Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature Miracles, often referred to as "marvelous things" in the Bible, are extraordinary events that manifest divine intervention in the natural order. They are acts of God that transcend human understanding and the laws of nature, serving as signs of His power, presence, and purpose. The term "miracle" is derived from the Latin "miraculum," meaning "a wonder" or "something to be marveled at." Old Testament Miracles The Old Testament is replete with accounts of miraculous events that demonstrate God's sovereignty and covenantal faithfulness. One of the earliest recorded miracles is the parting of the Red Sea, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage: "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. So the waters were divided" (Exodus 14:21). Other notable miracles include the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-5), the stopping of the sun and moon during Joshua's battle at Gibeon (Joshua 10:12-14), and the miraculous victories granted to Gideon and his 300 men (Judges 7:19-22). These events underscore God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people, often serving as a means of deliverance or judgment. Prophetic Miracles The prophets of the Old Testament were often instruments through whom God performed miracles. Elijah and Elisha, in particular, were associated with numerous miraculous acts. Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice on Mount Carmel, demonstrating the power of the true God over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36-39). Elisha, his successor, performed miracles such as the multiplication of oil for a widow (2 Kings 4:1-7) and the raising of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:32-37). New Testament Miracles The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate miracle worker, whose life and ministry were marked by numerous miraculous acts. These miracles authenticated His divine nature and messianic mission. Jesus turned water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11), healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the dead, as in the case of Lazarus (John 11:43-44). The miracles of Jesus were not merely displays of power but were deeply symbolic, pointing to spiritual truths and the coming of God's kingdom. For instance, the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) illustrated Jesus as the Bread of Life, providing for the spiritual and physical needs of His followers. Apostolic Miracles Following the ascension of Christ, the apostles continued to perform miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. These acts served to confirm the message of the Gospel and the authority of the early church. Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:6-8), and Paul performed numerous miracles, including the raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:9-12). Purpose and Significance Miracles in the Bible serve several purposes. They are signs that authenticate God's messengers and their message, as seen in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. They also reveal God's compassion and concern for human suffering, as demonstrated in the healing miracles. Furthermore, miracles often serve as a call to faith and repentance, inviting witnesses to recognize the divine authority of Jesus Christ and the truth of the Gospel. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, miracles affirm the reality of a personal, omnipotent God who is actively involved in His creation. They challenge the naturalistic worldview by demonstrating that the universe is not a closed system but is open to divine intervention. Miracles also point to the eschatological hope of the new creation, where God's kingdom will be fully realized, and His will perfectly accomplished. Conclusion While miracles are extraordinary and rare, they are integral to the biblical narrative, revealing the character and purposes of God. They invite believers to trust in God's power and providence, encouraging a faith that rests not on human wisdom but on the demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Nave's Topical Index Psalm 78:12Marvelous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 6381. pala -- to be surpassing or extraordinary... accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make ... /hebrew/6381.htm - 6k Library Whether Demons Can Lead Men Astray by Means of Real Miracles? The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ... Jesus visits Nazareth and is Rejected. What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus Four Miracles "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Our Task Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs. The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ. Antichrist in Daniel Resources What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
    |