Definition and Nature
In the biblical context, miracles are extraordinary events that manifest divine intervention in human affairs. They are acts of God that transcend natural laws, serving as signs and wonders to reveal His power, authority, and presence. The term "works" often refers to the mighty deeds performed by God or through His chosen servants, demonstrating His sovereignty and purpose.

Old Testament Miracles
The Old Testament is replete with accounts of miraculous events that underscore God's covenant relationship with His people. One of the earliest recorded miracles is the parting of the Red Sea, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land" (Exodus 14:21). Other notable miracles include the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-15), the stopping of the sun and moon during Joshua's battle (Joshua 10:12-14), and the miraculous healing of Naaman's leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14).

Prophetic Miracles
Prophets in the Old Testament were often instruments of God's miraculous works. Elijah and Elisha, in particular, performed numerous miracles. Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice on Mount Carmel, demonstrating the power of the true God over Baal (1 Kings 18:36-39). Elisha, his successor, performed miracles such as multiplying oil for a widow (2 Kings 4:1-7) and raising the Shunammite's son from the dead (2 Kings 4:32-37).

New Testament Miracles
The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate miracle worker, whose life and ministry were marked by numerous miraculous acts. These miracles authenticated His divine nature and messianic mission. Jesus turned water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11), fed thousands with a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21), walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33), and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). His miracles were signs pointing to the coming of God's kingdom and His authority over creation, sickness, and death.

Apostolic Miracles
After Jesus' ascension, the apostles continued to perform miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. These acts confirmed their message and established the early church. Peter healed a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10), and Paul raised Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:9-12). The Book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles performed signs and wonders, leading many to faith in Christ.

Purpose of Miracles
Miracles in the Bible serve several purposes. They confirm the message of God's messengers, demonstrate His compassion and care, and reveal His glory. In John 20:30-31 , it is stated, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."

Faith and Miracles
While miracles are acts of divine power, they often require a response of faith. Jesus frequently highlighted the role of faith in receiving miracles, as seen in His healing of the woman with the issue of blood: "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34). Faith is both a prerequisite and a result of witnessing God's miraculous works.

Contemporary Understanding
In contemporary Christian theology, the belief in miracles continues as an affirmation of God's active presence in the world. While some argue that miracles were specific to biblical times, others maintain that God still performs miracles today, often through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. The expectation of miracles is rooted in the belief in a God who is both transcendent and immanent, capable of intervening in the natural order for His purposes.