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What Are Miracles?

Miracles are extraordinary events that defy natural laws, performed by divine intervention. In the Bible, miracles are acts of God that demonstrate His power and authority over creation. They serve as a testimony to His existence, character, and will. Unlike everyday occurrences, miracles are supernatural events that cannot be explained by natural processes or scientific understanding. They are signs of God’s direct involvement in the world, often serving a specific purpose, such as delivering His people, confirming His message, or demonstrating His sovereignty.

Miracles in the Bible range from creation ex nihilo, where God created the universe out of nothing, to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Each miracle serves as a testament to God’s power, wisdom, and love. They are not random acts but are purposeful, aligning with God’s plan and revelation to humanity. By understanding miracles, believers can appreciate the depth of God’s interaction with His creation and His ongoing involvement in human history.

The Vocabulary of Miracles

The Bible uses specific terms to describe miracles, each highlighting different aspects of these divine acts. The primary Hebrew and Greek terms used are:

Sign (Hebrew: אוֹת, ‘oth; Greek: σημεῖον, sēmeion): This term emphasizes the purpose of a miracle as a sign pointing to a greater reality, often revealing God’s will or authenticating His messengers. For example, the signs performed by Moses in Egypt (Exodus 7:3) served to demonstrate God’s power and authority to Pharaoh and the Israelites.
Wonder (Hebrew: מוֹפֵת, mopheth; Greek: τέρας, teras): This term focuses on the amazement and awe that miracles inspire in those who witness them. Wonders are extraordinary events that provoke a sense of fear or reverence. In the New Testament, wonders often accompany signs, emphasizing the astonishing nature of the event (Acts 2:22).
Power (Greek: δύναμις, dynamis): This term highlights the supernatural power or force behind a miracle, indicating that it is an act of divine strength. The miracles performed by Jesus and the apostles are often described using this term, showcasing the power of God at work through them (Mark 5:30; Acts 1:8).
Work (Greek: ἔργον, ergon): This term is used to describe the deeds or works of God, emphasizing the miraculous acts as part of His divine activity. Jesus referred to His miracles as works that testify to His divine mission and authority (John 5:36).

These terms collectively convey the multifaceted nature of miracles, underscoring their purpose, impact, and divine origin. They help believers understand that miracles are not just extraordinary events but are significant acts of God that reveal His character and intentions.

Not “Explained Away” by Logic

Miracles, by definition, transcend natural explanations and logical reasoning. While skeptics may attempt to rationalize or dismiss miracles using scientific or logical arguments, such efforts fall short of addressing the true nature of these divine acts. Miracles are not subject to the limitations of human understanding or natural laws; they are manifestations of God’s omnipotence and sovereignty over creation.

The biblical account of miracles challenges the notion that everything can be explained through natural processes or scientific inquiry. For instance, the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) defies any natural explanation. The waters were divided, and the Israelites crossed on dry ground, an event that cannot be replicated or understood through natural means. Similarly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:1-10) is a miracle that transcends all natural laws, as it involves a dead person returning to life by the power of God.

Efforts to explain away miracles using logic or science often stem from a naturalistic worldview that denies the possibility of supernatural intervention. However, such a worldview is limited and fails to account for the full scope of reality as presented in the Bible. Believers accept that miracles are acts of God that reveal His power and purpose, and they embrace the mystery and wonder that come with these divine events.

Credibility of the Testimony

The credibility of biblical miracles is supported by the reliability and integrity of the testimonies recorded in Scripture. The Bible presents miracles as historical events witnessed by real people, often corroborated by multiple sources. The testimonies of miracles are not presented as myths or legends but as factual accounts grounded in the reality of God’s interaction with humanity.

For example, the miracles performed by Jesus were witnessed by His disciples, the crowds, and even His opponents. The Gospels provide multiple accounts of the same miracles, each written by different authors who either witnessed the events firsthand or received their information from reliable sources. The consistency and coherence of these accounts enhance their credibility.

