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HEALING in the GOSPELS and ACTS (Both the text and audio versions of this book may be downloaded freely from roadmaptoheaven.org. Click on the "Healing" tab. These may be copied and distributed for free, but may not be sold for profit.)
© 2008 Roadmap To Heaven, Inc.
Most of what the New Testament teaches about healing is contained in the actions rather than the discourses of Christ and the Apostles. This book is a collection of the New Testament’s stories of healing. Carefully reading and reflecting on Christ’s dealings with the sick of his day fortifies our faith in his healing of the sick today. It is hoped that this compilation of healing accounts will enable the reader to spend less time locating passages and more time applying their truths to the sufferings of those around us who look to God for healing. All quotations are from the Authorized Version (some antiquated word forms have been updated). When additional details are available in parallel passages of other Gospels, they have been inserted to make the accounts more complete. Wide margins are provided so the reader may make notes. To reinforce your learning, freely download this book’s audio version from roadmaptoheaven.org. Use the chart at the back of this book to discover patterns in factors affecting New Testament healing. The accounts of healings presented here are taken from the four Gospels and the book of Acts. They are grouped as follows:
Section Title
Part One Christ’s Healing of Multitudes
Part Two Christ’s Healing of Individuals
Part Three Healing Through the Apostles Part OneChrist’s Healing of Multitudes in the GospelsThe four Gospels contain numerous accounts of Jesus healing multitudes of people in a single setting or over several days. At least eleven of these accounts are referred to in the Gospel of Matthew alone. There are three similar accounts in Mark and three in Luke. As to how many individuals were healed in each multitude we can only speculate. In most of the accounts thousands would not have been unlikely. Not included here is the record of the many who were resurrected when Christ died and rose again (Mat. 27:50-53). The following accounts of Jesus healing multitudes are based on Matthew’s Gospel. Excerpts from parallel passages in other Gospels have been inserted where they supply additional information. The references are given above each passage. The abbreviations used are: M:Matthew, K:Mark, L:Luke, J:John. __________________________________ 1. Jesus went to preach and heal throughout Galilee (M. 4:23) And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 2. The sick brought to Jesus from as far as Syria (M. 4:24) And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. 3. Great multitudes come to hear and be healed (M. 4:25; L. 6:17c-19) MAnd there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan. Land from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. (Note: The healings above took place in different places at different times. Because we cannot know how many different healing events took place during this period, we have counted the three verses as three separate events.) 4. Outside Peter’s home (M. 8:14-16 / 17; L. 4:40 / 41) MAnd when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. LNow when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with diverse diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. MThat it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, He took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses. LAnd devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, You are Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them allowed them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. (See K 1:32-34) 5. Further healing of multitudes in Galilee (M. 9:35,36) And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 6. Christ fulfills prophecies of Isaiah 35:5 (M. 11: 2,3; L. 7:21,22) MNow when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Are you he that should come, or do we look for another? LAnd in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 7. Christ healed great multitudes (M. 12:13-15) Then said he to the man, Stretch forth your hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from there: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all. (See also K 3:5-12) 8. Healings in the desert place (M. 14:12-16) And his [John’s] disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard of it, he departed from there by ship into a deserted place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a deserted place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; you give them food to eat. 9. Healings in Gennesaret (M. 14:34-35/ 36; K 6:55b,56) MAnd when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; Kand began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, MAnd besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. 10. Healings of multitudes near Sea of Galilee (M. 15:29-32) And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. 11. Great multitudes healed in Judea beyond Jordan (M. 19:1-2) And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. 12. Healings in the temple (M. 21:14) And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
Part TwoChrist’s Healing of Individuals In the Gospels
The four Gospels contain approximately forty accounts of Jesus healing twenty-five different individuals (or small groups, ie. ten lepers, two blind men). The sequence of the twenty-five healing accounts compiled here follows common harmonies of the Gospels. When additional information is available in parallel passages of other Gospels, it is inserted to make each account more complete. References are noted above each passage. (M:Matthew, K:Mark, L:Luke, J:John). The reader is urged to personally examine the Gospel writers’ separate accounts.
