Miracles of Paul
Quick Summary
The miracles of Paul reveal how the risen Christ continues his work through the apostle to bring healing, deliverance, guidance, and resurrection power to the early church. These signs, performed from Jerusalem to Rome, confirm Paul’s calling, open doors for mission, confront spiritual opposition, and show that God’s strength is made perfect even in weakness.
Introduction
Paul’s story is one of radical transformation. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became one of the most influential leaders in the early church. His miracles are not isolated wonders but part of a larger witness: the gospel of Jesus Christ moving across cultures, languages, and continents.
The book of Acts records numerous miracles associated with Paul. Some resemble the miracles of Jesus and Peter, while others are unique to Paul’s journeys. Together, they show that God equips Paul to preach, protect the church, and challenge spiritual darkness.
Paul’s Encounter With the Risen Christ (Acts 9:1–19)
While traveling to Damascus, Paul is enveloped in a blinding light. Jesus speaks to him directly, asking, "Why do you persecute me?" Paul loses his sight for three days until Ananias lays hands on him and restores his vision.
This miracle:
Marks Paul’s conversion.
Establishes his calling as apostle to the Gentiles.
Reveals Christ’s authority over Paul’s life.
Blinding of Elymas the Sorcerer (Acts 13:6–12)
On Cyprus, Elymas opposes Paul’s teaching before the proconsul. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares that Elymas will be blind for a time. Immediately a mist covers his eyes.
The proconsul believes, recognizing the power behind Paul’s message.
Healing the Lame Man in Lystra (Acts 14:8–10)
Paul sees a man crippled from birth who has faith to be healed. Paul calls out, "Stand upright on your feet!" The man leaps up and begins to walk.
The miracle astonishes the crowd, who mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods.
Casting Out the Spirit of Divination (Acts 16:16–18)
In Philippi, a young slave girl follows Paul, shouting that he and his companions are servants of God. Paul discerns a spirit of divination and commands it to leave her.
This miracle:
Liberates the girl.
Provokes opposition from her owners.
Leads to Paul and Silas’s imprisonment.
The Earthquake and Release From Prison (Acts 16:25–34)
As Paul and Silas sing hymns in prison, a violent earthquake shakes the foundations, opens the doors, and unfastens every chain.
This miracle results in the conversion of the jailer and his household.
Miracles of Healing Through Cloths From Paul (Acts 19:11–12)
Acts describes unusual miracles in Ephesus. Handkerchiefs or aprons touched by Paul bring healing and drive out evil spirits.
These signs:
Demonstrate God’s extraordinary power.
Spread the name of Jesus across the region.
Defeat of the Seven Sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13–17)
Jewish exorcists attempt to cast out demons "in the name of Jesus whom Paul proclaims." The evil spirit overpowers them, exposing their lack of true authority.
This event is not performed by Paul directly but affirms his spiritual authority and the uniqueness of Jesus’ power.
Raising Eutychus From the Dead (Acts 20:7–12)
During Paul’s long sermon in Troas, Eutychus falls asleep, tumbles from a third-floor window, and dies. Paul embraces him, declaring that his life is in him.
The miracle reassures the church and demonstrates God’s power to restore life.
Surviving a Viper Bite (Acts 28:1–6)
After a shipwreck on Malta, Paul is bitten by a viper. The locals expect him to die, but Paul suffers no harm.
This miracle:
Establishes Paul’s credibility with the islanders.
Opens the way for further ministry.
Healing on Malta (Acts 28:7–10)
Paul heals Publius’s father of fever and dysentery. Many others on the island come to be healed.
These final miracles in Acts show that the Spirit continues to work even on the margins of the Roman world.
Theological Meaning of Paul’s Miracles
1. God Confirms Paul’s Apostolic Calling
The miracles validate Paul’s message and mission.
2. The Gospel Crosses Boundaries
Miracles open doors in cities, synagogues, homes, prisons, and foreign lands.
3. God Confronts Spiritual Darkness
Exorcisms and power encounters reveal Christ’s victory.
4. The Spirit Empowers Weakness
Paul’s own testimony of weakness highlights God’s strength.
5. The Church Becomes a Healing Community
Miracles restore individuals and strengthen the early Christian movement.
FAQs
How many miracles did Paul perform?
Acts records at least nine major miracles, along with several indirect or extraordinary signs.
Why were Paul’s miracles important?
They confirmed the truth of the gospel and expanded the mission to Gentile regions.
Did Paul perform miracles like Jesus or Peter?
Yes, but always through the power of the Holy Spirit and in Christ’s name.
What is Paul’s most famous miracle?
Many point to the raising of Eutychus or Paul’s dramatic conversion and healing.
