ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how the question of miracles influenced the development of the Christian churches and played a role - sometimes a central one - in the differences that emerged between them. It also shows the variety of roles that miracles played in the period after Jesus. The chapter discusses the importance for St Paul of his miraculous encounter with the risen Christ, something that enabled him to assert his authority over other followers of Jesus. It reviews miracles in the Acts of the Apostles, where we encounter a familiar biblical theme of miracles as a demonstration of power, helping a particular Jewish sect, the Christians, to victory over its enemies, as they had once helped the Jews to victory over their Egyptian oppressors. The chapter examines miracles in the post-biblical period, focusing on the traditions surrounding shrines and relics. The author shows how miracles could help to unify the disparate Christian communities around the Empire.