Accounts of Healing by Jesus
1. Nobleman’s Son Healed 2. Man at the Pool of Bethesda Healed 3. Simon’s Mother-in-law Healed 4. The Leper Cleansed 5. The Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof 6. The Man with the Withered Hand 7. The Centurion’s Dying Servant 8. The Widows’s Dead Son Raised 9. Blind and Dumb Demoniac 10. Jairus’ Daughter 11. The Woman with the Issue of Blood 12. Two Blind Men Healed 13. Dumb Spirit Cast Out 14. A Few Healed in Nazareth 15. The Syrophonecian Woman’s Daughter 16. Deaf Man with Speech Impediment Healed 17. Blind Man Touched Twice by Christ 18. Boy with the Dumb and Deaf Spirit 19. Man Born Blind Healed 20. Woman Bent Over with Spirit of Infirmity 21. Man with Dropsy Healed 22. Lazarus Raised From the Dead 23. Ten Lepers Healed 24. Blind Bartimaeus Given Sight 25. Malchus’ Severed Ear Healed
1. Nobleman’s son healed (J. 4:46-54) So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. 2. Man at the Pool of Bethesda healed (J. 5:1-15) After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 3. Simon’s mother-in-law healed (L. 4:38,39a; M. 8:15a; K. 1:31) LAnd he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; M and he touched her hand, Kand took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 4. The leper cleansed (M. 8:1,2a; L. 5:12b,c/ 15b; K. 1:40b/ 41-45;) MWhen he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, La man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus, Kand kneeling down to him, Lfell on his face, Mand worshipped Land besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. KAnd Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: Land great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 5. The paralytic lowered through the roof (K. 2:1,2/ 3b,4a/ 6-12a/ 12c; L. 5:17/ 19b,20a/ 5c,26a; M. 9:2a/ 2b/ 8a/ 8b) KAnd again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. LAnd it came to pass… as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. MAnd, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed, Kwhich was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they Llet him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. MAnd Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. KBut there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all, Land departed to his own house, glorifying God. MBut when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, Land were filled with fear, Mand glorified God, which had given such power unto men, Ksaying, We never saw it on this fashion. 6. The man with the withered hand (L. 6:6,7a/ 8,9/ 11a; M. 12:10b,c/ 11,12; K. 3:4c/ 5) LAnd it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him [Jesus], Mand they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. LBut he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? KBut they held their peace. MAnd he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. KAnd when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. LAnd they were filled with madness… 7. The centurion’s dying servant (L. 7:1-3b/ 4-7a/ 8,9/ 10; M. 8:6/ 8a/ 13) LNow when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him Mand saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. LAnd when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: Mbut speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. LFor I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. MAnd Jesus said [unto the centurion, Go thy way; and] as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. LAnd they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. 8. The widows’s dead son raised (L. 7:11-17) And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. 9. Blind and dumb demoniac healed (M. 12:22-24 Also recorded in less detail in L. 11:14,15) Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 10. and 11. Jairus’ Daughter and The woman with the issue of blood (L. 8:41a/ 42a/ 45b,46/ 47a/ 47b/ 50/ 53,54a/ 55a K. 5:23/ 24b-27/ 29-31/ 32/ 33b/ 34,35/ 37-39/ 40b,41/ 42b,43 M. 9:19a/ 19c/20b- 21) MWhile he spake these things unto them, Lbehold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, Mand worshipped him, Kand besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. LFor he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age… MAnd Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. KAnd much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, Mand touched the hem of his garment. For she said within herself, If I may touch but his garment, I shall be whole. KAnd straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? LWhen all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. KAnd he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. LAnd when the woman saw that she was not hid, she, Kfearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And Lshe declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. KAnd he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? LBut when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. KAnd he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. LAnd they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. KAnd he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. LAnd her spirit came again, and she arose straightway Kand walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. 12. Two blind men healed (M. 9:27-31) And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. 13. Dumb spirit cast out (M. 9:32-34, see also L. 11:14,15) As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. 14. A few healed in Nazareth (Little detail of individuals, but key concepts) (K. 6:1-3a/ 3b-5a/ 5b,6 M. 13:56/ 58b) KAnd he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? MAnd his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? KAnd they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work Mbecause of their unbelief Ksave that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. 15. The Syrophonecian woman’s daughter (K. 7:24,25a/ 27,28/ 29b/ 30; M.15:22-25/ 27b,28a/28b) KAnd from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. For Mbehold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. KBut Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs Mwhich fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. KFor this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. MAnd her daughter was made whole from that very hour. KAnd when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. 16. Deaf man with speech impediment healed (K. 7:31-37) And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak 17. Blind man touched twice by Christ (K. 8:22-26) And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town. 18. Boy with the dumb and deaf spirit (L. 9:37,38a/ 38b/ 38c/ 39a,b/ 39c-41b/ 42c-43b; M. 17:14c/ 15a/ 15b/ 17b/ 20-21a; K. 9:17b/ 18b/ 19a/ 19b-27/ 28/ 29b) LAnd it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. And, behold, a man of the company, Mkneeling down to him, Lcried out, saying, KMaster, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit. MHave mercy on my son: Lfor he is mine only child. MFor he is lunatic and sore vexed: And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, Kand gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: Land bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. KHe answered him and said, MO faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, Khow long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. LAnd [he] delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. KAnd when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? MAnd Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit Kthis kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. 19. Man born blind healed (J. 9:1-14, 35-38) And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes……. 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. 20. Woman bent over with spirit of infirmity (L. 13:10-17) And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. 21. Man with dropsy healed (L.14:1-6) And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things. 22. Lazarus raised from the dead (J. 11: portions of 1-38) 1-6 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha…. Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was…. 11-17 …and after that he [Jesus] saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. … Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already…. 22-27 [Martha said…] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world... 33-45 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 23. Ten lepers healed (L. 17:11-19) And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. 24. Blind Bartimaeus given sight (K. 10:46/ 47/ 49a/ 49b,50/ 52a/ 52b L. 18:36,37/ 39/ 40b/ 40c,41/ 42b/43b A similar healing of two blind men is found in M. 20:29-34) KAnd they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. LAnd hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. KAnd when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. LAnd they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. K And Jesus stood still, and commanded him Lto be brought unto him. KAnd they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. LAnd when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. KAnd Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; Lreceive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. KAnd immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way, Lglorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. 25. Malchus’ severed ear healed (L. 22:49/51 J.18:10) When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? JThen Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. LAnd Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Part ThreeHealing Through the Apostles In the Gospels and Acts
Jesus expected his followers to carry on his ministry just as he taught them; first the twelve, then the seventy, then “them that believe” (Mark 16:17). The following fifteen healing accounts show evidence of Christ’s plans carried out by the Apostles.
