Miracles

In the biblical narrative, miracles serve as divine interventions that reveal God's power and authority. They are extraordinary events that transcend natural laws, often performed by God or through His chosen servants. Miracles are pivotal in affirming the divine message and authenticating the messenger. In the Old Testament, miracles are prominently displayed in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:14-15). These acts demonstrate God's sovereignty and His covenantal faithfulness to His people.

In the New Testament, miracles are central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. They serve as signs of the coming Kingdom of God and attest to Jesus' divine identity. The Gospel of John refers to miracles as "signs" that reveal Jesus' glory and lead people to faith (John 2:11). Notable miracles include the healing of the blind (John 9:6-7), the raising of Lazarus (John 11:43-44), and the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:10-13). These acts of power underscore Jesus' authority over creation, illness, and even death.

The apostles also performed miracles, which confirmed their apostolic authority and the truth of the Gospel message. In Acts, Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:6-8), and Paul raises Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:9-12). These miracles served to establish the early church and spread the Gospel.

Wisdom

Wisdom in the Bible is portrayed as a divine attribute and a gift from God, essential for righteous living and understanding His will. It is more than mere knowledge; it is the application of divine truth to life. The Book of Proverbs is a primary source of biblical wisdom, emphasizing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to the simple to embrace understanding and live prudently (Proverbs 8:1-4).

In the Old Testament, King Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, which he received from God in response to his humble request (1 Kings 3:9-12). Solomon's wisdom is exemplified in his judicial decisions, such as the famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). His wisdom also extends to his writings, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.

The New Testament continues the theme of wisdom, with Jesus Christ being the ultimate embodiment of divine wisdom. The Apostle Paul writes that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). This wisdom is characterized by purity, peace-loving, consideration, submission, mercy, and sincerity (James 3:17).

In summary, miracles and wisdom are integral to the biblical narrative, each serving distinct yet complementary roles. Miracles demonstrate God's power and validate His messengers, while wisdom provides the framework for living in accordance with God's will. Together, they reveal the character of God and His purposes for humanity.