(Note: Spiritual gifts should not be confused with the fruit of the Spirit, which is something else entirely.)
Miracles are defined as (generally positive) events that defy all natural laws or explanations and are therefore attributed to be divine in origin. Spiritual gifts are kind of like spiritual talents, and the spiritual gift of miracles is one of the many special gifts given to specific people by the Holy Spirit. Paul talked about his showing “the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles” (2 Corinthians 12:12), meaning that he performed acts that defied nature and therefore proved that he was sent by God.
In addition to the spiritual gift of miracles, the Bible lists prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, mercy, the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues, and speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 12:28). Some people lump the gift of healing in with miracles, but Scripture shows us that healing is a different spiritual gift. (See: What is the gift of healing?)
God has divinely gifted believers with different gifts, though not all believers will receive all gifts. Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit—not learned or earned. One person may have one gift while someone else has another gift.
The Holy Spirit granted the spiritual gift of miracles to the apostles for a very specific purpose: to prove to witnesses that these men were truly sent by God. The apostles were known for doing great miracles, such as casting out demons and raising the dead (Acts 9, 16).
While sharing the gospel with a governor in Cyprus, a Jewish false prophet called Elymas tried to oppose what the apostles were saying. So the apostle Paul called him out on his "deceit and villainy" and struck him blind by the power of the Lord (Acts 13:4-11)! Acts 13:12 tells us that, because of this miracle, the governor believed the gospel message "for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord."
These miracles were extraordinary, and they were only done by the work of the Holy Spirit. The gift of miracles was a unique gift endowed by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of proving the apostles were commissioned by God to proclaim the truth of Jesus to the lost world.
This question is a little controversial, and our belief is that the time of this gift existed only for those first apostles who were starting the early church. We believe that the spiritual gift of miracles is not granted to believers today. In the Bible, the only people who had the spiritual gift of miracles were the early disciples and apostles. Many biblical scholars agree that the gift of miracles was actually meant to be a sign from God specifically aimed at the Jews of the time so they would have proof that their One True God was behind the message of Jesus. Therefore, in the present day, the gift of miracles is not needed.
That doesn't mean that God doesn't still do amazing and miraculous things! He may even use a person to achieve that miracle. But we do not believe that the gift of miracles is still granted by the Holy Spirit today as a permanent part of a person's existence on this earth.
Although the gift of miracles has ended, the Holy Spirit is still giving out gifts! There are many other spiritual gifts listed in the Bible that are quite apparent in believers today. To learn more about what spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit may have given you, please see our article, "How can I tell what my spiritual gifts are?" With God’s help, in time, you will discover the very special way that God has uniquely gifted you for this life.
The spiritual gift of miracles is the ability to perform miraculous acts through the working of the Holy Spirit. The apostles and many early disciples had the spiritual gift of miracles. They were able to heal people and even resurrect the dead (Acts 9, 16)! It is believed that the gift of miracles is no longer granted to believers today because it was originally used as a sign from God to help people understand that the apostles were sent by Him. That doesn't mean that God doesn't still do amazing and miraculous things! He may even use a person to achieve that miracle. But we do not believe that the gift of miracles is still granted by the Holy Spirit today as a permanent part of a person's existence on this earth.
Vivian loves learning, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She is dedicated to helping people learn more about Jesus and is ready to help in any way she can. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, cooking, drawing, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, you can find her soaking up the sunshine or going on an adventure.
