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Hebrews 2:4 "God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, ..." (KJV)
Instructive "Signs" 'semeion'
S Zodhiates in the Hebrew/Greek Key Study Bible explains, "Sign, miracle with an ethical end and purpose. In the plural, miracles which lead to something out and beyond themselves; finger-posts of God; valuable not so much for what they are as for what they indicate of the grace and power of the doer or his immediate connection with a higher spiritual world."The sign, miracle of Cana of Galilee - the turning of water into wine, revealed the glory of Jesus Christ to His disciples (John 2:11; 4:54; 6:14; 9:16; 11:47 ). All the signs of John's gospel faithfully indicated who Jesus was and also instructed in spiritual matters. His gracious signs today should not be regarded by us as the end in themselves, but we should discern to what they point, and apply the instruction they contain. While marvelling at His wonderful works, do not fail to mark their significations and to take action accordingly.
Arresting "Wonders" 'teras'
"Often associated with 'semeion' and usually translated as "wonder". These two words refer not to different classes of miracles, but to different qualities of the same miracle. 'Teras' is derived from 'tereo' - to watch, as being that which for its extraordinary character is apt to be observed and kept in the memory. It is a miracle regarded as startling , imposing, amazing, frequently used elsewhere for strange appearances in the heavens." Spiros ZodhiatesPaul's apostolic ministry was marked by such signs and wonders (2 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 19:11 ). They will surely mark apostolic ministry today to some measure. There are, of course,
The holy Spirit is faithful, and works mightily with those who truly are His special messengers. Expect to see wonders that will arrest the attention of the lost, affecting whole communities (Acts 8:12; 2 Corinthians 12:12 ).
Undisputible "Miracles" 'dunamis'
"Power, especially inherent power - - powers, miracles coming out of that mighty power of God inherent in Christ, and which power lent to His witnesses and ambassadors." Spiros ZodhiatesThe various miracles wrought by the Holy Spirit, in the name of the Lord Jesus, are divine acts (Acts 19:11-12 ) not soulish power - or psychic suggestion. And those who would attempt to copy, find that no human knowledge or effort can reproduce them. In fact, their vulnerability is exposed (Acts 19:13- 16 ). A mighty enduement of the Holy Spirit upon His special messengers will reveal the inherent powers of the Lord through their ministries, thus giving divine witness to the gospel.
The gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 are not human abilities. They are the giving to the redeemed of humanity, the abilities of the Holy Spirit. Every operation of them is a manifestation of God the Holy Spirit. The Greek word 'phanerosis' translated "manifestation" (1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV) means "making visible" (Dake) healings, miracles, prophecies, tongues, interpretations, a word of His wisdom, knowledge, and discernment - make visible the Holy Spirit whose abilities they are, and so divinely attest the gospel.
The Holy Spirit is not only a great giver, He is the all-wise decider as to the manifestations at any given time - and the filler of the vessel He will use.
It would appear that those who "earnestly desire" (1 Corinthians 12:31; (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 14:1 ) the best gifts, will be available to the Holy Spirit for His impartation. The great purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is to equip us as witnesses. (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:17-20; John 14:12 ). Those who disbelieve and despise the gospel, do so in the face of divine attestation. They will awake from their deception at the judgment to know the awful cost of rejecting Jesus.