Miracles in Acts
Quick Summary
The book of Acts records a vibrant collection of miracles performed through the apostles by the power of the Holy Spirit. These signs confirm the resurrection of Jesus, expand the mission of the early church, and demonstrate that God’s power is present among believers. From healings and exorcisms to prison breaks and resurrections, the miracles in Acts reveal the Spirit’s work in forming a new community rooted in Christ.
Introduction
Acts opens with the risen Jesus promising that the Holy Spirit will come upon the disciples, empowering them to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” The miracles that follow are not isolated wonders but manifestations of that Spirit-given mission. They accompany preaching, overcome opposition, and break down cultural barriers.
The miracles in Acts are diverse. Some take place in public, stunning crowds. Others occur in private moments of prayer or in prisons at midnight. Together, they form a portrait of a church shaped by God’s presence—bold, compassionate, resilient, and continually surprised by grace.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4)
While not a miracle performed by the apostles, Pentecost marks the beginning of all others. Wind fills the house, tongues of fire appear, and the disciples speak in languages known across the world.
This miracle signals:
The arrival of the promised Spirit.
The unity of diverse nations.
The empowerment of the church for mission.
Healing the Lame Beggar at the Temple Gate (Acts 3:1–10)
Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth. Peter declares, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” The man leaps, walks, and praises God.
This miracle serves as a public witness, causing awe among those who recognize the man. Peter uses the moment to proclaim the resurrection.
Signs and Wonders Among the Apostles (Acts 5:12–16)
Acts describes many healings performed through the apostles, so numerous that people bring the sick into the streets hoping even Peter’s shadow might fall on them.
These wonders demonstrate the Spirit’s overwhelming presence and the rapid growth of faith in Jerusalem.
The Death of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)
A sobering sign occurs when Ananias and Sapphira lie about their offering and fall dead after Peter confronts them. This miracle of judgment highlights the seriousness of deceit and the holiness of the early Christian community.
The Apostles Freed From Prison (Acts 5:17–25)
An angel of the Lord opens the prison doors at night and instructs the apostles to return to the temple to preach. When the authorities search for them, they find the prison secure but empty.
This miracle reveals God’s protection over the mission despite opposition.
Stephen’s Vision (Acts 7:55–56)
As Stephen is martyred, he sees a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. While not a physical miracle, it is a divine revelation that strengthens his witness.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26–40)
Philip is led by an angel to meet the Ethiopian official, and after baptizing him, Philip is miraculously transported to another location.
This miracle emphasizes the Spirit’s ability to guide mission beyond human boundaries.
Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1–19)
A blinding light from heaven confronts Saul on the road to Damascus. Jesus speaks to him, and Saul becomes blind until Ananias lays hands on him and restores his sight.
Saul’s conversion is both a miracle of revelation and a miracle of healing.
Healing of Aeneas (Acts 9:32–35)
Peter heals Aeneas, a man bedridden for eight years. The healing leads to widespread belief in Christ throughout the region.
Raising Tabitha (Dorcas) From the Dead (Acts 9:36–43)
Peter is summoned when Tabitha dies. He prays, tells her to rise, and she is restored to life. This miracle mirrors Jesus’ raising of Jairus’s daughter.
Deliverance of Peter From Prison (Acts 12:6–17)
An angel wakes Peter, causes chains to fall off, opens gates, and leads him out of prison. Peter initially thinks he is seeing a vision.
The miracle demonstrates God’s direct intervention in response to the church’s prayers.
Death of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:20–23)
Herod accepts divine praise from the crowds, and an angel strikes him down. He is eaten by worms and dies. This miracle emphasizes God’s judgment on prideful rulers.
Paul and the Sorcerer Elymas (Acts 13:6–12)
Paul confronts Elymas, who opposes the gospel. Paul declares that Elymas will be blind for a time, and immediately a mist and darkness come upon him.
This miracle validates Paul’s message before the proconsul, who believes.
Paul Heals the Crippled Man in Lystra (Acts 14:8–10)
Paul sees a man who has never walked and perceives he has faith to be healed. He commands him to stand, and the man leaps up.
This miracle leads the crowd to mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods, prompting further teaching on the true God.
Paul and Silas Freed in Philippi (Acts 16:25–34)
While imprisoned, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns. A violent earthquake shakes the foundations, opens doors, and loosens chains.
This miracle results in the conversion of the jailer and his household.
Extraordinary Miracles Through Paul (Acts 19:11–12)
Acts describes unusual miracles where handkerchiefs and aprons touched by Paul bring healing and deliverance to the sick and demon-possessed.
These miracles spread the name of Jesus throughout Ephesus.
Eutychus Raised From the Dead (Acts 20:7–12)
During Paul’s long sermon, Eutychus falls from a third-floor window and dies. Paul embraces him, and he comes back to life.
This miracle reassures the church and reinforces Paul’s apostolic authority.
Paul Survives the Viper’s Bite (Acts 28:3–6)
After a shipwreck on Malta, Paul is bitten by a viper. The locals expect him to swell up and die, but nothing happens.
This miracle leads the islanders to view Paul with reverence and opens the way for further ministry.
Healings on Malta (Acts 28:7–10)
Paul heals the father of Publius, the island’s chief. Many others come and are healed.
These miracles conclude the book with a reminder that God’s power continues even in unexpected places.
Theological Meaning of the Miracles in Acts
1. The Spirit Empowers the Church
The miracles are signs of the Spirit’s presence and work.
2. The Gospel Breaks Boundaries
From Jerusalem to Rome, miracles open doors and hearts.
3. God Confirms the Resurrection
Signs validate the apostles’ witness to the risen Christ.
4. The Church Is a Healing Community
Healings demonstrate God’s compassion and justice.
5. Opposition Cannot Stop the Mission
Prisons, storms, and rulers cannot restrain God’s work.
FAQs
How many miracles are in the book of Acts?
Acts records more than 20 major miracles, along with numerous general references to signs and wonders.
Why are miracles important in Acts?
They confirm the gospel message, demonstrate God’s power, and advance the mission of the early church.
Do the apostles perform miracles in the same way Jesus did?
They act in Jesus’ name and through the power of the Holy Spirit, continuing his work.
Are miracles in Acts still relevant today?
Theologically, they point to God’s ongoing presence and the Spirit’s power in the life of the church.
