Signs, Miracles, and Wonders

A sign (Heb. אוֹת oth, Grk σημεῖον semeion) is a unique mark or act whereby something is specifically known. A wonder (Heb. מוֹפֵת mopheth, τέρας teras) is something miraculous that amazes. A miracle (Grk. δύναμις dunamis) refers to power, strength, or the ability to work wonders.  Signs, wonders, and miracles are seen throughout Scripture:

1. Old Testament prophets performed signs and wonders to validate their message as being from God (Ex. 4:1-9; 1 Kings 18:36-39).
2. God used distressing signs and wonders against Pharaoh in order to deliver Israel from captivity (Deut. 6:20-23; 26:1-9).
3. Jesus performed signs, wonders, and miracles for the purpose of proving Himself as the Messiah (John 3:2; 9:32-33).
4. Herod sought to be entertained by seeing a miracle (see Luke 23:7-9).
5. The majority rejected Jesus, though He’d performed many signs (John 12:37).
6. The Pharisees attributed Jesus’ miracles to Satan (Matt. 12:22-24).
7. Some Samaritans believed in Jesus “because of His word” (John 4:41).
8. Some Jews believed after seeing “signs and wonders” (John 4:48, 53).
9. Some of Jesus’ disciples saw His miracles and believed in Him (John 2:11), or had their faith strengthened (John 20:29).
10. Jesus’ apostles performed signs and wonders to validate their message, both before the cross (Matt. 10:1-8; Mark 16:20), and after the cross (Acts 14:1-4; 2 Cor. 12:12; 2:1-4). The apostolic miracles diminished with time as the gospel advanced and the New Testament was written. Paul, who once was able to perform miracles (2 Cor. 12:12), eventually became powerless.  Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20), and only had practical advice for the physical ailments of his friend Timothy (1 Tim. 5:23).  Also, Paul could not remove his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
11. Satan enables some to perform signs and wonders such as the Egyptian magicians ( 7:20-22), false prophets (Deut. 13:1-5; Matt. 7:15-23; 24:24), and the coming Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:13-14).
12. God sovereignly heals and performs miracles today, but these often come in response to prayer, not as a special gift that enables one to perform signs and wonders. For the believer, faith should rest upon God’s word (John 20:30-31; 1 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 10:17), not upon miracles, signs, or wonders.