Miracle

A miracle, in biblical theology, is an extraordinary event that demonstrates divine power operating beyond or contrary to the ordinary course of nature, performed to confirm a divine message, authenticate a divine messenger, or accomplish a redemptive purpose. The Old Testament uses several terms: ot (sign), mopheth (wonder), and niflaot (wonders, marvelous things). The New Testament employs semeion (sign), teras (wonder), and dynamis (mighty work or power), often in combination.

Biblical miracles cluster around the great moments of redemptive history: the Exodus from Egypt, the wilderness period, the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, and supremely the ministry of Jesus and the early church. Jesus's miracles are presented in the Gospels as signs of the kingdom of God breaking into the present age — healing the sick, raising the dead, and commanding nature and demons. John's Gospel selects seven signs to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30–31). Paul reports that the signs of an apostle included miracles performed in the Spirit (2 Corinthians 12:12).