Jesus chooses twelve men to train. (K. 3:13-15) And he went up into a mountain, and called unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. 26. Jesus demonstrates ministry, then sends the out the twelve to do the same. (L. 9:1a/ 1c/ 2,3a/ 6/ 10b,11; K. 6:7b/ 12,13/ 30; M. 9:35-37/ 10:1b/ 7,8) MAnd Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. LThen he called his twelve disciples together, Kand began to send them forth by two and two; Land gave them power and authority over all devils, Mto cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease… LAnd he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, MAs ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. KAnd they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. LAnd they… went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where… [Later] KAnd the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. LAnd he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. 27. The apostles had at least one failure, and asked Jesus for further instruction. (L. 9:38-40; M. 17:19-21) LAnd, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit takes him, and he suddenly cries out; and it tears him that he foams again, and bruising him hardly departs from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not… MThen came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting. 28. Jesus taught that those not specially commissioned by him could still do miracles in his name, and were “on his team”. (L. 9:49; K 9:39,40) LAnd John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he follows not with us. KBut Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. 29. Jesus sent out seventy more to minister just as he did. (L. 10:1,8,9,17-19) After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come… 8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you… 17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. No special calling or commission is required to do the works of Jesus, other than to “believe on him”. (J. 14:12-14) Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (Also Jn. 7:38,39) “These signs” are not only to accompany those who “preach the gospel”, but they “shall follow them that believe” the gospel – any believer. (K. 16:14-20) Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. [Note: In verse 14 Jesus “upbraided” his disciples as hard-hearted and unbelieving. The testimony of Mary Magdalene and the two from the Emmaus Road was not enough to convince them. If his own disciples needed a sign (the resurrected Christ appearing to them personally) before they truly believed the gospel, Jesus knew that other unbelievers would also need signs, so he has provided them.] 30. Peter and John heal the lame man at the temple by faith in Jesus name. (Acts 3:1-16) Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. The disciples pray for boldness and for healings, signs and wonders by Jesus’ name. (Acts 4:29-30) And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus… 31. Multitudes healed in Jerusalem through the Apostles (One answer to the above prayer) (Acts 5:12, 15,16) And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch...) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. 32. Stephen does great miracles. (Acts 6:5,8) ... and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, .... And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Note: Though the word “healing” is not used in the above verse, by far the most common New Testament miracles were healing and casting out devils.) 33. Philip brings great joy to Samaria. (Acts 8:5-8) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. 34. Peter tells Aeneas that Jesus Christ has made him whole. Two towns were saved. (Acts 9:32-35) And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 35. Peter raises Dorcas from the dead. Many believed on Christ. (Acts 9:36-42) Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 36. The Lord confirmed his Word through Paul and Barnabas in Iconium with signs and wonders. (Acts 14:1-3) And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 37. Crippled man at Lystra has faith to be healed. (Acts 14:8-11) And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 38. Unusual miracles through Paul minister to the afflicted around Ephesus. (Acts 19:8-12) And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. 39. Eutychus fell to his death. Revived by Paul. (Acts 20:9-12) And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. 40. Paul survived a deadly snake bite. (Acts 28:3-6) And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. 41. Publius’ father and others on Melita healed through Paul. (Acts 28:7-9) In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
Scripture’s directive to the sick (James 5:14-18) Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. [Note: Elijah did not pray just once. He prayed earnestly seven times before one tiny rain cloud appeared (1 Ki. 18:42-44). We must not be ashamed to pray, or be prayed for, as many times as necessary until healing is received.] Closing RemarksThe Gospels’ accounts of Jesus healing individuals and multitudes are but a small glimpse of all that Jesus did in his brief earthly ministry. John wrote, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” (John 21:25). Likewise, the book of Acts records some of the healing incidents in the ministries of Peter and Paul (there may have been many more), with a nod to Stephen and Philip. Though the ministries of the other apostles are not recorded in scripture, it is reasonable to assume that they also faithfully carried out their Savior’s commission, to preach, heal and deliver. Early church history shows that this commission did not die out with the apostles but was carried on fervently by common believers for the first few centuries. Let us in our time, with childlike faith, trust in Jesus for the healing of others, that hard hearts may be softened, God may be glorified and his will be done in earth as it is in Heaven.
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