What Does the Bible Say About Signs and Wonders?

Sometimes in church, you may hear people arguing about whether we really see “signs and wonders” today, or whether we should be looking for them. What are signs and wonders really? 

What are 'Signs and Wonders'?

n the Bible, signs and wonders are miraculous events that demonstrate God's power and purpose. A sign, derived from the Hebrew word 'oth and the Greek word sēmeion, is a miraculous event or object that signifies something beyond itself, often pointing to God's purpose or confirming His promises. For example, in Genesis 9:12-17, God sets a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to flood the entire earth again. Similarly, in Exodus 4:1-9, God gives Moses signs to prove His divine commission, such as turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous.

On the other hand, a wonder, from the Hebrew word mopheth and the Greek word teras, is a miraculous event that evokes amazement and awe, highlighting the extraordinary power of God. A notable example is the ten plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12), where God performs a series of wonders to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Another profound example is the resurrection of Jesus, documented in Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-18. This event is considered the greatest wonder, affirming Jesus' divinity and the truth of His teachings.

Examples of Signs and Wonders in the Bible

We serve a God of wonders. Scripture is filled with examples of miracles where God displayed his power in order to fulfill  

Old Testament

1. Ten Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12): Miraculous events compelling Pharaoh to free the Israelites.
2. Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22): God parts the sea, allowing Israelites to escape.
3. Provision of Manna (Exodus 16:14-15): God provides miraculous food in the desert.
4. The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2-4): God calls Moses through a bush that burns without being consumed.
5. Stopping the Sun (Joshua 10:12-14): God halts the sun to allow Israel victory in battle.

New Testament

1. Birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-20): Virgin birth and the guiding star for the Magi.
2. Water into Wine (John 2:1-11): Jesus’ first miracle at Cana.
3. Feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21): Jesus multiplies loaves and fish.
4. Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33): Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee.
5. Raising Lazarus (John 11:1-44): Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

Book of Acts

1. Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4): Apostles speak in various languages at Pentecost.
2. Healing the Lame Beggar (Acts 3:1-10): Peter heals a man lame from birth.
3. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): They are struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit.
4. Philip’s Miracles (Acts 8:6-7): Exorcisms and healings in Samaria.
5. Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19): Saul’s encounter with Jesus and healing from blindness.
6. Peter’s Vision and Cornelius (Acts 10:9-48): Vision leading to Gentile inclusion in the church.
7. Peter’s Escape (Acts 12:6-11): Angel frees Peter from prison.
8. Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25-34): Earthquake frees them, leading to the jailer’s conversion.
9. Raising Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12): Paul raises a young man from the dead.

These signs and wonders demonstrate God's power, validate His messengers, and advance His divine plan.

The Purpose of Signs and Wonders

When we think about signs and wonders in the Bible, it's fascinating to see how they play such a crucial role in the narrative. They are not just random miracles but serve distinct purposes that are deeply woven into the fabric of biblical events. Let's explore why these miraculous events occur and what they signify.

Does the Bible Tell Us to Seek Signs and Wonders?

In Matthew 16, the Pharisees and Sadducees were attacking Jesus. I guess they wanted Him to rain down fire from heaven to prove who he was. Matthew 16:1 says they desired that he would show a sign.

“He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky: but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:2-3 KJV).

Then Jesus adds the following rebuke: “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them and departed” (Matthew 16:4 KJV). Jesus rebuked them because they already had plenty of evidence. These two political and religious enemies came together to attack Jesus. He knew they were trying to entrap him. They would have used anything He gave them against Him. 

Jesus referred to Jonas, as He did in Matthew 12:40. That verse reads, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (KJV). Here, Jesus drew an analogy between Jonah’s time in the whale and His coming burial and resurrection.

Jesus had already performed many signs and wonders for those who were believers. Many believed Him without signs and wonders because they knew He was born of a virgin and other circumstances surrounding His birth and ministry.

Warnings of Seeking Signs and Wonders

God does give the believer signs and wonders. However, we are not to live our lives constantly seeking after signs. We should ask God for guidance, and He will provide it in many different ways. The Lord has equipped the body of Christ with many different gifts that are to be used in ministry, thus building the believer’s faith.

Ephesians 4:11 declares, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (KJV). Do not spend your time seeking after signs and wonders. Unfortunately, there are bad actors out there. There are witches, fortune tellers, palm readers, and others who will be quick to give you a sign, but they are not of God.

God warns us in Leviticus 20:6 about dealing with familiar spirits and wizards. Deuteronomy 18:10-13 warns us about the use of divination, witchcraft, human sacrifice, and sacrifices to false gods. You are to separate yourself from such things to avoid the wrath of God.

The believer is to be a person of prayer. You should be connected to a church or ministry founded on integrity. The word of God should be going forth within that ministry. People are getting saved. There is a strong distinction between right and wrong. The pastor is not afraid to speak out against sin. And the Holy Ghost has free reign. In other words, the pastor must have the discernment to know when the Spirit of God is moving among the people. He might not get to preach that day because deliverance is in the house.

God will confirm things if you have a relationship with Jesus. He deals with people in diverse ways. I have heard people say that God talks to them all the time. I was not aware that God was speaking to people daily like that. Just because He is not talking to me, or I cannot hear Him, does not mean that He is not talking to others. He may only speak to you when He calls you to do something. Hopefully, you can get guidance from your pastor about things of this nature. God does want us to follow the leadership he has provided.

The Bible says God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). I know that is true. I have felt His presence when I needed to feel Him. God is also constantly listening in on us. Sometimes, the frequency will adjust in your hearing when is He listening. We, as Christians, cannot go around doing any and everything and call ourselves the children of God. God is listening, and other people are listening and watching.

He often shows people how you can keep it together when others would fall apart given the same circumstances. Other times, it keeps you in check so that you do not go around doing things that you should not do. Why do you think people in the Bible say, “I perceive you as a prophet?” The prophet shared some intimate details that only God would know. Amos 3:7 declares, “Surely, the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (KJV).

Do Signs and Wonders Happen Today?

Signs and wonders are occurring today. Sometimes, we hear about car accidents where people walked away without a scratch. I have heard news reports of plane crashes, and all onboard survived. What about a story where a person or child was missing in the wilderness for several days, and they were found unharmed? To me, those are miracles or wonders.

You can read the New Testament and read all of the signs that Jesus performed. Do signs and wonders happen today? Acts 1:8 declares, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (KJV). There are miracles with signs and wonders happening all over the world.

Stay prayed up and keep the faith. Sometimes, I see people’s faith way up there, and then I see people getting attacked for their faith. Some people who do not have as much faith have a tough time seeing people with a lot of faith. We are giant slayers in the spirit. Sometimes people that you hang around will talk you out of things. I just brush off those who do not have faith and say to myself, “I still believe in God.” I used to say to myself years ago when I wanted to live a holier life, “If I can but touch the hem of His garment, I shall be made whole.” I said that to myself and started putting holiness to action.

A person equipped with a lot of faith is a dangerous individual. They put hell and everyone around them on notice. Faith really is the beginning and the end of everything. The Bible says, “If thou canst believe, all things are made possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23 KJV). Why don’t you walk around the house and start declaring some stuff? Watch God perform miracles. I would not waste my time confessing to those who want to tear down your faith. Just pray for them. Faith is a gift.

Romans 12:3 says, “For I say, through the grace given me, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (KJV). We should not always let the world have more faith than us. These rappers, actors, entertainers, and the like have an elevated level of faith. Granted, many of them believe in Jesus, but some do not. Why are people constantly trying to keep the people of God contained?

Build up your faith. Get in the Word of God. Remember that as a Christian, you have the Holy Ghost within you, and ask God to help you feel its presence. Pray two to three times a day for thirty minutes at least. Listen to some ministries. Attend some churches. Go to some conferences. Make some confessions and watch God perform more miracles in your life. Get with some believers. Equip your household to be people of faith and to speak faith. You would be amazed at what can happen with the prayer of agreement. The Bible says, “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19-20 KJV).

Dr. Sandra Hamer Smith is a Christian and wife to Sylvester Smith. She has one stepson, Greg. Smith lives and resides in Memphis, Tennessee. The University of Memphis alumnae has been in education for about 20 years after receiving the call to teach. Dr. Smith primarily teaches language arts. Prior to education, she worked in local and national television news for 13 years including positions as an overnight news anchor, reporter, and assignments editor at two local network affiliate stations. Smith was also a freelance correspondent for BET news. Dr. Smith has freelanced for the Tri-State Defender newspaper and Contempora magazine.  She is the author of the self-published novel GLORY…THE HAIR.  Smith is also a playwright and poet. The Tennessee native is a member of Temple of Deliverance COGIC, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Omicron Delta Kappa, The Golden Key International Honour Society, and Kappa Delta Pi.

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