Dr. Mike Jones

Hebrews 2:4 Signs, wonders, miracles, and power!

Q: At this time in church history, I’m hearing more of my colleagues mentioning Hebrews 2:4 … signs, wonders, and miracles. I know how adamantly YOU are about the use of the word ‘MIRACLES” being so loosely used in Christendom. Can you spare a moment and explain the verse?

A: Good question, Man of God: Without being lengthy, it can biblically and theologically be answered this way:

The words, signs, wonders, and miracles are really synonyms – meaning, all 3 words are similar in meaning.

When you read Hebrews Chapter 2:1-4, you come away with that knowledge of all the marvelous supernatural things that Jesus [followed by the apostles] did, and not only did these men of God confirmed the Word with signs, and wonders, and miracles, but they also worked the ‘Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ as the Lord willed. This is why I so adamantly stated recently, when I answered the question, “What does Isaiah 53:5 really mean to us as New Testament Believers?” I unequivocally stated that ‘HEALING is available TODAY’ to Believers – but it’s “as the Lord wills!”

We as students of sacred Scripture, have a ‘knack’ for focusing in on a single verse of Scripture, and camping out there for a quick meaning, when, the prior few verses leading up to that particular verse, gives us a clearer understanding of what the text mean and what’s the author’s intent for the reader.

For example: when you read Hebrews Chapter 1, the main purpose is to show that Jesus Christ is superior to the angels. Then chapter 2 warns the reader that the consequences/judgment of “drifting” from the truths God has given are dreadful. As one writer so eloquently stated, “The stakes of Jesus’ message are so high, we can’t be lazy or casual about it and expect to avoid trouble.”

When you get to verse 3 of chapter 2, the Apostle Paul [disclaimer: pardon my ignorance for attributing the authorship of Hebrews to Paul … when scholars at a higher pay grade then me, mention Paul, Luke, Peter, and others, as the possible author. Like those in the second school of thought, I believe we see Apostle Paul’s DNA throughout Hebrews.], began to lay out his evidence for the gospel message.

Here in verse 3, we get Jesus’ declaration about truth and His demonstration offered along with the accounts of those [Luke 1:1-4, “Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught;” 2 Peter 1:16, “For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes.”] who saw His ministry in person.

For further proof of Christ’s legitimacy of His being, scholars have pointed to the use of miracles and other supernatural events in His ministry. After Christ’s ascension, the apostles were given the capability of verifying their message of the Cross, through God’s power, that’s expressed in Acts 2:43, “A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders;” And in 2 Corinthians 12:12, “When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you.”

The main reason that these Scriptural proofs were given, is to highlight how serious the problem of “drifting” can become to a Believer: That’s the theme of the mini book that I’ve written, entitled “GOD IS NOT IMPRESSED WITH OUR EXCUSES!”

Conclusion: When we study the true purpose of miracles, we come away knowing they’re ‘ALL’ [called] signs: but I like how the Geneva Study Bible (published 1560) states Hebrews 2:4, “God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.” [Meaning: This is the true purpose of miracles. Now they are called signs, because they appear as one thing, and represent another: and they are called wonders, because they represent some strange and unaccustomed thing: and powers because they give us a glimpse of God’s mighty power.]