Miracle

Generally speaking, the term "miracle" defines an act of supernatural origin performed either (i) by the divinity, (ii) by divine agents, or (iii) by evil agencies. In the case of Christianity, a "miracle" is mainly considered as an action performed by God or His agents (Ex. 7:3ff; Dt. 4:34,35; Jn. 3:2; Jn. 9:32,33 _inter alia_). It is, nevertheless, recognized as possible that evil agencies perform deceiving miracles (Mt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9 etc.).

Terms pertaining to three classes are used both in the Old and the New Testaments to describe the wonderful phenomena that we call miracles. The first class of terms lays particular stress on the exceptional character of the actions. Words like the Hebrew _pele’_ and _niphla’oth_ or the Greek _téras_, meaning "portent" (see Ex. 3:20; Ex. 15:11; Mt. 24:24; Acts 2:22,43 among others), belong to this class and stress the difference and magnificence of these actions when compared with normal everyday actions.

Another class of terms includes the Hebrew _gebhurah_ and the Greek _dunamis_, meaning "might" (see Dan. 2:20,23; Mt. 11:20,21,23; Mt. 14:2; 2 Cor. 12:12, etc), and gives significance to the power displayed by the performed actions.

The third class includes words like the Hebrew _’oth_ and the Greek _semeion_, both meaning "sign", and lays particular attention to the theological significance of the action.

The Old Testament has several miracle reports, the greatest of which is probably the crossing of the Red Sea, which followed the delivery of the Jews from Egyptian bondage (see Ex. 14:21-31; Dt. 4:32-35). This miracle was accompanied by less spectacular miracles also to be considered (Ex. 7:3 and Ex. 13:21,22 _inter alia_).

These miracles, those previously reported in the Hebrew scriptures and the subsequent miracles of which the Old Testament bears testimony clearly show that God’s intention is not merely to perform an awesome portent but to reveal Himself to humans.

In His ministry, Jesus continuously performed miracles. From the first known one (changing water into wine – Jn. 2:1-11) to the greatest of all imaginable miracles (the resurrection – Jn. 11:1-45 and Mk. 16:6), Jesus glorified God with supernatural acts, revealing Himself as God’s appointed Messiah and revealing God’s loving nature to humans. After Christ’s preaching, no one could still doubt God’s loving intentions towards humans (see Mt. 4:23).

Jesus Himself answered the Baptist’s questions concerning His Messianity referring John to the wonderful signs that accompanied His preaching (Mt. 11:4,5). Miracles, in the New Testament as in the Old Testament, reveal the loving and caring character of God.

The existence of miracles performed by Jesus’ followers in the post-ascension period is well attested by Jesus Himself (Jn. 14:12) and by the reports of some of these miracles (At. 3:6; 14:8-10 _inter alia_). It is also prophesied that at the end of time, just before the return of the Saviour in glory, marvelous miracles will be performed as witnesses of the glory and power of God (Joel 2:28-32).

Further reading:
Robert McAfee Brown, _The Bible Speaks to You_, Philadelphia, The Westminster Press, 1955

Internet: http://www.allmax.com/advent/cathen/10338a.htm