The term "miracle" is used rather loosely today. In the Bible a miracle was something beyond natural occurrence. By definition, the word translated miracle "is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means...." (Vine's, III:75).

In Bible terms, a miracle is the supernatural intervention of divine power into the natural world (cf. John 6:19; 11:39, 43-44). So for example, while the birth of a child is a marvelous wonder, it is not, by Biblical standards, a miracle. A failure properly define what is meant by "miracle" causes religious confusion over miracles. Clear Bible facts will eliminate this confusion.

 SIGNS, WONDERS AND POWERS-- (Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:4)

• SIGNS: Their design was to reveal the presence of God - John 3:1-2; 9:32-33.
• WONDERS: Their nature was to attract the attention of men, to cause astonishment - Acts 3:9-11.
• POWERS: Their origin was God - Acts 10:38; 3:12, 16.

 WHY WERE MIRACLES PERFORMED?

• Produce belief that Jesus is the Christ - John 20:30-31; 5:36; 10:25, 38; 11:42; Matthew 11:2-6.
• Reveal the gospel to Christ's apostles and prophets - John 16:13; Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:3-5.
• Divine confirmation of the gospel message - Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:2-4.

 WHO PERFORMED MIRACLES?

• Jesus Christ - Matthew 4:23-24; Acts 2:22; 10:38.
• Those to whom Jesus gave the power - Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:1, 9, 17.
• The Apostles Of Christ - 2 Corinthians 12:12. (Baptized with the Holy Spirit - Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:1-4).
• Christians On Whom An Apostle Laid His Hands To Impart
• Spiritual Gifts - Acts 8:14-18; 19:6; 2 Timothy 1:6.

 HOW LONG DID MIRACLES LAST?

Until the death of those who had the power to work them. (The means of imparting miraculous spiritual gifts ceased when the apostles died.)
Until their purpose was fulfilled -- When the gospel was completely revealed and confirmed - 1 Corinthians 13:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Miracles served their purpose and came to an end with the completion of God's revelation, the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Divine miracles are recorded in the Bible for our benefit. Through them our faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened and our confidence in the authenticity of the scriptures is secure.

Return to Fundamentals of the Faith