Miracle Definitions
Websters—“an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs”
Wikipedia—“an event not explained by natural or scientific laws”
D. T. S. —“A miracle is an unusual and significant event which requires the working
Of a supernatural agent”
Thomas Aquinas—3 types:
1. Works done by God outside the order assigned to nature. Something done by God that nature can never do, like the sun standing still or the sea being parted.
- God does something that nature can do, like heal an illness or restore sight.
- Providence-God does something within the laws of nature like rain that ends a drought, or a person survives a bad crash
Philosophic, rationalist—miracles are a transgression of a law of nature by a supposed deity. No testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle they being scientifically unprovable. David Hume
James Keller—“an all knowing and just God would not perform miracles. The claim
of a miracle implies that God has singled out certain persons for some benefit which many others don’t receive implies that God is unfair and unjust”.
MIRACLE SUMMARY
Number of recorded miracles in the Four Gospels–35
In the realm of nature–9
Healing the body–17
Casting out demons–6
Raising back to life–3
What role did faith of the recipients play?
Cases in which faith was exercised by the recipient–5
Cases in which faith was exercised by intercession–12
Cases in which faith was not involved–18
Method—through His word—10, through word and touch—7, through touch only-8,
Unknown—7, performed at a great distance–3
Purpose—As a sign of His Person and ministry
As a means of instruction
As a means to endorse the authority of His word “so you will know”
Expressing His love and compassion
To glorify God
Geography—in the Galilee-25, Phoenicia-1, Samaria-1, Perea-2, Judea-6
