Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1418 miracles, responses to

1418 miracles, responses to

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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Miracles often depend upon faith on the part of those who will benefit from them. Human responses to miracles take various forms. Some respond in faith and obedience, whilst others are confirmed in their unbelief and rebellion.

Faith and obedience required in the working of miracles

1 Kings 17:13-15 The widow gave Elijah her last meal before she could be miraculously provided for. See also Exodus 14:16,21; Numbers 21:8-9; Joshua 3:13-17; 1 Kings 17:5; 2 Kings 4:41; Kings 5:10-14; Matthew 9:6-7 pp Mark 2:10-12 pp Luke 5:24-25; Matthew 9:22 pp Mark 5:34 pp Luke 8:48; Luke 1:38; Hebrews 11:29-30

Miracles limited by lack of faith

Matthew 13:58 pp Mark 6:5-6 See also 2 Kings 4:3-6 The number of jars limited the miraculous supply of oil; Matthew 14:28-31; Matthew 17:14-20

Positive responses to miracles

Faith

Exodus 14:31 See also Exodus 4:30-31; John 7:31; Acts 9:33-35,40-42; Acts 13:12

Amazement

Matthew 15:31 pp Mark 7:37 See also Daniel 3:24; Acts 3:10; Acts 8:13; Acts 12:16

Praise and worship

A closer attention paid to the word of God

Acts 8:6 See also 1 Kings 17:24

Temporary faith as a response to miracles

John 2:23-24 See also Exodus 15:20-24; Exodus 16:1-3; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 20:3-5; Luke 17:17-18; John 6:49

Negative responses to miracles

Fear

Mark 5:15-17 pp Luke 8:36-37; Acts 5:5,11; Acts 19:17

Disbelief

Acts 12:14-15 See also Genesis 17:17-18; Genesis 18:12-13; Luke 1:18,20

Hardness of heart

Exodus 8:19 See also Exodus 7:3-4; Exodus 11:10; Psalm 78:32; Matthew 11:20-22 pp Luke 10:13-14; John 9:18,28-29; John 10:25-26; John 12:37; John 15:24

Opposition

John 11:47-48; Acts 6:8-9; Acts 16:19-21

Disobedience

Psalm 106:7 See also Numbers 14:11,22-23; Psalm 78:11-22,42-43

Jealousy

Acts 8:13,18-19