This book examines many of the strange events and actions in Acts in the context of the Hellenistic world and from that perspective. These events and actions include the ascension of Jesus, direction by the Spirit, visions, angelophanies, prison escapes and resuscitations of the dead. Many of these events are either avoided in scholarship or are investigated with an agenda other than to understand them for themselves. The book constructs an ancient audience to be one that has a close familiarity with the Septuagint and with other Greek and Latin writings. The culturally-strange events are then interpreted through the lens of these texts.

“For thousands of years, the hope of heaven has called to people through miracles. When we stop to consider their stories, God’s voice calls to us as well.” In our age of constant innovation, technological achievement, and the sad tendency to see ourselves as the captains of our fate, we may be tempted to make little time for miracles, or give little credence to them. But to live our lives without a sense of the miraculous is to live impoverished lives. Our word for miracle comes from the Latin word mirari, “to wonder.” And well might we wonder when we consider the nature of miracles and their purpose. It is here that a grand conversation beckons. God has been our help in ages past. He is our hope for years to come. To learn of holy events and people—supremely, to look upon the Savior—is to see the power of God, and how He has always sought to draw us to Himself. He is our eternal home. Miracles point the way there. Look at a night sky, studded with numberless constellations of stars. Each is a celestial shard of glory—bestowing glimpses of the eternal. Miracles in Scripture are like the stars. They, like the heavens, declare the glory of God. In these pages are scenes and lives touched by eternity, settings of almighty declaration, moments marked by deliverance, by mercy, or visionary unfoldings of God’s divine intent. Kevin Belmonte provides learned insight into the profoundly important history of miracles. Miraculous is a richly researched text of wondrous things that have taken place from ancient times to the present.

One man's extraordinary encounters with God. God wants us to stay plugged into Him so that we can live a supernatural life of victory. We should expect this to be "normal" Christianity. This book is filled with stories of what the miraculous looks like in daily life and it gives key points to help you walk in the supernatural. A Miraculous Life tells of the miracles that Bruce Van Natta has personally experienced, including when he received a hug from Jesus at age five, when God called his name in a church service at nineteen, and when he saw the angels sent to save his life during an out-of-body experience at the point of death. Each encounter is given as an example of the knowledge and insights he has learned within the context of Scripture. The book also includes other real-life testimonies that show how God's supernatural power is released. You will be amazed to read of the miracles taking place today: blind eyes and deaf ears being opened, tumors vanishing, demons being cast out, and captives being set free from heartache, pain, depression, and fear. These faith-building stories and biblical references will help you live "supernaturally victorious" in every area of your life, regardless of the circumstances.