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The Miracles.
#1. Introduction.
pp. 9 - 11
In earlier numbers of The Berean Expositor we had a series of articles dealing with
THE PARABLES of Matthew, and while they touched upon Scriptures which were
familiar to all readers, some aspects of their teaching, particularly their dispensational
aspect, were set out and proved, we believe, of help to those who were just beginning to
become acquainted with the right division of the Word.
The present series on THE MIRACLES is intended as a supplement to The Parables,
for both parable and miracle formed a part of one definite witness. While these studies
are intended to be somewhat elementary in character, we believe that the most advanced
student will not fail to find that study profitable which has as its central figure the Lord of
glory, acting as the sent One of God on earth.
It may be as well here if we notice the scriptural words and expressions used for
miracles in the New Testament:--
DUNAMIS.--An act of power. The English dynamo, dynamite and dynamics
have power as their dominant note.
SEMEION.--A sign. Used chiefly by John.
TERAS.--A wonder, a prodigy, something which strikes terror. John 4: 48 and
Acts 2: 22 are the only references to Christ, the remaining fourteen
occurrences are used of false christs, the Apostles, and Moses.
ERGON.--A work. The miracles are spoken of as the work of God, good works,
and works which none other man did.
EUDOXIA.--Glorious things (Luke 13: 17).
PARADOXIA.--Strange things (Luke 5: 26).
THAUMASIA.--Wonderful things (Matt. 21: 15).
Many of the miracles of Christ were miracles of healing. Never did He work a
miracle of judgment upon a son of man. The withered fig-tree and the destruction of the
herd of swine are the nearest approaches to miracles of judgment, but in neither case did
they touch a human being. On the contrary, the blind receive their sight, the dumb speak,
the deaf hear, lepers are cleansed, and infirmities are cured. Even the dead are brought
back to life again, thousands are fed with a few loaves and fishes, and the marriage at
Cana is graced by His miraculous provision. The winds and waves obey the voice of the
Lord, the fish of the sea yield themselves to the net, or to pay the tribute at His command;
demons and evil spirits are cast out, and the possessed set free. On two occasions the
Lord passed through a crowd unseen.
The first record of miracles in the gospels is that of Matt. 4: 23, 24:--