A miracle is defined as “an unusual or wonderful event that is believed to be caused by the power of God” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). Like everything else with our God, miracles have (or rather had) a specific purpose for being performed by His servants before the eyes of those who witnessed such marvelous display of divine power. Luke points his spotlight upon this inquiry to reveal the true purpose of God allowing miracles during the first century. In writing his first hand account of the apostle Paul’s journey through Iconium, Luke explains God’s purpose for miracles on this earth. He begins to tell us how it was that Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium, zealously preaching the gospel and “the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, [was] granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands” (Acts 14:3). The beloved medic explains to us that God’s use of signs and wonders was to confirm that these were His chosen apostles. Notice that Luke states that God was “bearing witness to the word of His grace.” In legal terms, to bear witness means to give a testimony, under oath, to either confirm or deny an allegation that is being presented to a judge or jury. Therefore, what we are taught by Luke is that the Lord, through His power, approved the words spoken by His prophets. It is wise to also understand that He was the source of the power wielded by the apostles. The significance of this is that they could not use this power as they so desired. As an example of this, observe what the apostle Paul tells his son in the faith regarding Trophimus: “Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick” (2nd Timothy 4:20). The same apostle who was bitten by a venomous viper and survived, was unable to use his power and heal Trophimus? It is here where our Master makes it abundantly clear that miracles could only be performed when prompted by His command. This display of power was restricted by God Himself; the wisdom behind this divine decision was so that this power could not be corrupted by human ambition. If God would have allowed His power to be wielded freely, Satan would have sought to provoke man to use it selfishly. Simon the sorcerer is proof of this threat. Holy Scripture enlightens us that “when Simon saw that through the laying of of the apostle’s hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 8:18-19). Observe the two instances where human greed is mentioned by the author. First, we are told that the apostles were offered money by Simon; he made an attempt to bribe them. Second, the intentions of the sorcerer was so that he could wield this power and be revered for it. Let us recall that this man “practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the great power of God‘” (Acts 8:9-10). Although Simon himself eventually believed and was baptized by Philip, he had yet to conquer his lust for power. Knowing this to be his weakness, Satan easily seduced the sorcerer to again become enslaved by this sin. Hence, the importance of our God restricting this wonderful manifestation of His power. Those who wielded God’s power, understood that it was to be done so with a sole purpose of confirming God’s approval of them as His servants. Never was the intent of a miracle for personal gain nor (as it was misunderstood by the sorcerer) to show favor toward those of their choosing. A miracle should be understood to be the exception to the rule; not an obligation of God’s chosen prophets. Once more, it is unwise to forget that a miracle is an “unusual” occurrence. In other words, they were not always displayed by the prophets of God, as was the case for Trophimus. This is also why in our day they are no longer possible. It is important to comprehend that the era of miracles has passed because “when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (1st Corinthians 13:9-10). The apostle Paul speaks of the completion of what we today call the Bible; God’s inspired word. To further prove this, the inspired apostle gives insight to Timothy that it is through Holy Writ that God’s holy men “may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2nd Timothy 3:16-17). Undeniably, something that is complete is the same as something that is perfect. God’s men are now identified by His word. Notice that God applies the same restriction to those who use the power of His word. Peter illuminates this restriction in his exhortation to “anyone [who] speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1st Peter 4:11). Like those chosen men who performed miracles were only to do so by God’s command, the same is true for all who seek to teach His word. The bible is now the avenue by which God “bears witness” in our time, if it is spoken as He so desires it to be. Let us not confuse the bible as today’s miracle. By definition, a miracle is an immediate action that takes place. However, this does not mean that the bible is not powerful. Both, the bible and miracles, stem from the same source; God. Both also serve the same purpose; to confirm God’s will through the spoken word of His servants. Therefore, it is a fatal mistake to believe that God’s servants today are less powerful than His servants in the first century due to the absence of miracles. It is dire to anchor in our thoughts the words spoken by the Master to Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Miracles are a visible display of God’s power, but a temporary one that is no longer required because we have that which is perfect. We must also note that in the written pages of God’s inspired word, His power is also visibly displayed. It is wonderful to see that God makes it a priority to always show His presence to His creation so that we will believe. Miracles served the purpose to increase the faith of those who witnessed them; the same is true today to he who listens attentively to the Lord’s holy word. Although the bible is not a miracle, it is powerful. Therefore, let us be wary “that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man” (2nd Peter 1:20-21). Therefore we, too, are not to use this power for our personal, selfish gain.
