Signs and wonders are found all throughout the Bible.
From the parting of the Red Sea to Jesus healing the sick, miraculous events are woven into the story of God’s power.
But what exactly are signs and wonders?
Do they still happen today, or were they only for biblical times?
Should believers seek after them, or is faith enough without them?
Let’s dive into Scripture to see what the Bible says about signs and wonders and how they fit into God’s plan.
What Are Signs and Wonders?
The Bible often pairs the words “signs” and “wonders” together, but they are not exactly the same.
A “sign” is a supernatural event that points to God’s presence or message.
It is meant to reveal something about who God is or what He is doing.
A “wonder” is a miraculous act that causes amazement, displaying God’s power in a way that cannot be explained by natural means.
Together, signs and wonders serve as divine messages, reminding people of God’s greatness and authority.
Signs and Wonders in the Old Testament
The Old Testament is filled with incredible signs and wonders that demonstrated God’s power.
One of the most well-known examples is found in the book of Exodus.
God used Moses to perform miraculous signs to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
Exodus 7:3 says:
But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you.
The ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the pillar of fire guiding the Israelites were all signs of God’s power and protection.
Another famous sign is found in 1 Kings 18, when the prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to prove that the Lord is the one true God.
The fire instantly consumed the offering, and the people fell on their faces, declaring, “The Lord—He is God!”
These events were not just for show.
They had a purpose—to reveal God’s authority, lead people to faith, and confirm His message.
Signs and Wonders in the Ministry of Jesus
Jesus performed many signs and wonders throughout His ministry.
His miracles showed His divine nature and pointed to His role as the Messiah.
John 2:11 says:
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
His first recorded miracle—turning water into wine—was a sign that revealed His glory.
But His miracles were not just displays of power.
They were acts of love and compassion.
He healed the sick, fed the hungry, calmed storms, and even raised the dead.
John 20:30-31 explains why Jesus performed these signs.
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
Jesus’ miracles were meant to lead people to faith, showing that He was the promised Savior.
The Role of Signs and Wonders in the Early Church
After Jesus ascended to heaven, signs and wonders continued through His followers.
The book of Acts describes many miraculous events that confirmed the power of the gospel.
Acts 2:43 says:
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
One of the most striking examples is in Acts 3, when Peter and John healed a crippled man at the temple gate.
The man, who had never walked before, immediately jumped to his feet, praising God.
This miracle amazed the crowd and gave Peter an opportunity to preach about Jesus.
Signs and wonders in the early church were used to confirm God’s message and bring people to faith.
They were never done for entertainment or personal gain.
Should Christians Seek Signs and Wonders Today?
Many believers wonder if signs and wonders still happen today.
Some say they were only for biblical times, while others believe miracles still occur regularly.
The Bible gives a balanced view.
While signs and wonders can still happen, faith should not depend on them.
Jesus warned against seeking miracles for the wrong reasons.
In Matthew 12:39, He said:
A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!
But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
Some people wanted miracles just to be entertained or to test Jesus, rather than to genuinely seek God.
However, Jesus did promise that believers would experience miraculous works.
In Mark 16:17-18, He said:
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.
While some of these signs were unique to the early church, God is still able to perform miracles today.
But faith should not be based only on miracles.
True faith comes from trusting God, even when no signs are present.
The Danger of False Signs and Wonders
The Bible warns that not all signs and wonders come from God.
Satan can also perform deceptive miracles to lead people astray.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Paul warns about the coming of the Antichrist:
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works.
He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.
False signs can be used to manipulate people and promote false teachings.
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24,
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
This is why it is important to test everything against Scripture.
If a sign or wonder leads people away from Christ, it is not from God.
How to Respond to Signs and Wonders
So, what should believers do when they witness or hear about signs and wonders?
The Bible gives clear guidance.
First, test everything.
1 John 4:1 says:
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Miracles should always point people to Christ and align with God’s truth.
Second, do not base your faith on miracles alone.
Jesus told Thomas in John 20:29:
Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Faith should be rooted in God’s Word, not just in supernatural experiences.
Third, trust in God’s power, whether or not you see signs.
Sometimes, God works in quiet ways rather than dramatic miracles.
That does not mean He is absent.
He is always at work, even when we cannot see it.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is filled with signs and wonders that display God’s power, love, and authority.
From the miracles of Moses to the healings of Jesus, these supernatural events were meant to strengthen faith and reveal God’s glory.
Signs and wonders still happen today, but believers should not seek them above faith in God.
True faith is trusting in God, whether miracles happen or not.
At the same time, the Bible warns against false signs that can deceive people.
This is why every sign must be tested against Scripture to see if it truly comes from God.
Whether through miracles or through everyday moments of grace, God continues to work in the world.
The greatest sign of all was the death and resurrection of Jesus—proof of God’s love and power to save.
That is the ultimate wonder, and it is available to all who believe.