Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature Miracles, often referred to as "marvellous things" in the Bible, are extraordinary events that manifest divine intervention in the natural order. These acts are characterized by their supernatural origin and purpose, serving as signs of God's power and presence. The term "miracle" is derived from the Latin "miraculum," meaning "a wonder" or "something to be marveled at." In the biblical context, miracles are not merely wonders but are purposeful acts that reveal God's character and His sovereign will. Old Testament Examples The Old Testament is replete with accounts of miracles that demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His people. One of the earliest recorded miracles is the parting of the Red Sea, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. As described in Exodus 14:21-22 , "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, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left." Another significant miracle is the provision of manna in the wilderness, where God sustained the Israelites with bread from heaven. In Exodus 16:4 , the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day." Prophetic Miracles The prophets of the Old Testament also performed miracles as a testament to their divine calling. Elijah, for instance, called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice on Mount Carmel, demonstrating the power of the true God over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:38). Elisha, his successor, performed numerous miracles, including the multiplication of oil for a widow (2 Kings 4:1-7) and the raising of the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4:32-35). New Testament Miracles The New Testament presents the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as the pinnacle of miraculous activity. Jesus performed numerous miracles, which served as signs of His divine authority and messianic identity. These include healing the sick, raising the dead, and controlling nature. One of the most notable miracles is the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude (Matthew 14:19-21). The resurrection of Lazarus is another profound miracle, illustrating Jesus' power over death. In John 11:43-44 , Jesus called out, "Lazarus, come out!" and the man who had been dead for four days emerged from the tomb. Miracles in the Early Church The Acts of the Apostles records the continuation of miraculous works through the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The apostles performed signs and wonders, affirming the message of the Gospel. In Acts 3:6-8 , Peter healed a lame man at the temple gate, saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" The man leaped to his feet and began to walk, praising God. Purpose and Significance Miracles in the Bible serve multiple purposes. They authenticate the messenger and the message, as seen in the ministries of Moses, the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles. They also reveal God's compassion and concern for human suffering, as demonstrated in the healing miracles of Jesus. Furthermore, miracles are a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God, where the natural order will be fully restored. Faith and Miracles The relationship between faith and miracles is a recurring theme in Scripture. While miracles can inspire faith, they are not dependent on it. Jesus often performed miracles in response to faith, as in the healing of the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:13), yet He also performed miracles in the absence of faith, as seen in the raising of the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-15). Skepticism and Belief Throughout history, miracles have been met with both skepticism and belief. The Bible acknowledges this tension, as seen in the varied responses to Jesus' miracles. Some believed and followed Him, while others attributed His works to demonic powers (Matthew 12:24). Despite skepticism, the biblical narrative affirms the reality and significance of miracles as manifestations of God's power and love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:12Marvelous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Miracles Deemed an Essential Sign of Messiahship. Of the Miracles Wrought by the True God through the Ministry of ... Psalm CXIV. Marvellous History of the Death of a Gentleman who Died of Love on ... Miracles of the Magicians. Synopsis. --Biblical Miracles the Effluence of Extraordinary Lives ... Of the Life and Miracles of Jesus, and Testimonies Concerning Them ... That the Ultimate Reason for Believing Miracles is the Omnipotence ... Marvellous Increase of the Church "My Sin Shall not Hinder his Goodness Working. . . . A Deed Shall ... Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org Does God still perform 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 |
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