Written on September 19th, 2006 - 5:17PM
Last Updated: February 12th, 2007 - 3:59PM
and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages. (1 Corinthians 12:10)
There is one manifestation of the Spirit that is wondrous, in that it accomplishes the will of God in supernatural ways not familiar to the world. It is called "works of powers" or "workings of miracles" (ενεργηματα δυναμεων).
"Works" is the noun form of a common Greek root in the New Covenant, which root comes from the two words meaning "in" or "with" and the common word for "work, labor, deed, toil."
"Powers" is from the root meaning simple "to be able or possible." It means a force or ability, and is most often used to refer to a miraculous kind of power. Here it is plural, "powers" or "abilities."
So we see these two together describing a manifestation of the Spirit, "works of powers." The Spirit shows these within those who possess Him, He causes them to do deeds of self-contained ability. The works themselves accomplish what is necessary. Following are some examples in scripture of forms of these words being used.
"Works" or "Working" in Scripture
19and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 20which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:19-20)
Paul had been telling the Ephesians that when he had heard of their faith in the Lord Jesus and continued love toward the brethren, he was praying for the Father to give them a supernatural revelation (Ephesians 1:15-18). He reveals that the same "working" which Yahweh the Father worked to raise Christ from the dead is the same working in us! From other references to the Resurrection, we know the "working" is the Holy Spirit Himself (Romans 6:4)(Romans 8:11)(Colossians 2:12). This is the blessedness of the New Covenant—we have received the very Spirit of God Who gives life and brings to pass the things that are not (John 6:63)(Romans 4:17)(2 Corinthians 3:6)!
So we see the seamlessness of the Gospel, that the same Spirit Who manifests "works of powers" is the one who is "working" in us, just as He did in the Lord Jesus when He was raised from the dead!
from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16)
Again we see how the Spirit is integral to the operation of Christ's Body upon the earth. He is the "working" in each person (member) that Jesus operates to build up His Body in love. Through His work in us, the Body is connected together. The remainder of this chapter speaks to the various gifts of ministry which have been given to those in Christ's Body, similarly to how the Spirit chooses to manifest works of power in various believers to build up the Body.
who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:21)
We also see this "working" is the agent by which our bodies will be transformed into one like that of Christ's, for it is the same working the Lord Jesus uses to subject all things to Himself. For according as the Holy Spirit is Yahweh, so He has power over all things.
for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily. (Colossians 1:29)
Paul, similarly as to the Ephesians, tells the Colossians that he labors according to the "working" which works in him mightily for the presentation of every man perfect in Christ. Paul's prayer in the Spirit enables the building up of Jesus' Body, the perfection of each member—it is actual labor, that of the new creation (see the teaching on The Sabbath to the right). This working, which we know to be the Holy Spirit from the other writings mentioned, works in us to effect God's will!
"Power" or "Powers" in Scripture
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.' (Matthew 6:13)
As Jesus closes His teaching on prayer as John the Baptizer taught his disciples, He reveals the nature of His Father: the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory belong to Him, forever. As the Spirit manifests these works of powers through His people, we understand why and how—because that ability or power belongs to Yahweh Himself.
Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' (Matthew 7:22)
Here is a stern warning from the Lord, that many will pretend to have been working for Christ. They will even claim to have done many "miracles" in His Name. It is this word for "powers." But Jesus reveals that not everyone who claims His Name or to have done miracles in His Name truly has (Matthew 7:23).
He didn't do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:58)
Here is a tremendous insight into the nature and working of God with men. Christ healed many people on the earth and did many miracles, but in His own town He did not, because of their disbelief or lack of trust. He didn't do many "powers" there because of it. And so today many do not find their needs met by that same Christ through His Spirit because they do not believe.
But Jesus answered them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29)
Again the Lord reveals the reason for man's inability to grasp truth, or even ask the right question in order to hear the truth. The Sadducees, who did not believe in a bodily resurrection, were upbraided by Christ because they were mistaken, not knowing the scriptures nor the "power" of God. To not know God's power or ability is to not grasp the full range of possibilities available to His creation. Notice it is connected to also not knowing the scriptures; as seen in the studies of the other manifestations of the Spirit, many of them have to do with seeing the truth behind the outward, including even receiving the full meaning of scripture as with the interpretation of languages.
So as the Holy Spirit does works of powers through us, we show ourselves to be acquainted with Yahweh's ability, both believing Him able and opening ourselves as His vessel to show it forth.
For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)
The apostle reveals what many today still do not understand. The Kingdom of God does not exist in word (λογω can also mean "teaching," or "reason"), but rather in power. It is its ability that enables it to exist and engender the will of God upon the earth. Paul explains that it is not his letters that give him authority to effect what he says, but rather God's Spirit. So the Spirit's use of us is not according to teaching or word, but rather His power working in us.
He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:5)
Here we see the verb form of "works" then the same word for "powers." Paul asks the Galatians, does the One Who works these powers among you, through supplying the Spirit, do it by their works of the Law of Moses? Or through the hearing of faith? So Paul refers to the words of His Lord Jesus, Who gave the Jews a revelation:
27Don't work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him." 28They said therefore to him, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?" 29Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." (John 6:27-29)
This was the work of God, not doing any particular signs, but simply believing in the One Whom He sent—His Beloved Son.
Because the Holy Spirit supplies the ability and working itself to perform these works of powers, or workings of miracles, they are seen throughout the entire Bible.
Miracles in the Old Covenant
Indeed, most of the entire Exodus was filled with manifold miracles (Psalms 105:27).
"When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, 'Perform a miracle!' then you shall tell Aaron, 'Take your rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it become a serpent.'" (Exodus 7:9)
The signs which Moses performed in Egypt to confound Pharaoh and his nation's false gods were definitely miracles, or works of powers. They were things that could not be naturally performed, such as: turning waters into blood, bringing hosts of frogs, flies, lice, and locusts, raining hail, making the daytime darkness, and striking dead all firstborn, both human and animal, in their land (Psalms 105:28-36).
The Egyptians were convinced to lend their precious jewels and other costly items to the Israelies before they left (Psalms 105:37).
All Israel was made well, as there was not one feeble person among them after celebrating the Passover and leaving Egypt (Psalms 105:37).
The Red Sea was miraculously parted in half so that Israel could cross to their Promised Land and their enemy, Egypt, would be destroyed (Exodus 14:21-31).
Yahweh's very Light gave them the ability to travel and be safe at night, and His Cloud led and protected them during the day (Psalms 105:39).
Hordes of quail were brought from the skies to feed them (Psalms 105:40).
The Rock was opened and water gushed out for them to drink in the wilderness (Psalms 105:41).
Manna, bread from heaven, was given to sustain them through their journey (Deuteronomy 8:3)(Psalms 78:24).
Miracles in the New Covenant
The Lord Jesus performed many miracles, in order that the people might believe He was sent from the Father, and that He might fulfill the prophecies concerning Him; so much so that even the King desired to see Him (Luke 23:8).
Some of these were:
The apostles and disciples did similar works of powers, or miracles, as well, including:
- Restoring the power to walk to a man lame for over 40 years (Acts 3:1-11)(Acts 4:16-22).
- Casting out demons, healing the lame and paralyzed and giving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:6-25).
- Evil spirits causing sickness were cast out by cloths that had been touching the apostle Paul (Acts 19:11-12).
The Power of the Powers,
The Worker of the Workings
He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:5)
As mentioned above, "working" is often connected to the Holy Spirit, the Agent by which the Father and Son effect Their Will. Here we also see "power" connected to the Holy Spirit, as it is by God's "power" that He will raise us up, just as He raised the Lord Jesus. The same Spirit Who resurrected Christ also will raise us up, and now works in us to perform Yahweh's will upon the earth!
Now God raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power. (1 Corinthians 6:14)
There are many, many other portions of scripture speaking of "power(s)", that cannot be effectively covered here. But these few show how intimately the Holy Spirit is related to such powers, as He is the Power itself. Although He has a will, can be grieved and lied to, speaks and listens, so His very nature is ability or power itself. We now understand how important He is to us, and indeed all creation. Should we not love Him and seek to imitate Him by asking to be used in these works of powers, to accomplish His will?
1Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. 2For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense; 3how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard; 4God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4)
Last Accessed: April 9th, 2026 - 6:03PM
Times Read: 4013
| 
