What other biblical examples show disbelief in God's miraculous works? Setting the Scene: Acts 12:15—Doubt at the Door “‘You are mad,’ they said to her. But she kept insisting that it was so, and they said, ‘It is his angel.’” (Acts 12:15) Rhoda’s report of Peter’s miraculous escape is dismissed as nonsense by believers who are literally praying for that very miracle. They are not alone. Scripture is full of moments when people stare a miracle in the face and still struggle to believe. Old Testament Snapshots of Skepticism • Sarah’s laugh at the promise of Isaac – “So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’” (Genesis 18:12) – The LORD responds in v. 14, “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” • Moses’ hesitation at the burning bush – “Then Moses answered, ‘What if they will not believe me or listen to my voice?’” (Exodus 4:1) • Israel’s unbelief after the plagues and Red Sea – “How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?” (Numbers 14:11) • The royal officer scoffing at Elisha’s prophecy of sudden plenty – “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this thing happen?” (2 Kings 7:2) • Gideon’s repeated requests for fleece signs (Judges 6:36-40) – Even after the angelic call, he asks twice for extra confirmation. New Testament Mirrors of Unbelief • Zechariah in the temple – “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” (Luke 1:18) • Nathanael’s initial skepticism – “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) • Hometown unbelief in Nazareth – “And He was amazed at their unbelief.” (Mark 6:6) • Disciples doubting the women’s resurrection report – “But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.” (Luke 24:11) • Thomas’ demand for physical proof – “Unless I see the nail marks… I will never believe.” (John 20:25) • Father of the demon-tormented boy – “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) Common Threads We Notice • Miracles alone don’t guarantee faith; the heart must yield. • Doubt often rises in moments of fatigue, fear, or familiarity (Nazareth knew Jesus too well). • God patiently addresses honest questions (Gideon, the boy’s father) but confronts hardened disbelief (Numbers 14, 2 Kings 7). • Every episode reveals the same gracious pattern: God still advances His plan, inviting doubters into deeper trust. Takeaway—From Skepticism to Confidence Acts 12:15 reminds us that even praying believers can falter when the answer arrives. Yet the record of Scripture shows God meeting skeptics with proof, patience, and power. Let the catalog of past disbeliefs become fuel for present-day confidence: the God who parted seas, opened prison doors, and raised the dead remains utterly able—and utterly trustworthy—today. |
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