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(3) teras
= something strange, causing the beholder to marvel, is always used in
the plural, always rendered "wonders" (Vine).
= a wonder. This word has regard to the effect produced on those who
witnessed the mighty work. It is always translated "wonders"
(Bullinger).
This word occurs 16 times in the N.T. (9 in Acts) and a typical usage of it is found in
Acts 2: 19, quoted above.
Thus in the N.T. three aspects of miracles are presented by the inspired writers.
Miracles are signs; they are the results of great power and they are wonderful. We
should never forget this. Although the displays of great power were wonderful, they also
signified something. So often, nowadays, that aspect is forgotten.
These three words come together in at least two verses of the N.T.
"God also bearing them witness, both with signs (semeion) and wonders (teras), and
divers miracles (dunamis), and gifts of the Holy Ghost" (Heb. 2: 4).
Thus the miracles of the apostles, those signs, wonders and displays of power were a
witness, to testify that God was working with those who exhibited the phenomena. This
was also true of The Apostle, the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Ye men of Israel, hear the words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among
you by miracles (dunamis) and wonders (teras) and signs (semeion), which God did by
Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know" (Acts 2: 22).
But to whom were these signs a witness? To whom were the displays of power a
testimony? Are all wonders a proof that God is working through the performer? Do all
miracles prove that God is behind the miracle-worker? These are questions we shall have
to deal with later but for now we should note that the Acts of the Apostles is "full" of
miracles; signs, wonders and displays of power. The words dunamis, semeion and teras
occur over 30 times in its 28 chapters and there are accounts of many marvelous events,
even though miraculous, which do not include one of these words. If we look at these
events in more detail we shall see great diversity.
Acts
Types of Miracle
Acts
Types of Miracle
Holy Spirit Baptism
2: 3
Casting lots
1: 26
Healing
3: 7
Tongues
2: 4
Physical wonders
4: 31
Knowledge
4: 13
Judgment
5: 10
Judgment
5: 5
Healing
5: 16
Shadow Healing
5: 15
Visions
7: 55
Angelic Help and Ministry
5: 19, 20
Angelic ministry
8: 26
Healing the sick and demonic
8: 7
Physical wonders
8: 39
Instruction from the Holy Spirit
8: 29
Blindness
9: 9
Physical wonders
9: 3
Healing
9: 18
Visions
9: 10
Raising the dead
9: 40
Healing
9: 34