What are examples of miracles in the Bible?

Definition of Miracles

A miracle is commonly understood as a supernatural intervention by God into the natural world, resulting in an event or outcome that cannot be explained by ordinary means. Throughout Scripture, miracles demonstrate divine authority, reveal God’s sovereign power, and confirm His messages. In the Berean Standard Bible, these wonders are recorded to show God’s involvement in human history and to point people toward faith and obedience.

Old Testament Miracles

1. Creation of the Universe (Genesis 1–2)

Scripture begins with a foundational miracle: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This act is unparalleled, revealing an all-powerful Creator who brings everything into existence ex nihilo (out of nothing). Many who support a literal timeline point to the abrupt appearance of life forms as evidence for intentional design rather than random processes.

2. The Flood and Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6–9)

God announced judgment upon a corrupt world and instructed Noah to construct an ark to preserve his family and pairs of animals. Geological findings, such as widespread sedimentary layers and marine fossils on elevated regions, are cited by some researchers (e.g., those at Answers in Genesis) as consistent with a global flood account. Genesis 7:11 chronicles the waters bursting forth from the fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens, underscoring the magnitude of this miracle.

3. The Ten Plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7–12)

When Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go, God sent ten plagues, each demonstrating His sovereignty over Egyptian deities and nature. From water turning to blood (Exodus 7:20) to hail (Exodus 9:23–24) and darkness (Exodus 10:21–22), these acts culminated in the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:29). The miracles served both as judgment on Egypt and liberation for God’s people.

4. Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22)

One of the most iconic miracles is the division of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind... and turned it into dry land” (Exodus 14:21). Archaeologists and scholars have examined proposed sites along the Gulf of Suez or Gulf of Aqaba, with some suggesting geological formations that might align with the biblical reference.

5. Provision of Manna and Water in the Wilderness (Exodus 16–17)

As Israelites journeyed through the desert, daily sustenance arrived in the form of manna (Exodus 16:14–15) and water from a rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:5–6). These provisions exemplify God’s care. This consistent, supernatural supply continued for forty years, reinforcing faith in God’s ability to provide.

6. The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10:12–13)

During a conflict with the Amorites, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still, and “the sun stood still and the moon stopped... until the nation took vengeance on its enemies” (Joshua 10:13). While unique, this event showcases God’s control over cosmic phenomena. Various scholars who explore a young-earth position see this moment as a direct intervention that transcends conventional scientific laws.

7. Elijah’s Miracles (1 Kings 17–18)

From raising the widow’s son from the dead (1 Kings 17:22) to calling down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38), Elijah’s ministry was marked by signs that affirmed the exclusivity of the God of Israel. These events prompted mass acknowledgment that the LORD alone “is God!” (1 Kings 18:39).

8. Elisha’s Miracles (2 Kings 2–6)

Elisha performed wonders echoing his mentor Elijah, including purifying poisoned water (2 Kings 2:21–22), allowing a widow’s oil to multiply (2 Kings 4:3–7), and helping an iron axe head float (2 Kings 6:5–6). Each incident revealed God’s compassionate involvement, even in seemingly small concerns.

Miracles in the Life of Jesus

1. The Virgin Birth (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:34–35)

Though encompassed by the Gospels rather than the Old Testament, the miracle of Christ’s conception stands among the earliest events of the New Testament. Jesus’ birth fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son...” (Isaiah 7:14, cf. Matthew 1:23). This event underscores Christ’s divine nature and unique mission.

2. Turning Water into Wine (John 2:1–11)

At the wedding feast in Cana, Jesus transformed water into wine, marking “the first of His signs” (John 2:11). This miracle displayed His authority over created elements and revealed His compassion in a celebratory setting.

3. Multiplying Food for the Multitudes (Matthew 14:13–21; Matthew 15:32–38)

On at least two occasions, Jesus miraculously multiplied bread and fish to feed thousands. The first instance (Matthew 14:20) notes that the people “all ate and were satisfied,” illustrating divine provision in a dire situation. Such creative acts echo the provision of manna in the wilderness, linking Christ’s ministry to God’s constant faithfulness.

4. Healing the Sick and Disabled

Numerous miracles involve Jesus healing lepers (Luke 17:11–14), the blind (John 9:6–7), and those paralyzed (Mark 2:5–12). The cumulative effect of these miraculous healings validated His claim to divine authority. Many of these accounts appear in historical records outside of the Bible (e.g., partial references in the writings of Josephus), affirming that Jesus was renowned as a miracle-worker.

5. Raising the Dead

Jesus raised individuals such as Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:41–42) and Lazarus (John 11:43–44). These events foreshadowed the ultimate victory over death and confirmed Christ’s identity as “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

6. Walking on Water (Matthew 14:25–27)

As His disciples struggled on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus approached by walking on the water. When they cried out in fear, He responded, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). This moment visualized the supremacy of divine power over nature.

7. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20)

The resurrection stands as the centerpiece of Christian faith, confirmed by multiple eyewitness accounts (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) and supported by extensive apologetic research (notably documented by Gary Habermas). According to Matthew 28:6, an angel announced, “He is not here; He has risen.” The empty tomb, the transformation of the disciples, and corroborative historical references (including those by Roman historians such as Tacitus) serve as powerful lines of evidence for this unparalleled miracle.

Miracles in the Early Church

1. Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4)

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the believers, and they spoke in various tongues. Acts 2:4 says, “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” The crowd’s diverse language groups recognized God’s message, confirming the supernatural origin of this moment.

2. Apostolic Healings and Wonders

Peter healed a beggar at the temple gate, who then “entered the temple courts with them, walking and leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:8). Paul performed signs such as raising Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:9–12). These miracles helped spread the gospel in a hostile setting, indicating divine approval of the early Church’s message.

3. Angelic Deliverances

Peter’s release from prison was orchestrated by an angel (Acts 12:7–9). This continued line of miraculous intervention further validated the sovereignty and protection of God over those who serve Him faithfully.

Miracles in the Prophetic Books

In addition to the narratives of Elijah and Elisha, other prophets also highlight supernatural acts. Daniel’s deliverance from the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22) and the preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25–27) remain powerful testimonies of God defending those who honor Him under extreme threats.

Archaeological, Historical, and Geological Corroborations

• Documents such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the reliability of many Old Testament texts, supporting textual consistency where miracles are recorded.

• Discoveries of ancient cities, artifacts, and inscriptions (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele referencing the “House of David,” the Pilate Stone attesting to Pontius Pilate) lend historical plausibility to the biblical setting for miraculous events.

• Geologically, flood geology proponents reference the fossil record and rock strata as consistent with a single catastrophic deluge, aligning with the Genesis Flood narrative.

• Historical witnesses of Jesus’ miracles appear in the Jewish historian Josephus’s Antiquities 18.63–64 (though debated in parts), as he alludes to Jesus’ reputation for extraordinary feats.

Purpose and Significance of Biblical Miracles

Miracles serve to (1) reveal God’s character and power, (2) confirm the truthfulness of His word, and (3) inspire faith in His promises. They act as divine “signs” to authenticate messages and messengers, ultimately pointing to the identity of God, culminating in the resurrection of Christ.

Throughout Scripture, miracles underscore that the universe is under the mastery of its Creator. They remind believers and skeptics alike that life’s ultimate purpose lies in knowing and glorifying God. As the narratives and evidences attest, these divine interventions still resonate with thousands, inviting earnest inquiry into the reality of a God who has acted and continues to act in our world.