculation that a modest inquirer would carefully avoid; for it carries on the very face of it a degree of presumption totally unbecoming the state of a mortal being. Infinitely safer is it for us to acquiesce in what the Almighty has done, than
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And Jesus said to them in answer, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see: the blind are restored to sight, and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear; the dead are raised to life, and the poor have the gospel preached to them:
which the pharisees hearing, said, "He only casts out demons by the help of Beelzebub the prince of the devils." But Jesus, who well knew their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself becomes desolate; and no city, or family, divided against itself can stand: read more. if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?
Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a servant of God, and do his will, him He heareth. From the beginning of the world it was never heard, that any one opened the eyes of a person that was born blind. read more. And if this man were not from God, He could do nothing.
Jesus answered them, I have told you, and ye do not believe me: though the works that I do in the name of my Father, testify of me.
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
Therefore the chief priests and the pharisees held a council and said, What are we doing? for this man worketh many miracles. If we suffer Him to go on thus, all the people will believe on Him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our place and nation.