Miracles = dynameis (Gk) = “mighty deeds/deeds of power”

Types of miracle stories:

ExorcismsHealingsResuscitationsNature miracles

Miracle workers:

1. Gods and goddesses2. Prophets and holy people: e.g. Moses3. Divine men: e.g. Roman Emperor

Vespasian (r. 69-79)4. Professional exorcists5. Professional magicians6. Christian charismatics

Christian miracle stories validating Christ’sposition as son of God, strengthening faith

Healings - Peter’s mother and others:

Mk 1: 29-34

Mt 8: 14-17; recalling of Isa 53: 4

Lk 4: 38-41

Messiahs in Mark:

1. Secret Messiah

2. Suffering Messiah

3. Coming Messiah

Opposing old Jewish order:

Paralytic (Mt 9: 1-8 [recalling ofDan 7: 13]; Mk 2: 1-12;Lk 5: 17-26)

Withered arm (Mk 3: 1-6; Lk 6: 6-11;Mt 12: 10-13)

Walking on water:

Mt 14: 22-33: reminder of need for faith

Mk 6: 47-52: secret Messiah

Reminder of need for faith:

Hemorrhaging woman (e.g. Mk 5: 27-34)

Epileptic (Mt 17: 14-21 vs. Mk 9: 14-29)

Curing the blind man:

Lk 18: 34-43: “son of David,” vs.Mk 10: 46-52, 12: 35-37

Mt 20: 29-34: two blind men