Topical Encyclopedia Peter's mother-in-law is a biblical figure mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Her healing by Jesus is one of the early miracles recorded in the New Testament, highlighting Jesus' authority over sickness and His compassion for individuals.Biblical Account: The healing of Peter's mother-in-law is described in three Gospels: 1. Matthew 8:14-15 : "When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them." 2. Mark 1:29-31 : "As soon as Jesus and His companions had left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they promptly told Jesus about her. So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them." 3. Luke 4:38-39 : "Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to serve them." Context and Significance: Peter's mother-in-law's healing occurs early in Jesus' ministry, shortly after He called His first disciples. The event takes place in Capernaum, a town that served as a central hub for Jesus' Galilean ministry. The healing is significant for several reasons: · Demonstration of Authority: Jesus' ability to heal Peter's mother-in-law with a simple touch or word demonstrates His divine authority over illness. This miracle, like others, serves to authenticate His messianic identity and divine mission. · Immediate Response: The immediate recovery of Peter's mother-in-law, who rises and begins to serve Jesus and His disciples, underscores the completeness of the healing. Her service is a natural response to the grace she received, reflecting the appropriate response of gratitude and service to God. · Role of Women: This account highlights the role of women in Jesus' ministry. Although not named, Peter's mother-in-law is depicted as a figure of hospitality and service, a theme consistent with the portrayal of women throughout the Gospels. · Family Life of the Apostles: The mention of Peter's mother-in-law provides insight into the personal lives of the apostles, indicating that Peter was married. This detail is corroborated by Paul's reference to Peter's marital status in 1 Corinthians 9:5, where he mentions that Peter (Cephas) had a believing wife. Theological Implications: The healing of Peter's mother-in-law is a testament to Jesus' compassion and willingness to respond to the needs of individuals. It also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' touch, which not only heals physical ailments but also restores individuals to their roles and responsibilities within their communities. This miracle, like others, points to the in-breaking of God's kingdom, where sickness and suffering are overcome by the presence and power of Christ. Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |