What New Testament events parallel the "signs and wonders" in Deuteronomy 29:3? “Signs and Wonders” in Deuteronomy 29:3 “You saw with your own eyes the great trials, those signs and great wonders.” (Deuteronomy 29:3) Israel’s liberation from Egypt was authenticated by a visible trail of supernatural acts. The New Testament intentionally echoes those acts to show that the same saving God is at work through Christ and His church. The Phrase Reappears in the New Testament • “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs.” (Acts 2:22) • “A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.” (Acts 2:43) The identical wording signals a deliberate connection back to the Exodus events. Miracles of Jesus that Mirror the Exodus • Water transformed – Exodus 7:20 — Nile → blood – John 2:1-11 — water → wine (“Jesus performed this, the first of His signs…”) • Bread from heaven – Exodus 16 — manna in the wilderness – John 6:10-14 — feeding 5,000; Jesus later calls Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35) • Dominion over the sea – Exodus 14:21-22 — sea divided for Israel – Mark 6:48-51; Matthew 14:25-33 — Jesus walks on water; wind calms at His word • Plague-like darkness – Exodus 10:21-23 — three days of darkness over Egypt – Luke 23:44-45 — “darkness came over all the land” from noon to three at the crucifixion • Victory over death – Exodus 12:29-32 — death of Egypt’s firstborn leads to Israel’s release – John 11:43-44; Luke 7:14-15 — Jesus raises the dead, culminating in His own resurrection (Acts 2:24) Cosmic Signs Surrounding the Cross and Resurrection • Earthquake and torn veil (Matthew 27:51-54) parallel Sinai’s quaking mountain (Exodus 19:16-18). • The resurrection morning earthquake (Matthew 28:2) echoes the trembling of Egypt under God’s power. Signs and Wonders in the Early Church (Acts) • Acts 3:1-10 — lame man walks: a picture of new freedom replacing slavery. • Acts 5:12-16 — multitudes healed, reminiscent of Israel leaving Egypt “with none feeble among them” (Psalm 105:37). • Acts 13:6-11 — Elymas struck blind, recalling the plague of darkness. • Acts 16:25-34 — earthquake-opened prison doors parallel the parted Red Sea. • Summary: “God also bore witness… by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” (Hebrews 2:4) Why the Parallels Matter • Verification – In both Testaments, extraordinary works authenticate God’s messenger and message. • Continuity – The God who delivered Israel is the God who saves through Christ; redemption history is one unbroken story. • Anticipation – New-covenant signs point ahead to the ultimate, worldwide “exodus” when creation itself is set free (Romans 8:21). Living in Light of These Truths The record of past wonders fuels present faith. The same Lord still leads, provides, and delivers, assuring believers that His power to save has never diminished. |
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