1 Peter 4:11 “Speak as the oracles of God”

What does the Bible say? Have miracles ceased?

 Signs:  of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God's (Thayer)

 Wonders:  "something strange," causing the beholder to marvel, is always used in the plural, always rendered "wonders," and generally follows semeia, "signs“.  A sign is intended to appeal to the understanding, a "wonder" appeals to the imagination, (Vine).

 Miracles, powers (dunamis):  "power, inherent ability," is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means (Vine).

 Why did Jesus perform miracles?  “A man attested by God” (Acts 2:22).  “A teacher come from God” (John 3:2; 6:2).  “The Coming One”, “The Son of David” (Matt 11:2-5; cf. Isa 61; 12:22-23).  “That you may believe….” (John 20:30-31).

 Why did Apostles perform miracles?  To “bear witness” & “confirm” that the teaching done had a Divine Source: God (Heb 2:3-4).  “Confirm” – to make firm, establish, make sure (Thayer).  “God also bearing them witness” (KJV) – to attest together with; to unite in adding testimony (Thayer)  Not everyone was healed within their purview (John 5:2-9; emph. 3; Phil 2:27; 2 Tim 4:20).

 Initially, only the apostles had the power to perform miracles (Acts 2:42-43).  Later, Stephen (Acts 6:5-8) & Phillip (Acts 8:5-6, 12; purpose: 6, 12) were working miracles.  That ability came from the apostles (Acts 6:6).

 Only the apostles dispensed miraculous ability (Acts 8:13-24; cf. 18).  A safeguard against the dispensing the power to the wrong people.  A safeguard that put a limit on the time for miracles (during the lifetime of the apostles).  Jesus made no provision for apostolic succession.

 If a miracle is only an unexplainable event, then the purpose of that event is left up to anyone’s imagination.  True miracles took place for a specific purpose (to confirm God’s word), & they were performed by specific people (apostles & those upon whom they laid hands).

 WHEN…? “When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part will be done away” (1 Cor 13:10).  The portions of Truth revealed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit (13:8; 12:8-10).  “The perfects law of liberty (Jas 1:25).  “All things … to life & godliness (2 Pet 1:3).  “All the Truth (John 16:13).

Not only does the Bible teach that the need & source of miracles have ceased, God tells us when they ceased.

Make sure your choice of words suggest the meaning God intended. fellowship, ministry, grace, saint miracle.