Responses to miracles

Faith and obedience required in the working of miracles

1 Ki 17:13–15 The widow gave Elijah her last meal before she could be miraculously provided for.

See also Ex 14:16; Ex 14:21; Nu 21:8–9; Jos 3:13–17; 1 Ki 17:5; 2 Ki 4:41; 2 Ki 5:10–14; Mt 9:6–7; Mt 9:22; Lk 1:38; Heb 11:29–30

Miracles limited by lack of faith

Matthew 13:58 NASB95

And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

See also 2 Ki 4:3–6 The number of jars limited the miraculous supply of oil; Mt 14:28–31; Mt 17:14–20

Positive responses to miracles

Faith

Exodus 14:31 NASB95

When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.

See also Ex 4:30–31; Jn 7:31; Ac 9:33–35; Ac 9:40–42; Ac 13:12

Amazement

Matthew 15:31 NASB95

So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

See also Da 3:24; Ac 3:10; Ac 8:13; Ac 12:16

Praise and worship

Acts 3:8 NASB95

With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

See also Ex 15:11; Ex 15:21; Ps 9:1; Da 3:28; Da 4:2–3; Da 6:26–27; Mt 15:31; Lk 19:37; Ac 4:21–22

A closer attention paid to the word of God

Acts 8:6 NASB95

The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.

See also 1 Ki 17:24

Temporary faith as a response to miracles

John 2:23–24 NASB95

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men,

See also Ex 15:20–24; Ex 16:1–3; Ex 17:3; Nu 20:3–5; Lk 17:17–18; Jn 6:49

Negative responses to miracles

Fear

Mk 5:15–17; Ac 5:5; Ac 5:11; Ac 19:17

Disbelief

Acts 12:14–15 NASB95

When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel.”

See also Ge 17:17–18; Ge 18:12–13; Lk 1:18; Lk 1:20

Hardness of heart

Exodus 8:19 NASB95

Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

See also Ex 7:3–4; Ex 11:10; Ps 78:32; Mt 11:20–22; Jn 9:18; Jn 9:28–29; Jn 10:25–26; Jn 12:37; Jn 15:24

Opposition

Jn 11:47–48; Ac 6:8–9; Ac 16:19–21

Disobedience

Psalm 106:7 NASB95

Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember Your abundant kindnesses, But rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.

See also Nu 14:11; Nu 14:22–23; Ps 78:11–22; Ps 78:42–43

Jealousy

Ac 8:13; Ac 8:18–19