What defines a miracle?

Definition and Core Concept

A miracle is an extraordinary occurrence attributed to the direct intervention of God—an event that cannot be adequately explained by natural processes. Scripture often uses terms like “signs,” “wonders,” and “mighty works” to describe these events, underscoring that they point to God’s power and purpose (e.g., “These signs will accompany those who believe,” Mark 16:17). Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, miracles function to authenticate God’s message and His chosen messengers, reminding humanity that God actively works in creation.

Miracles in the Old Testament

In the Hebrew Scriptures, miracles serve as distinctive markers of God’s authority and sovereignty. God parts the Red Sea for the Israelites (Exodus 14:21–22), provides manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4–5), and later displays miraculous interventions through prophets like Elijah and Elisha (e.g., 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 4:32–35). These accounts illustrate that miracles are simultaneously dramatic (fire descending from heaven) and also deeply personal (the resurrection of a child).

Archaeological studies in regions along the Sinai Peninsula have revealed evidence suggesting a historical exodus route, consistent with biblical claims that a massive group of people traveled there in antiquity. While these findings do not explicitly confirm a supernatural event, they reinforce the historical context in which such reports were recorded, supporting that something profound transpired in that region.

Miracles in the New Testament

The Gospels and Acts present miracles as integral demonstrations of Jesus’ mission and divinity. These range from healings (e.g., the restoration of sight in John 9:1–7) and exorcisms (Mark 1:26–27) to physical transformations, like turning water into wine (John 2:1–11). The New Testament writers identify Jesus’ resurrection as the ultimate miracle—an act proving His victory over death and the basis of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

Outside the Bible, writers such as the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18) and the Roman historian Tacitus (Annals 15:44) provide extra-biblical attestation to the existence of Jesus and the early Christian movement. While these references do not delve deeply into the miracles themselves, they corroborate the historical context of a Jewish teacher credited with wondrous deeds by His followers.

Purpose of Miracles

Miracles serve as more than mere strange happenings:

• Confirmation of God’s Word: When Moses received instructions at the burning bush, miracles validated his message before Pharaoh and the Israelites (Exodus 4:1–5).

• Demonstration of God’s Compassion: Jesus’ healings frequently stemmed from His compassion, such as giving sight to the blind or cleansing lepers (Matthew 20:32–34).

• Evidence of Divine Authority: Christ’s miracles, culminating in His resurrection, proclaim His identity as Messiah (John 20:30–31).

Philosophically, these signs show that God transcends the natural order He created and that He chooses, at times, to operate beyond ordinary physical laws to accomplish His will and reveal Himself.

How Miracles Differ from Natural Events

Miracles are often characterized by their timing, nature, and effects:

• Inexplicable by Natural Laws: Scriptural miracles, such as the resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:6–7), defy customary scientific explanation.

• Immediate Effect: Many biblical miracles occur instantly—Jesus speaks, and a withered hand is restored (Mark 3:1–5).

• God-Centric Purpose: A biblical miracle ultimately exalts God, pointing observers toward faith and obedience.

While Christians affirm that the created world aligns with natural laws (e.g., gravity, biology), they also maintain that God, as the Creator, is not confined by them. The concept of intelligent design underlines this belief: the orderly universe hints at a purposeful Creator, who is free to act within His creation in extraordinary ways.

Modern-Day Reports and Healings

Contemporary accounts of healing—both physical and psychological—often draw attention to cases where traditional medicine alone does not seem to explain sudden recoveries. Researchers have documented testimonies of inexplicable restorations in peer-reviewed medical journals, though they are typically careful to avoid definitive labeling of these recoveries as “miracles.”

Nonetheless, when examined through the lens of Scripture and faith, these occurrences can be seen as consistent with God’s ongoing work. Personal testimonies and missionary reports from regions around the globe abound with claims of divine intervention in moments of dire need.

Reliability of Scriptural Miracles

Historical and manuscript evidence fortifies trust in the biblical record of miracles. The Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in the mid-20th century) confirm the remarkable consistency of Old Testament writings over centuries. Parallel evidence for the New Testament stems from extensive manuscripts (over 5,800 Greek manuscripts and numerous early translations). The sheer breadth of documentation outstrips other ancient texts, indicating that the miracle accounts we read are preserved with remarkable fidelity.

Such a reliable textual foundation provides a strong basis for believing that the biblical authors faithfully reported what they and others witnessed. Combined with archaeological corroborations (such as the pool of Bethesda in John 5:2, located in Jerusalem according to excavations), these findings point to real-world contexts for scriptural accounts.

The Resurrection as the Pinnacle Miracle

Among all recorded miracles, the resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the central wonder of Christianity. “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6) was the angelic announcement that anchored early Christian preaching. This event transformed the disciples from fearful followers into bold proclaimers of the gospel (Acts 4:13).

Outside the biblical narrative, scholars, philosophers, and historians alike have noted the dramatic rise of the early church under persecution—an unlikely outcome unless something truly extraordinary had occurred. The New Testament’s consistent testimony, coupled with references from Roman and Jewish sources acknowledging the subsequent movement, points strongly to the resurrection’s place as history’s defining miracle.

Conclusion

In the biblical understanding, a miracle is God stepping into time and space to accomplish His will in a way that transcends ordinary physical laws. Whether involving healing, provision, judgment, or the ultimate miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, each miraculous act in Scripture reveals God’s sovereignty and redemptive plan.

Far from being haphazard, miracles highlight God’s love, truth, and ongoing relationship with humanity. They confirm the reliability of His word, offer tangible hope in desperate circumstances, and lead hearts toward a greater acknowledgement of His reality and glory.