Signs and wonders.

[B-A-C]

Biblical Defense of Signs and Wonders
1. Jesus Promised Signs Would Follow Believers

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues… they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
— Mark 16:17–18

Jesus Himself said signs would follow those who believe, not just the apostles.

2. The Holy Spirit Was Poured Out with Power

*“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people… your sons and daughters will prophesy, your youn...

Signs and wonders are not demonic or bad, but are a biblical expression of God’s power and presence—from Jesus’ ministry, through the early church, and into the present age.

️ Biblical Defense of Signs and Wonders: A Spirit-Filled Perspective
1. Jesus Promised Signs Would Follow Believers
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues… they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
— Mark 16:17–18

Jesus Himself said that signs would follow those who believe, not just the apostles. These signs are not condemned—they are affirmed as part of the Great Commission.

2. The Holy Spirit Was Poured Out with Power
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams… and they will prophesy.”
— Acts 2:17–18, quoting Joel 2:28–29

Peter declared this prophecy fulfilled at Pentecost. Prophecy, dreams, and visions are not demonic—they are evidence of the Spirit’s work in the “last days,” which continue until Christ returns.

3. Stephen Performed Signs and Wonders
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
— Acts 6:8

Stephen was not one of the Twelve Apostles, yet God worked through him. His miracles were a testimony of the Spirit, not deception.

4. Paul and Barnabas Confirmed by Signs
“So Paul and Barnabas… spoke boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.”
— Acts 14:3

“They told about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.”
— Acts 15:12

These signs were not demonic—they were God’s confirmation of the gospel message.

5. Spiritual Gifts Were Active and Encouraged
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… to another gifts of healing… miraculous powers… prophecy… speaking in different kinds of tongues…”
— 1 Corinthians 12:7–10

“Do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:39

Paul didn’t condemn these gifts—he taught how to use them properly. Abuse of a gift doesn’t make the gift itself evil.

6. Jesus Warned Against Mislabeling God’s Work
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined… But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you… anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”
— Matthew 12:25–32 (selected)

Jesus warned the Pharisees not to attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to demons. That’s a serious line to cross.

7. “An Evil Generation Seeks a Sign” – In Context
“An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
— Matthew 12:39

Jesus wasn’t condemning all signs—He was rebuking the unbelieving hearts of those demanding a sign to trap Him. He continued to perform miracles afterward, and so did His followers.

Conclusion: Signs and Wonders Are Not Evil
Signs and wonders in Scripture are:

Promised by Jesus
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Fulfilled in the early church
Encouraged by the apostles
Prophesied for the last days
To call them demonic is to contradict Scripture and risk misjudging the work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible presents signs and wonders as a good and godly part of the Christian life—not something to fear or reject.

 

[B-A-C]

Understanding Matthew 12:39 in Context​

“An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
— Matthew 12:39 (ESV)

What Jesus Was Actually Saying:​

1. The issue was not the sign—it was the motive.
   The Pharisees weren’t seeking a sign to believe—they were testing Jesus (see Matthew 12:38). They had already seen miracles (healings, deliverances, etc.) and still refused to believe. Their request was rooted in unbelief and rebellion, not faith.
2. “Adulterous generation” is a spiritual metaphor.
   In Scripture, “adultery” often refers to spiritual unfaithfulness—turning away from God (see Hosea, Jeremiah 3, James 4:4). Jesus was calling out a generation that had God in their midst but still rejected Him.
3. Jesus still performed signs after this statement.
   He healed, cast out demons, fed thousands, and raised the dead after Matthew 12:39. Clearly, He wasn’t condemning all signs—He was condemning faithless hearts demanding signs as proof.
4. The “sign of Jonah” was the ultimate sign.
   Jesus pointed to His death and resurrection as the greatest sign. It wasn’t a rejection of all signs—it was a redirection to the most important one.

 

[B-A-C]

Miracles Performed by the Apostles
Peter
Healing the lame man at the temple gate
— Acts 3:1–10

Healing many sick and demon-possessed
— Acts 5:12–16
(Even Peter’s shadow healed people!)

Raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead
— Acts 9:36–42

Healing Aeneas, a paralyzed man
— Acts 9:32–35

Paul
Blinding Elymas the sorcerer
— Acts 13:6–12

Healing a crippled man in Lystra
— Acts 14:8–10

Casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl
— Acts 16:16–18

Surviving a deadly viper bite without harm
— Acts 28:3–6

Healing the father of Publius and others on Malta
— Acts 28:7–9

Raising Eutychus from the dead
— Acts 20:7–12

Extraordinary miracles through handkerchiefs and aprons
— Acts 19:11–12

Peter & John
Healing the lame man at the Beautiful Gate (together)
— Acts 3:1–10
Apostles in General
Signs and wonders among the people
— Acts 5:12

Deliverance from prison by angels
— Acts 5:17–20, Acts 12:6–11

Speaking in tongues and prophesying
— Acts 2:1–4, Acts 10:44–46, Acts 19:6

These miracles were not condemned by Scripture—they were affirmed as the work of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus’ promise that signs would follow those who believe (Mark 16:17–18).

 

[B-A-C]

If God Doesn’t Do Miracles… Why Pray for One?
Many people who reject modern-day miracles or signs and wonders still pray for healing, provision, restoration, or salvation. But that raises a key question:

If God doesn’t act supernaturally, what exactly are we asking Him to do when we pray?

What Is a Miracle, Really?
A miracle doesn’t always have to be dramatic or public. It can be:

A quiet healing after prayer.
A reconciled marriage that seemed hopeless.
A financial breakthrough that came unexpectedly.
A changed heart or a salvation experience.
These are answers to prayer—and they are miraculous because they involve God intervening in human affairs in ways that go beyond natural cause and effect.

The Inconsistency
If someone says:

“God doesn’t do miracles anymore,”
but also says:
“Let’s pray for healing, provision, or breakthrough,”
Then they’re functionally believing in miracles, even if they don’t call them that.

Biblical Support
Even in Scripture, not all miracles were flashy:

Hannah’s answered prayer for a child (1 Samuel 1) was a miracle.
Elijah’s quiet provision by ravens (1 Kings 17) was a miracle.
The still small voice (1 Kings 19:12) was a divine encounter, not a spectacle.
God works in both powerful and subtle ways—but both are miraculous because they are God’s doing, not ours.

A Thoughtful Question to Ask
“If we’re praying for God to heal, provide, or intervene, aren’t we asking Him to do something supernatural? And if He does it, isn’t that a miracle—even if it’s quiet or personal?”

 

[B-A-C]

Intercessory Miracles: Acting on Behalf of Others

1. Intercessory Prayer Is Clearly Biblical
James 5:14–15 — “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them… and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”
Mark 2:3–5 — The paralyzed man was healed because of the faith of his friends, not his own:
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”

This shows that faith can be exercised on behalf of someone else—especially when they are weak, unconscious, or unaware.

2. Spiritual Gifts Can Be Intercessory in Nature
1 Corinthians 12:7 — “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Gifts like healing, miracles, and faith are not just for the person who has them—they are meant to bless others.
So yes, someone with the gift of healing or miracles could be used by God to intervene on behalf of someone else, just like intercessory prayer.

3. Biblical Examples of Intercessory Miracles
Peter raising Tabitha (Acts 9:36–42) – She was dead and couldn’t believe for herself. Peter prayed and raised her.
Paul raising Eutychus (Acts 20:7–12) – Eutychus was unconscious (dead), and Paul acted on his behalf.
Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21–43) – It was Jairus’ faith, not the girl’s, that brought Jesus to her bedside.

KeyInsight, Summed Up:
“If we believe in intercessory prayer—asking God to heal or help someone who can’t ask for themselves—then why not intercessory miracles? If God gives gifts of healing or miracles, wouldn’t it make sense that He uses them through people who are willing and able to believe on behalf of others?”

 

[B-A-C]

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
— 2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)

 

[Garee]

Lying signs to wonder after rather than believing prophecy (sola scriptura) can bring a strong delusion

The believers new- born again faith as power from God does not cause a person to wonder, wonder limbo rather than believe God as an anchor to one's new soul
.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-11;Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.;And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

In that way we must careful signs to wonder after in a hope of God drawing mankind to sola scripture the one source of Christian faith (Christ's labor of love )

Prophecy sealed til the end of time for the believer signs to wonder after again for those who have no powerful faith as it is written sola scriptura .

