Paralysis: Cured by Peter
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The miraculous healing of paralysis by the Apostle Peter is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. This account not only demonstrates the power of God working through the apostles but also serves as a testament to the early church's faith and the spread of the Gospel.

Biblical Account

The healing of a paralyzed man by Peter is found in Acts 9:32-35. As Peter traveled throughout the region, he visited the saints in Lydda. There, he encountered a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis. The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) records Peter's words to Aeneas: "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" (Acts 9:34 BSB). Immediately, Aeneas got up, and all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Theological Significance

This miracle is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the authority and power given to the apostles by Jesus Christ. Peter's declaration that "Jesus Christ heals you" emphasizes that the healing power comes from Christ, not from Peter himself. This aligns with the broader New Testament teaching that the apostles were instruments through whom God worked to confirm the message of the Gospel (Mark 16:20).

Secondly, the healing of Aeneas serves as a catalyst for evangelism. The text notes that all who saw Aeneas turned to the Lord, indicating that the miracle had a profound impact on the community. This reflects the pattern seen throughout Acts, where signs and wonders often lead to conversions and the growth of the early church (Acts 2:41, Acts 4:4).

Contextual Considerations

The account of Aeneas's healing occurs within the broader narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, which details the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This particular miracle takes place during a period of peace and growth for the church (Acts 9:31), highlighting the continued work of the Holy Spirit in empowering the apostles to perform signs and wonders.

Historical and Cultural Background

Lydda, where the healing took place, was a town in the coastal plain of Judea. It was a significant location due to its position on the road from Jerusalem to Joppa, making it a strategic site for the dissemination of the Gospel. The healing of Aeneas would have been a powerful testimony to both Jews and Gentiles in the area, contributing to the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.

Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, the healing of Aeneas by Peter serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. It encourages Christians to trust in God's ability to work miracles and to use such events as opportunities for witness and evangelism. The account also reinforces the importance of attributing all glory and honor to God, recognizing that any miraculous work is ultimately a demonstration of His power and grace.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 9:33,34
And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Paralytic Let Down through the Roof.
... band, and was pronounced blessed by his Master, and called Peter on this ... of the other
man before his soul: for after he had cured the paralysis He then ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily on the paralytic let.htm

Annals of the Saint's Life.
... Paralysed for more than two years. 1539. Is cured of her paralysis by St. Joseph.
1541. ... St. Peter of Alcantara approves of her spirit, and St. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/annals of the saints life.htm

Of the Grace of God; to the Effect that it Transcends the Narrow ...
... an easier thing for his son to be cured when sick ... and put an end to his disease of
paralysis, by saying ... For when Peter and John were entering the temple, when ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvi of the grace.htm

Christ's Authority to Forgive
... there might frown at rude intrusiveness; Peter might object ... is bid; and, as he tries,
the paralysis steals out ... The cure was immediate; and the cured man, who ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs authority to forgive.htm

Addition to Acts of Philip.
... I have heard your preaching, and have been cured of this ... 2210] And on this account
our brother Peter fled from ... prayed to the Lord, and she had paralysis of her ...
/.../unknown/the acts of philip/addition to acts of philip.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... of illnesses by his prayers; sometimes he cured people who ... the house on the shoulders
of Peter and John ... von Schwarzenberg was released from her paralysis of the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Prayers Answered
... by divine direction, Cornelius the Centurion sent messengers to Peter at Joppa ... to
start for the depot, I realized that I was cured. ... RECOVERY FROM PARALYSIS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

Resources
What is a succubus? What is an incubus? | GotQuestions.org

Is the Last Reformation movement biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Are faith healers for real? Does a faith healer heal with the same power as Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Paralysis: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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