In the biblical narrative, signs and wonders serve as divine attestations, confirming God's message and His messengers. These miraculous events are not merely displays of power but are purposeful acts that authenticate the divine origin of a message or mission. Throughout Scripture, signs and wonders are pivotal in affirming God's covenant, His promises, and His chosen representatives.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, signs and wonders are frequently associated with God's deliverance and covenantal promises. The Exodus narrative is a prime example, where God performs a series of miraculous signs through Moses to confirm His intention to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. In Exodus 7:3, God declares, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt." These acts were not only judgments against Egypt but also confirmations of God's power and His commitment to His people.

The prophets also performed signs to validate their divine commission. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel culminates in a miraculous sign, as God answers by fire, confirming Elijah's status as His prophet and turning the hearts of the Israelites back to Him.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, signs and wonders continue to serve as divine confirmations, particularly in the ministry of Jesus and the early Church. Jesus' miracles are described as signs that reveal His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. In John 2:11, after turning water into wine, it is noted, "Jesus performed this first sign at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him." The miracles of Jesus are not only acts of compassion but also serve to confirm His divine authority and mission.

The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, also performed signs and wonders to confirm the gospel message. In Acts 2:22, Peter addresses the crowd, saying, "Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know." The early Church's miraculous acts, as recorded in the Book of Acts, served to validate the apostolic witness and the truth of the gospel.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, signs and wonders as confirmation underscore the reliability and truth of God's revelation. They serve as divine endorsements, ensuring that the message being delivered is indeed from God. Hebrews 2:3-4 emphasizes this, stating, "how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will."

Caution and Discernment

While signs and wonders are significant in confirming God's message, Scripture also warns of false signs. In Matthew 24:24, Jesus cautions, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." Therefore, discernment is necessary, ensuring that signs align with the truth of Scripture and the character of God.

In summary, signs and wonders in the biblical context are divine confirmations that authenticate God's message and messengers, serving as powerful testimonies to His truth and authority.