What Old Testament figures performed "wonders and signs" similar to Stephen's in Acts 6:8? Stephen’s Miracles and Their Old Testament Echoes “Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8) The phrase “wonders and signs” (Greek: terata kai sēmeia) ties Stephen to a long line of servants through whom God displayed His power in unmistakable ways. 1. Moses and Aaron – Foundational Miracle-Workers • Exodus 4:30–31 — “Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses, and he performed the signs before the people.” • Exodus 7-12 — Ten plagues confront Pharaoh. • Exodus 14:21-22 — The Red Sea parts: “The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground.” • Numbers 17:8 — Aaron’s staff buds, blossoms, and bears almonds. Their ministry establishes God’s pattern of authenticating His messengers through visible, supernatural acts. 2. Joshua – Miracles of Conquest and Possession • Joshua 3:14-17 — The Jordan River stops, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground. • Joshua 6:20 — Jericho’s walls collapse at the blast of trumpets and a shout. • Joshua 10:12-14 — “Sun, stand still over Gibeon… and the sun stood still.” Joshua’s signs confirm God’s continued presence after Moses and validate Israel’s advance into the Promised Land. 3. Gideon – Signs for Calling and Victory • Judges 6:36-40 — Twice the fleece test confirms God’s promise. • Judges 7:19-22 — A mere 300 men rout Midian as “the LORD set the sword of one against another.” The miracles reassure Gideon and the nation that salvation is the LORD’s work, not human strength. 4. Samson – Power in Personal Deliverance • Judges 14:6 — “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him” to tear a lion apart bare-handed. • Judges 15:14-17 — Slays a thousand Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone. • Judges 16:29-30 — Pulls down the temple of Dagon. Though flawed, Samson’s feats are signs of God’s covenant faithfulness amid Israel’s unfaithfulness. 5. Samuel – Prophetic Signs to Underscore God’s Word • 1 Samuel 7:9-10 — Thunder from the LORD routes the Philistines. • 1 Samuel 12:16-18 — “The LORD sent thunder and rain that day,” confirming Samuel’s warning at Saul’s coronation. 6. Elijah – Prophet of Fire and Life • 1 Kings 17:22 — The widow’s son revived. • 1 Kings 18:38 — “The fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering.” • 2 Kings 1:10-12 — Fire from heaven consumes hostile captains. Elijah’s wonders call Israel back to exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. 7. Elisha – Double Portion Miracles • 2 Kings 2:8, 14 — Parts the Jordan with Elijah’s cloak. • 2 Kings 4:32-35 — Raises the Shunammite’s son. • 2 Kings 5:14 — Naaman cleansed of leprosy. • 2 Kings 6:6 — An iron axe head floats. • 2 Kings 13:21 — A dead man revives upon touching Elisha’s bones. Elisha’s prolific signs demonstrate God’s overflowing compassion and sovereignty. 8. Daniel – Wonders of Protection and Revelation • Daniel 3:27 — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego unharmed in the fiery furnace. • Daniel 6:22 — “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions.” • Daniel 2 & 4 — God reveals and fulfills prophetic dreams. These miracles highlight God’s power in exile, assuring His people that kingdoms rise and fall under His hand. Key Takeaways • Stephen’s ministry stands in continuity with God’s historic pattern: when He raises a new witness, He often authenticates that witness through visible power. • From Moses to Daniel, miracles are never ends in themselves; they point to God’s character, confirm His word, and call people to faith and repentance. • Acts 6:8 marks Stephen as part of this unfolding story, demonstrating that the same God who acted in Israel’s past is now working through the risen Christ’s church. |
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