Additionally, the early church fathers and historians, such as Josephus and Tacitus, provide external corroboration of some biblical events, lending further credibility to the miraculous accounts. The willingness of the apostles and early Christians to suffer persecution and martyrdom for their testimony also attests to the sincerity and truthfulness of their witness.

The credibility of biblical miracles is not based on blind faith but on the reliability of the witnesses, the consistency of the accounts, and the transformative impact of these events on the lives of those who experienced them. Believers can have confidence in the testimony of miracles, knowing that they are grounded in historical reality and divine truth.

Characteristics of Bible Miracles

Bible miracles possess distinct characteristics that set them apart from other extraordinary events. These characteristics include:

Divine Origin: Bible miracles are acts of God, performed by His power and will. They are not magic tricks or the result of human manipulation but are manifestations of God’s sovereign authority over creation.
Purposeful: Each miracle serves a specific purpose in God’s plan, whether it is to deliver His people, authenticate His messengers, or reveal His glory. Miracles are not random or arbitrary but are intentional acts that align with God’s redemptive work.
Supernatural: Miracles transcend natural laws and cannot be explained by scientific or natural means. They involve events that are beyond the ordinary course of nature, such as the parting of the Red Sea or the resurrection of Jesus.
Instantaneous: Many biblical miracles occur immediately, without a gradual process. For example, Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead with a word or a touch, and the changes were instantaneous (Mark 1:42; John 11:43-44).
Verifiable: Bible miracles often involve physical evidence or multiple witnesses that verify the occurrence of the event. The healing of the lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10) was witnessed by many, and the man’s restored ability to walk was undeniable proof of the miracle.
Transformative: Miracles have a profound impact on the lives of those who experience them, often leading to increased faith, repentance, and worship of God. The miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11) led Peter to recognize Jesus’ divine authority and commit to following Him.
Aligned with God’s Character: Bible miracles reflect God’s character, including His love, justice, mercy, and holiness. They reveal His compassion for the suffering, His power to save, and His commitment to His covenant promises.

By understanding these characteristics, believers can discern true biblical miracles from false claims or deceptive practices. They can appreciate the significance of miracles as acts of God that reveal His nature and advance His redemptive purposes.

The Purpose of Miracles in the Early Church

Miracles played a crucial role in the early church, serving several key purposes:

Authentication of the Message and Messengers: Miracles confirmed the divine origin of the gospel message and authenticated the apostles as God’s chosen messengers. The signs and wonders performed by the apostles demonstrated that their teaching was from God and carried His authority (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
Evangelism and Conversion: Miracles attracted attention and opened hearts to the gospel. The miraculous healing of the lame man at the temple gate led to an opportunity for Peter to preach, resulting in many conversions (Acts 3:1-10; Acts 4:4). Miracles served as a powerful testimony to the reality and power of Jesus Christ, drawing people to faith.
Edification of Believers: Miracles strengthened the faith of believers and encouraged them in their walk with God. The miracles performed by the apostles and other early Christians demonstrated God’s ongoing presence and power in the church, providing reassurance and motivation to remain faithful (Acts 4:29-31).
Demonstration of God’s Kingdom: Miracles provided a foretaste of the coming kingdom of God, where sin, sickness, and death will be fully eradicated. They illustrated the power of God’s kingdom breaking into the present world, offering hope and anticipation for the future (Matthew 12:28; Revelation 21:1-4).
Compassion and Mercy: Many miracles in the early church involved acts of healing and deliverance, reflecting God’s compassion and mercy for the suffering. These miracles demonstrated God’s love and care for His people, providing tangible expressions of His grace (Matthew 14:14; Acts 9:36-42).

The purpose of miracles in the early church was multifaceted, serving to authenticate the gospel, draw people to faith, strengthen believers, demonstrate God’s kingdom, and express His compassion. They were essential in establishing the church and advancing God’s redemptive mission in the world.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).