What are biblical sign gifts? What was their purpose?

from the old testament

• The biblical miracles are concentrated in three key time periods: the ministry of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 7–12), the ministry of Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17–19; 2 Kings 2–6), and the ministry of Jesus and the apostles (see Matthew 9:35; Acts 5:12–16). These three time periods represent the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as proclaimed in the New Testament writings. These miracles were first witnessed by people and then recorded in Scripture for future generations.

from the new testament

• The biblical sign gifts refer to the miraculous gifts in the New Testament, including speaking in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, healing, working miracles, and prophesying (1 Corinthians 12:7–10; 14:1–5; Mark 16:17–18). These activities clearly existed in the New Testament period.
• Jesus clearly performed many miracles that were recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 4:23–24; Mark 6:56; John 20:30–31). His followers likewise performed signs that authenticated that their power came from Jesus Christ. For example, on the Day of Pentecost, people from at least fifteen different cultures heard the believers speak and could understand their words in their own language (Acts 2:4–13). Peter healed a man disabled from birth (Acts 3:1–8), and Paul even brought a young man back from death (Acts 20:9–12).
• The sign gifts confirmed the message was from God. When Peter spoke on the Day of Pentecost, the miracle of those speaking in tongues led to many people coming to faith in Christ (Acts 2:41).
• The sign gifts also affirmed that the messenger was from God. Just as Jesus authenticated His message by His signs, the apostles often worked miracles as a sign that their message was truly from God. A powerful example is found in Acts 19:11–12: "And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." The result of these miracles was that, "the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily" (Acts 19:20).

implications for today

God can still do the miraculous, working in ways that defy human understanding. He heals, provides, protects, and transforms lives according to His sovereign will. Although God still performs miracles according to His will, our faith should rest not on extraordinary experiences, but on the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ revealed in the Bible.

Today, we live in a time when God’s Word serves as the central evidence of His power and truth. Rather than seeking miraculous signs to confirm our faith, we are called to trust the complete revelation of God given through the Bible. When we face doubts or desire tangible proof of God’s presence, we can turn to His Word, where His faithfulness, wisdom, and power are clearly revealed. Miracles remind us that God is active and present, but these events fade away and cannot sustain us. God’s Word and Spirit, though, remain constant and unchanging. Through Scripture, we come to know the heart of God and the depth of His promises, which endure far beyond any momentary wonder. The Holy Spirit continues to work within us, transforming our hearts, convicting us of truth, and empowering us to live out our faith. As we grow in trust and obedience, we learn that the greatest miracle of all is the redemption and renewal God brings to our lives through Jesus Christ.