There are few examples in action .One when departing Egypt .According to prophecy and not a sign of Abraham the 400 years in bondage using a sign to wonder a after. Saying . . . . . take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. they also did in like manner with their enchantments. Or sing a magic spell. The staff to signify the authority of our invisible Holy Father, it ate theirs fulfilled prophecy a sign to wonder after in a hope of God drawing by the gospel

Believers have prophecy the living word till the end no need to wonder, wonder, wonder in limbo. . . is God bring new revelations??? ,

Exodus 7:9-11;When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Why wonder when a person can believe God. No signs to wonder after were given

 

[KingJ]

Understanding Matthew 12:39 in Context​

What Jesus Was Actually Saying:​

1. The issue was not the sign—it was the motive.
   The Pharisees weren’t seeking a sign to believe—they were testing Jesus (see Matthew 12:38). They had already seen miracles (healings, deliverances, etc.) and still refused to believe. Their request was rooted in unbelief and rebellion, not faith.
2. “Adulterous generation” is a spiritual metaphor.
   In Scripture, “adultery” often refers to spiritual unfaithfulness—turning away from God (see Hosea, Jeremiah 3, James 4:4). Jesus was calling out a generation that had God in their midst but still rejected Him.
3. Jesus still performed signs after this statement.
   He healed, cast out demons, fed thousands, and raised the dead after Matthew 12:39. Clearly, He wasn’t condemning all signs—He was condemning faithless hearts demanding signs as proof.
4. The “sign of Jonah” was the ultimate sign.
   Jesus pointed to His death and resurrection as the greatest sign. It wasn’t a rejection of all signs—it was a redirection to the most important one.

I agree but also believe that for certain individuals, the sign of Jonah is the actual flood. As was fire and brimstone a sign for Sodom.

I engage with atheists and wicked people often. They always saying that if they saw a sign they would believe. They want God of the universe to dance for them like a monkey doing tricks. Then suddenly they will repent and hate what is evil? I think not.

The only sign God is interested in giving those type of individuals is either a plague or one that causes their death.

Childbirth is a sign to all. Nobody should be asking God for a sign 'to believe' in His existence.

Asking for a sign that there is a God is offensive to God. But asking for a sign that Jesus is Lord is not. As is asking God for a miracle to help someone.

We just need to always remember that God is 100% impartial. The criteria for a miracle is always going to be the same. As such it is very important for us to always consider the reason for miracles that have taken place.

 

[B-A-C]

Asking for a sign that there is a God is offensive to God. But asking for a sign that Jesus is Lord is not.

You bring up an interesting point. I don't believe the Christians in Acts and Pauls letters did miracles, so they would be believe in God.
I don't they desired a sign to see if God existed, they already knew God existed. They did miracles simply to heal people, prophesy to people,
and encourage those already in the faith.

On the other hand... The Pharisees wanted proof that Jesus was God ( or at least the Son of God )

John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:25 So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

Wow, one of the original twelve.. saying he refused to believe.

John 20:26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
John 20:27 Then He *said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."
John 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

My perspective is.. Jesus didn't condemn or rebuke Thomas.. but He did tell him.. "Blessed are those did not see, and yet believe".

 

[Curtis]

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
— 2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)

Would not people today who say they do not believe in miracles, by which miracles come by the Holy Spirit, commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which is not forgivable?

 

[Curtis]

KeyInsight, Summed Up:
“If we believe in intercessory prayer—asking God to heal or help someone who can’t ask for themselves—then why not intercessory miracles? If God gives gifts of healing or miracles, wouldn’t it make sense that He uses them through people who are willing and able to believe on behalf of others?”

1Jn 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.

Even in the area of forgiveness, the Church was given the responsibility to pray for all or any believer who goes astray by sin.

 

[KingJ]

You bring up an interesting point. I don't believe the Christians in Acts and Pauls letters did miracles, so they would be believe in God.
I don't they desired a sign to see if God existed, they already knew God existed. They did miracles simply to heal people, prophesy to people,
and encourage those already in the faith.

On the other hand... The Pharisees wanted proof that Jesus was God ( or at least the Son of God )

John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:25 So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

Wow, one of the original twelve.. saying he refused to believe.

John 20:26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
John 20:27 Then He *said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."
John 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

My perspective is.. Jesus didn't condemn or rebuke Thomas.. but He did tell him.. "Blessed are those did not see, and yet believe".

Miracles are needed for both. A. Seeing and believing and B. Not seeing and believing.

Scripture is clear that there is no person on this planet that can believe Jesus is Lord without a miraculous spiritual revelation from the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor 12:3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God ever says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Matt 16:16-17 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven''.

---------------------------------

Christianity 101 = We preach repentance of sin and salvation in Jesus. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus and makes people born again Christians 2 Cor 5:17.

We cannot do His job and that is why He is here. It is very important for us to understand that we cannot make anyone a Christian. Only He can.