Topical Bible: Miracles: Alleged Miracles Performed by Magicians

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In the biblical narrative, miracles are often seen as divine acts that demonstrate God's power and authority. However, the Bible also acknowledges the existence of alleged miracles performed by magicians and sorcerers, which serve as counterfeit signs intended to deceive or challenge the true power of God.

Old Testament Accounts

One of the most notable instances of alleged miracles performed by magicians is found in the book of Exodus. When Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites, God empowered them to perform signs. In response, Pharaoh summoned his own magicians to replicate these wonders. In Exodus 7:10-12 , Aaron's staff became a serpent, but "Pharaoh also summoned the wise men and sorcerers, and they—the magicians of Egypt—also did the same things by their magic arts. Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs." This passage illustrates the ability of magicians to mimic divine acts, albeit with limitations, as Aaron's staff ultimately demonstrated superiority.

Further, in Exodus 7:20-22 , when Moses turned the Nile into blood, "the magicians of Egypt did the same thing by their magic arts." Similarly, during the plague of frogs, the magicians replicated the miracle (Exodus 8:6-7). However, their power was limited, as they could not reverse the plagues nor could they replicate the subsequent plagues, such as the plague of gnats (Exodus 8:18-19), where the magicians acknowledged, "This is the finger of God."

New Testament Accounts

In the New Testament, the theme of counterfeit miracles continues. In Acts 8:9-11 , Simon the Sorcerer is described as someone who "amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great." The people believed he had divine power, but his acts were exposed as false when he encountered the true power of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.

Another significant account is found in Acts 13:6-11 , where Elymas the sorcerer, also known as Bar-Jesus, opposed Paul and Barnabas. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas, and he was struck with blindness. This event demonstrated the supremacy of God's power over deceptive practices.

Warnings Against Deceptive Miracles

The Bible warns believers to be discerning of false prophets and deceptive signs. In Matthew 24:24 , Jesus cautions, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." This warning underscores the reality that not all miraculous signs are from God and that discernment is necessary.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 , Paul speaks of the coming of the lawless one, "in accordance with the work of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing." This passage highlights the role of deceptive miracles in leading people away from the truth.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the presence of alleged miracles performed by magicians serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between truth and deception. While magicians and sorcerers may perform acts that appear miraculous, the Bible consistently affirms the supremacy of God's power and the need for believers to remain vigilant and discerning.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 7:10-12,22
And Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
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Exodus 8:7
And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.
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Library

What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus
... preacher Apollonius of Tyana, which he performed at Rome. ... The alleged examples make
it clear how in extra-canonical sources all miracles are recorded with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/iii what we can say.htm

Letter cxxxvii. (AD 412. )
... wrought some miracles like those performed by Christ. ... Signs and miracles suitable
for confirmation follow ... been with considerable ingenuity alleged: but Christ ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxvii a d 412.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... this continual acting upon matter be performed by the ... text itself from the citations
alleged; and consequently ... That even miracles themselves "can never render a ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... be a futile objection if alleged either against ... as incredible all narratives in which
miracles of the ... testimony, that many wonders were performed (albeit even ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... 177; the love of, which prompts them to desire that we should worship God alone,
[72]184; miracles wrought by ... Antiquity of the world, the alleged, [115]232, etc ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... of Atika, in order to work the veins of silver which were alleged to exist ... Pharaoh
to bring to remembrance all the great exploits he had performed during his ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... cross of Christ, where that promise was performed and fulfilled in ... and parables,
lest it should be alleged that I ... in these few words are many miracles, is more ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm