In the biblical narrative, miracles are extraordinary events that manifest divine intervention in human affairs. These acts often serve as signs of God's power and authority, and they frequently require faith on the part of those who perform them. The Bible provides numerous examples where faith is a prerequisite for the performance of miracles, underscoring the intimate connection between belief and divine action.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the prophets often performed miracles as a testament to God's power and presence. One notable example is the prophet Elijah, who performed several miracles, including the raising of the widow's son in Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24). Elijah's faith in God was evident as he called upon the Lord to restore the child's life, demonstrating his reliance on divine power rather than his own.

Similarly, Elisha, Elijah's successor, performed miracles that required faith. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, Elisha instructed a widow to gather empty vessels and pour out her small amount of oil, which miraculously multiplied to fill all the containers. The widow's obedience and faith in Elisha's words were crucial for the miracle to occur.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the supreme example of one who performed miracles through faith. Although Jesus, as the Son of God, possessed inherent divine authority, He often emphasized the role of faith in the miraculous. In Matthew 17:20 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." This statement highlights the necessity of faith, even in small measure, to accomplish the miraculous.

The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, also performed miracles that required faith. In Acts 3:1-10, Peter and John healed a man lame from birth at the temple gate. Peter, filled with faith, declared, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). The miracle was a direct result of Peter's faith in the power of Jesus' name.

Faith as a Prerequisite

The requirement of faith for performing miracles is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," recounts numerous instances where faith was integral to the miraculous works of God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on God's power and promises. In Mark 6:5-6 , Jesus' ability to perform miracles in His hometown was limited due to the people's lack of faith: "So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief."

Conclusion

The biblical record consistently demonstrates that faith is a critical component for those who perform miracles. Whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament, faith acts as the conduit through which God's power is manifested in miraculous ways. This principle underscores the importance of a deep, abiding trust in God for those who seek to be instruments of His miraculous works.Matthew 17:20
And Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief: for truly I say to you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 21:21
Jesus answered and said to them, Truly I say to you, If you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Be you removed, and be you cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Nave's Topical Index

John 14:12
Truly, truly, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 3:16
And his name through faith in his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know: yes, the faith which is by him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 6:8
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Nave's Topical Index

The Second Miracle at Cana.
... signs" and "wonders," indicate the two aspects of miracles. ... His faith differed from
that of the centurion in ... that the presence of Jesus was required to perform ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxviii the second miracle at.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... as to come; we are baptized into the faith of the ... of the gospel of Christ." It required
boldness to ... of the powerful support, afforded by the miracles which God ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

Of Miracles which were Wrought that the World Might Believe in ...
... might produce faith, and the faith which they ... the congregations; but these modern
miracles are scarcely ... arrived; all that the circumstances required was ready ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of miracles which were.htm

Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ...
... relying upon the attestations which these miracles afforded to ... if the nature of what
it delivered required the sort of ... In the last ease, my faith would be much ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i our first proposition.htm

What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus
... in such a condition the little faith of his ... therefore, the greatest caution is required
when, according ... the essential difference between the miracles of Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/iii what we can say.htm

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
... actual state, and of what would be required to lift ... The miracles unquestionably formed
a most important element in ... make so large a demand upon faith seems to ...
/.../v the first signthe marriage.htm

Testimonies.
... Least of all is the faith to perform miracles, which was ... and I receive this knowledge
of faith from Jesus ... determined, so immovable, that if it required the loss ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xli testimonies.htm

Acts VI
... and this is all that can be required in a ... people." The power by which he wrought
these miracles is connected ... the fact that he was "full of faith." This accords ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vi.htm

Acts VIII
... In general, miracles were designed to indicate the divine ... this confession was the
only one required of candidates ... already past, and overthrow the faith of some ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... when we are required to reverence God as a Father, and ... uses the term faith for the
gift of miracles"a gift ... If faith cannot support itself in the view of this ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Are the miracles in the Bible to be taken literally? | GotQuestions.org

How can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What are the greatest miracles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus