Claude T. Stauffer :: Power to Heal – Acts 3

The Spirit Acts

Power to Heal – Acts 3

Our objective in our study of the Book of Acts is:

The Spirit of God using the word of God to make people of God and change the people of God into Spirit-empowered, effective, edifying, disciples of Jesus Christ.

In Acts 3 we will see a miraculous act of healing. There is a lot of confusion and misinformation on the topic of healing. Therefore, as an introduction to Acts 3, let’s consider an overview of what the Bible says about healing.

Healings in the Bible

The word “heal” occurs 46 times in the Bible, 27 times in the Old Testament and 19 times in the New Testament. The word “heals” occurs 5 times in the Bible, 4 times in the Old Testament, once in the New Testament. The word “healed” occurs 78 times in the Bible, 29 times in the Old Testament, 58 times in the New Testament. Lastly, the word “healing” occurs 15 times in the Bible, 7 times in the Old Testament, and 8 times in the New Testament. Therefore, based on the occurrences of the word healing in its forms, there are approximately 144 references to healing in the Bible.

Other words or phrases that relate to healing in the Bible are “made well” which occurs eleven times, “sick” which occurs 78 times, “sickness” which occurs 17 times, “disease” eleven times, “diseases” eleven times, “feeble” 18 times, and “lame” 34 times. These alone add another 180 references to physical health issues. And there are certainly others. We have not mentioned particular diseases or illness or hurts that need healing. When all is considered, it is safe to say the Bible mentions sickness and healing very often.

When we look at the Bible we see a number of basic truths about healing such as: The power to heal begins with God (Genesis 20:17-18; Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Jeremiah 17:14). As the second Person of the Trinity, Jesus has the power to heal (Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:16; Matthew 12:15; Matthew 15:30). Jesus is able to pass on the power to heal as He did with the disciples (Matthew 10:1-8). The Holy Spirit is able to give the spiritual gift of healing to believers (1 Corinthians 12:9). In heaven there will be eternal healing (Revelation 22:2).

In the Old Testament the earliest reference to healing occurs in Genesis 20:17 where Abraham prays to God for healing on behalf of Abimelech, king of Gerar, whose wife and female servants were afflicted with barrenness because Abimelech had taken an interest in Abraham’s wife Sarah, (who Abraham had presented as his sister rather than as his wife when on a journey to Egypt – Genesis 20:1-18).

The Old Testament word for “heal” is translated from the Hebrew term RAPHA which means, “to mend (by stitching),…to cure; cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, make whole.”²⁸

In the New Testament the first reference to healing occurs in Matthew chapter 4 where Jesus’ ministry in Galilee is said to have included healing (Matthew 4:23-24). The word in the New Testament from which the words “heal,” “heals,” “healed” and “healing” are translated is THERAPEIA which literally means, “attendance” especially medical attendance, “cure,”” healing.”²⁹

Jesus’ Abundant Healings

The miraculous healing done by Jesus in the New Testament was a sign of Who He was and is – the Messiah (Matthew 11:5). And as we see the ministry of Jesus, we see an abundance of healing. Below are a few references to the healing ministry work of Jesus:

• Matthew 4:24 – “Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.”
• Matthew 12:15 – “But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.”
• Matthew 14:14 – “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”
• Matthew 15:30-31 – ³⁰ “Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. ³¹ So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.”
• Matthew 19:1-2 – ¹ “Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. ² And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.”
• Matthew 21:14 – “Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.”
• Luke 4:40 – “When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.”
• Luke 6:17-19 – ¹⁷ “And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, ¹⁸ as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. ¹⁹ And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.”
• Luke 9:11 – “But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.”

Jesus’ ministry of healing was truly incredible and got the attention of the people He was seeking to reveal His truth to.

Interestingly, John’s gospel account does not seem to emphasize the healing of Jesus as much as that of the synoptic gospels, based on the occurrence of words referring to healing (John 4:47; John 5:13; John 12:40). And there is another interesting difference in the way the ministry of healing by Jesus is presented in the Gospel of Mark. This is not to say in any way that there is a contradiction, but that another aspect of healing needs to be considered here.

Does Jesus Heal All Always?

In these verses from Matthew and Luke we see that the impression is that all who came to Jesus for healing were healed (Matthew 12:15; Luke 4:40). But if we go to the references to healing in the Gospel of Mark, we see an interesting thing. We see that there were instances when Jesus wanted to heal but could not, because of the unbelief of those He sought to minister to.

Evidence of this may be seen in Mark’s account when instead of the word “all” (Greek PAS which means, “all, any, every, the whole; all (manner of, means), alway (–s), any (one), ever, every (one, way), as many as,…thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever”³⁰) the word “many” (Greek POLUS which means, “much (in any respect) or (plural) many; largely; often, mostly, largely” “plenteous, sore, straitly”³¹) is frequently used to refer to the healing of those who came to Jesus. This may imply that there were some who were not healed.

In Mark it states:

• Mark 1:34 – “Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.”
• Mark 3:10 – “For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him.”
• Mark 6:13 – “And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.”

When Jesus came into His hometown of Nazareth in both Matthew and Mark, it states that He was not able to do mighty works there because of the unbelief or skepticism of the people. Mark’s account is particularly revealing when it states:

• Mark 6:1-6 – ¹ “Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. ² And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! ³ “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” And they were offended at Him. ⁴ But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” ⁵ Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. ⁶ And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.”

Even Jesus “marveled” at His hometown people who were filled with such skepticism and unbelief that He couldn’t bless them with healing. If you don’t believe you can be healed, then it is true to some extent that you won’t be.

The point being made here is this, Jesus has a desire to heal but sometimes skepticism and lack of faith prevent Him from healing. There are other reasons why those who seek to be healed are not always healed. These will be considered further on in our study.

Healing in Acts

Based on the occurrence of the words “heal, heals, healed, and healing,” there are twelve references to healing in the Book of Acts (Acts 3:11; Acts 4:14, 22, 30; Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7; Acts 9:34; Acts 10:38; Acts 14:9; Acts 28:8-9, 27).

The abundant power to heal is also found in the Book of Acts. We see this in the following verses:

• Acts 5:14-16 – ¹⁴ “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.”
• Acts 28:8-9 – ⁸ “And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.”

But we also see the use of the word “many” in the Book of Acts in reference to those healed:

• Acts 8:7 – “For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.”

Here again, by the use of the word “many” instead of “all,” it could be possible that some were not healed. We will consider why some people are not healed further on in our study.

Another important point about healing in Acts is that the apostles credit Jesus with the healing that is done. We see this in the following representative verses of Acts:

• Acts 3:11, 16 – ¹¹ “Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed… ¹⁶ “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
• Acts 4:27-31 – ²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ “by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” ³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
• Acts 9:33-35 – ³³ “There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. ³⁴ And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. ³⁵ So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
• Acts 10:34-39 – ³⁴ “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. ³⁵ “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ³⁶ “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— ³⁷ “that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: ³⁸ “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. ³⁹ “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.”

Just as healing occurred in the Book of Acts, healing can happen in our day. How can it happen? How can people be healed today? We need to further study what the Bible says about healing so that we can approach it in the right way.

The Spirit Gives Spiritual Gifts of Healings

• 1 Corinthians 12:7-9, 27-30 – ⁷ “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: ⁸ for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,… ²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. ²⁸ And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to believers. Spiritual gifts are not natural talents or acquired abilities, (though we are to grow in our spiritual gifts and learn how they are used and how we can best use them in the Spirit). Spiritual gifts are a supernatural enablement of the Spirit to accomplish the will of God in life ministry. As we see in the above passage, these spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit to the believer, “for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Spiritual gifts are not given so that any one individual can profit. The Spirit does not give spiritual gifts so that a person can draw attention to themselves, but so that the Body of Christ can be edified or built up spiritually.

One of the gifts the Spirit gives is called “the gifts of healings.” Spiritual gifts of healings are the supernatural enablement of the Spirit to be used by God to bring about healing. Notice when the Bible mentions this spiritual gift, it does not say “the gift of healing.” This is significant.

Using the plural to refer to “gifts of healings” implies there is not a permanent enabling by the Spirit with this gift. It does not seem as though the Spirit gives a person a gift of healing or empowerment to heal people whenever they desire. It is more likely that the Spirit gives gifts of healings, or enables believers to be used by Him to heal people on particular occasions. Why is this? I believe such an enablement would lead to a focus and exaltation of the person with the gift rather than the Giver of the gift. The objective of spiritual gifts is not to have a lot of people going to one person to be healed, the objective of spiritual gifts is to lead people to Christ and edify them in the Spirit. It would be very easy for people to give credit for healing to the one with the spiritual gift, than to the One who rightfully deserves the glory, God. We see such a problem later in Acts 3 when Peter says:

• Acts 3:12 – “So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”

Paul and Barnabus encountered the same problem at Lystra (Acts 14:8-18). It is significant that the Bible refers to such a spiritual gifting as “gifts of healings.” The Spirit gives this gifting, I believe, on an individual incidental basis so that no person will be put in a situation where they will become the focus of attention rather than God.

Unfortunately, today we see false teachers who claim to have a spiritual gift of healing and draw thousands of sick and hurt people to crusades who are seeking to be healed. Through manipulation and deception, such charlatans not only exploit those who come for their own purposes but bilk them out of money through emotional environments. Such false teachers put on quite a show, usually on a stage. The lights are on them and, by way of psychosomatic techniques; people momentarily agree with them that they are healed. But on further review, there are no actual healings that can be shown to have occurred. This is not only a misuse and abuse of spiritual gifts (there is no spiritual gift with them); it is also blasphemous to God in whose name they sometimes claim to do their work.³²

The use of the plural in reference to gifts of healings may also refer to the variety of ways God accomplishes miraculous healings. We see this in the life of Jesus. Jesus did heal in various ways. For instance, Jesus healed the blind by touching their eyes (Matthew 9:29), without touching their eyes (Mark 9:46-52), and even by spitting on their eyes (Mark 8:23). Paul’s ministry was such that at times the handkerchiefs he had worn were used to heal the sick (Acts 19:11-12). As we will see below, God heals through conventional and unconventional ways. The important thing to remember is that HE DOES HEAL!

The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts of healings to members of the Church on occasion. As with the other gifts of the Spirit, this is not something that can be turned on and off like a faucet. God reserves the right to heal when, where, how and if He decides to do so. We need only be prayerfully alert to the movement of the Spirit in this area.

The Effects of Planetary and Personal Sin on Sickness

The world we live in is a fallen world, a world under the influence of sin. This is very important to take into consideration when studying about healing. The verses below are evidence that we live in a physical world warped by sin:

• Genesis 3:16-19 – ¹⁶ “To the woman He said:
  
  “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;
  In pain you shall bring forth children;
  Your desire shall be for your husband,
  And he shall rule over you.”
  
  ¹⁷ Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
  
  “Cursed is the ground for your sake;
  In toil you shall eat of it
  All the days of your life.
  ¹⁸ Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
  And you shall eat the herb of the field.
  ¹⁹ In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
  Till you return to the ground,
  For out of it you were taken;
  For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”

The consequence of the fall is that women will have “sorrow” in relation to conceiving children and pain in childbirth. This is not to say, as some false teachers have, that birth was given through the side of the woman before the fall and vaginally after the fall. Such a concept is not Biblically supportable as well as weird and preposterous. All we can see from these verses is that sin led to physical pain and sorrow in giving birth.

In the Book of Romans Paul is led by the Spirit to speak of the fallenness of the world when he writes:

• Romans 5:12, 14 – ¹² “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—… ¹⁴ Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.”
• Romans 8:18-25 – ¹⁸ “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”

Paul tells us that the whole creation groans under the effects of sin. The world in which we live is no longer the perfect sinless world that God created. What we see today is a fallen sin-affected world filled with diseases and ailments and abnormalities that God never intended to be.

The world is out of kilter and mankind is opposed to God because of the sinful decisions of our predecessors, Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 5:12-14). When our first parents sinned, it apparently upset the perfect genetic code of God and our perfect bodies became infected with a defective genetic code. We no longer had the perfect minds or perfect bodies that Adam and Eve were created with by God. We began to age and to ache. Sin upset nature as well. We became susceptible to bacteria, disease, and infections. Humanity and the animal world came into conflict. Weather became an unpredictable threat at times to humanity. The world is under the influence of the evil one (Ephesians 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). There is a sin that is in the world as well as a sin that is in the individual. Spiritual and physical death and deterioration are the consequences of sin, no matter where it is found.

It is important to understand that A PERSON WHO IS SICK MAY BE SICK BECAUSE OF WILLFUL SIN IN THEIR LIFE. BUT A PERSON CAN ALSO BE SICK BECAUSE OF SIN IN THE WORLD. THERE IS PERSONAL SIN AND THERE IS PLANETARY SIN. BOTH CAUSE SICKNESS AND DEATH. Personal sin is that which results from willfully rebellious, disobedient personal choices. A person may become sick with a sexually transmitted disease because they have willfully chosen to enter into a sinful adulterous relationship. Their sickness can be seen as a direct consequence of their sinful behavior. Planetary sin, on the other hand, is the result of the overall infection of Creation with sin. Someone may be a solid born again-Spirit filled and empowered Christian and find that they have cancer. They did nothing to bring their sickness upon themselves; they are just a part of Creation.

Compounding the Pain of Sickness

Often we see situations where a person in a church becomes ill. Perhaps they find they have cancer. A PERSON’S PAIN IS COMPOUNDED WHEN THEIR SICKNESS IS WRONGLY ATTRIBUTED TO PERSONAL SIN WHEN IN FACT IT IS THE RESULT OF PLANETARY SIN. We see this happen in the church when those who become sick are shunned or looked down upon. “What sin did you commit to bring this upon yourself?” is the response the sick are met with by their accusers. “What must they have done to have brought this upon themselves?” is the thought of those who stay away in merciless silence.

Very frequently the pain of a sick person is compounded in another way. THE PAIN OF A SICK PERSON IS COMPOUNDED WHEN THEY ARE BLAMED FOR NOT BEING HEALED. A sick person comes to church and seeks prayer for healing. Prayer is offered for the healing and no healing occurs. Why not? Well in an effort to protect God, (who really needs no feeble attempts by any person to protect Him) the seeker is blamed. The reasoning behind such blame is, “A good God doesn’t want anyone to be sick, therefore the problem is not with Him but with the sick person.” To a greater extent the sick seeker is blamed in order to make an excuse for those who claim the gift of healing. Those who claim this gift don’t want to risk failing to heal someone. Therefore, the focus is placed on the so-called lack of faith of the one seeking a healing. “You just didn’t have enough faith, sister. You’ve got to believe, really believe, to be healed” the sick are told. Each of these responses leads to a compounding of the sick person’s pain and, I believe, each is based on a wrong understanding of God’s Word for the following reasons:

Does God Always Heal?

We’ve already seen evidence that Jesus did not always heal. There is evidence in the Bible that God does not always heal. There is also evidence that at times the righteous remained in their ill health. Why doesn’t God always heal?

First, God does not always heal according to His sovereign will. Sometimes the righteous remain sick. In Isaiah it states:

• Isaiah 55:8-9 –
  ⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
  Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
  ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
  So are My ways higher than your ways,
  And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

We cannot hope to ever understand situations and circumstances with the same scope as that of God from His perspective. God sees the beginning from the end and vice versa (Isaiah 46:9-10). God has our best interests at heart (Jeremiah 14:11-14; Romans 8:31-32). God is in control of all things and if, on occasion, He chooses to not heal a person, we need to trust our heavenly Father.

That God does not always heal is evidenced in the following examples:

First, we have the case of Epaphroditus. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he states:

• Philippians 2:25-30 – ²⁵ “Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; ²⁶ since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. ²⁹ Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; ³⁰ because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.”

In the case of Epaphroditus we see someone who was “sick almost unto death.” Certainly, Paul and the other brethren around Epaphroditus would have prayed for his healing at the first signs of illness. Yet the fact that Paul says Epaphroditus approached death reveals that he was not instantly healed once they prayed. It is true, “God had mercy on him,” and Epaphroditus did recover and continue in ministry, but the fact remains there was a time or period when God did not heal him immediately.

Second, the case of Trophimus. In Paul’s last letter to Timothy he comments:

• 2 Timothy 4:20 – “Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.”

As Paul is making his final words to Timothy he comments that Trophimus was “left in Miletus sick.” Certainly, Paul must have prayed for Trophimus to be healed; yet he was so sick that he stayed behind in Miletus “sick.” The word translated “sick” comes from the Greek term ASTHENEO which means, “to be feeble (in any sense); be diseased, impotent folk (man), (be) sick, (be, be made) weak.”³³ Also the grammatical form of this term conveys the thought of a continual sickness (Present/Active/Participle). Trophimus is an example where someone was not healed of their illness or condition.

Third, Timothy was instructed by Paul to drink wine for his stomach. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy he writes:

• 1 Timothy 5:23 – “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”

Some have wrongly applied this verse to justify drinking wine. At most, this comment by Paul refers to the medicinal use of wine, certainly not drunkenness or even casual drinking of wine. But the point to be made here is that Timothy apparently had an ongoing problem with his stomach and “frequent infirmities.” The word “infirmities” is translated from the Greek term ASTHENEIA which is another form of the Greek word ASTHENEO in 2 Timothy 4:20. ASTHENEIA means, “feebleness (of body or mind);…malady;…frailty; disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.”³⁴ Certainly, Paul must have prayed for his “son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). If he did, and if Timothy or others prayed for Timothy’s healing, he apparently was not healed by any miraculous means, but Paul referred him to medicinal means of the day.

There is one more example of a situation where healing did not take place and we will refer to it for the next major point. But suffice it to say here, that in each of these instances we see sickness in persons of faith. In the case of Trophimus, he was left in Meletus SICK. Does this mean he lacked faith to be healed? Does it mean Paul lacked the faith to heal him? Paul had the gift of healing for sure (Acts 19:11-12). Paul himself prayed for healing three times and was denied. Did he lack the faith to be healed? The answer to these questions rests in the second point regarding a proper view of healing.

Second, God does not always heal in order to teach a greater lesson or truth. Observe what the apostle Paul stated:

• 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – ⁷ “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸ Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

It is believed that the apostle Paul had an ailment with his eyes and that this was what he was referring to as being “a thorn in the flesh” (Galatians 4:13, 15). Some have tried to explain away this logical meaning that God chose not to heal Paul, by saying that the “thorn in the flesh” refers to those who opposed Paul and his ministry. But even if that was the immediate case, a few lines further in the passage Paul makes direct reference to physical illnesses by saying, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,…” The word translated “infirmities” in 2 Corinthians 12:10 is the same word used in 1 Timothy 5:23 above (i.e., Strong’s #769 – ASTHENEIA). What should also be mentioned about this word here is that its grammatical form conveys the thought of a continued or continuous condition (ASTHENEIA – Present/Active/Indicative). Paul goes so far as to say he is willing to put up with an ongoing physical illness or condition. By Paul including a reference to physical illness here, he is conveying the truth that sometimes we pray for healing and God chooses to not heal us so that we can learn the greater lesson of the sufficiency of God’s grace.

Paul testified, “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.” Notice too here that Paul is referring to a specific “thing” and “it.” He did not refer to the “thorn in the flesh” (also singular), as a group of accusers or opposition. Paul certainly had many opponents.

Paul says, “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.” The word “pleaded” here comes from the Greek term PARAKALEO which means literally, “to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation);… beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (–ation), intreat, pray.”³⁵ Paul implored Jesus in prayer to remove his painful physical condition, but Jesus determined to answer Paul with a “No”.

What did Paul do then? What was his response? Many who pray for healing and who do not receive it respond with anger or defiance. They may look at the decision of the Lord not to heal them as God’s displeasure or meanness toward them. God does allow illness to enter people’s lives on occasion as a consequence of their sinful lifestyle (e.g., Sexually Transmitted Diseases). But that is not always the case. But how did Paul respond? Paul says he was able to go so far as taking “pleasure” in infirmities. The word “pleasure” is translated from the Greek term EUDOKEO which doesn’t mean Paul was leaping for joy or going out of his way to experience the discomfort of illness and ailments, it means he could, “to think well of, i.e., approve (an act);…think good, (be well) please (–d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing.” ³⁶ Paul could accept sickness because he knew that if God chose for him to go through it instead of remove it, God intended to teach him about the sufficiency of God’s grace. This is a great truth about illness that we will discuss further below.

Now since God did not remove this “thorn” even when Paul prayed three times, was Paul’s faith lacking? Was the one who God used to write fourteen of the twenty-seven New Testament letters, was his faith lacking? Was the one whose handkerchiefs and aprons brought healing; was he without faith to heal himself? (Acts 19:11-12) Some who rigidly hold to faulty doctrine go so far as to say Paul’s faith was lacking.³⁷ I don’t believe his faith was lacking. I believe God had a higher priority. JESUS DESIRED TO TEACH THE SUFFICIENCY OF HIS GRACE TO PAUL AND BECAUSE OF THAT, PAUL WAS ABLE TO “BOAST IN HIS INFIRMITIES” EVEN THOUGH HE WAS NOT HEALED OF HIS INFIRMITIES. HE GAINED VICTORY IN THE ILLNESS. PAUL VIEWED THE INSIGHT HE RECEIVED ABOUT God’s GRACE BY GOING THROUGH TRIALS AS MAKING IT WORTH GOING THROUGH THE TRIALS.

Also, the greater truth to see here is that the power of Jesus is perfected in our times of weakness. Jesus said to Paul, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s proclamation and revelation was, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The word “perfect” is an important word in the original language. “Perfect” is translated from the Greek term TELEOO which means, “to complete,…accomplish, or…consummate (in character);…consecrate, finish, fulfil, make; perfect.”³⁸ Also, the grammatical form of this word (Present/Passive/Indicative) conveys the thought of an ongoing work of Christ in the person. Therefore, what we see here is that Jesus allows illness to persist at times in order to teach an ongoing lesson, a lesson about His grace.

Paul learned to rest in Jesus even in the midst of his physical condition, which brought him discomfort and pain. He was in the fire and he could still boast in the LORD. He learned he could “take pleasure in infirmities.” Was he a masochist? No, he simply learned the lesson of God’s grace. He learned, “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS.” THE WEAKER WE ARE, THE MORE WE HAVE TO DEPEND ON JESUS. THE MORE WE DEPEND ON JESUS, THE MORE WE SEE THE SUFFICIENCY OF HIS GRACE. That is encouraging because it takes the pressure off of us. We don’t have to be one hundred percent for Jesus to use us. He is always at one hundred percent and that is all that matters. I believe Paul experienced a sweet fellowship with the LORD in the midst of his sickness, pain and discomfort. He learned that God would use him even when he wasn’t running physically at one hundred percent. He learned God was with Him in all situations and that was all he needed.

The Right Attitude Toward Healing and Relief From God

What is the right attitude toward healing and getting relief from God? In the Old Testament Book of Daniel we find the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were thrown into a fiery furnace because they would not bow down and worship the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. Instead of bowing their knee to this earthly king, they chose to be thrown into a fiery furnace and rely on God. Listen to their words:

• Daniel 3:16-18 – ¹⁶ “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. ¹⁷ “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

In their predicament, these three Godly boys faithfully stood up to the king of Babylon saying, “OUR God …IS ABLE TO DELIVER US.” But what follows is evidence of an even more powerful, trusting relationship with God. They said, “BUT IF NOT.” Those are mighty big words. That is the response of faith in God. That is the response of mature faith, of those who walk close with the LORD. And do you know what? God delivered them! Their exemplary testimony had a great impact on that pagan king! (Daniel 3:19-30). These three young men of God had such a relationship with God that THEY BELIEVED GOD COULD DELIVER THEM BUT IF HE CHOSE NOT TO DELIVER THEM THEY WOULD REMAIN LOYAL TO GOD ANYWAY. THEY TOTALLY TRUSTED GOD. THEIR FAITH WAS NOT BASED ON WHAT GOD WOULD DO FOR THEM. THEIR FAITH WAS BASED ON WHO GOD WAS TO THEM! Is your relationship with God based on what He will do for you? If so, then you have a very shallow relationship with God. Paul learned the depth of a “but if not” relationship with God and he learned it through a physically sick condition.

There is a third reason why it is wrong to accuse someone who is not healed of not having adequate faith to be healed.

Why Is It Wrong to Accuse the Unhealed of Not Having Enough Faith?

It is unfortunate when those who seek healing and are not healed have their pain compounded by those who then accuse them of not having enough faith. This is often done to save face or transfer blame away from the minister or person praying over the sick person for healing. They say, “Well, you weren’t healed because I lacked power to heal you, you weren’t healed because you lack the faith to be healed.” Or they say, “You were healed when you left here, you just must not have had enough faith to remain healed.” All this does is compound the pain of the one seeking to be healed. There is no grace or truth in such accusations. Such accusations are not of God.

Faith is integral to healing and being healed. Jesus often said, “your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22, 29; Mark 5:34; Mark 10:52; Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48; Luke 17:18; Luke 18:42). But is the faith that heals something that comes from within us? Is it a work that we do? Is the faith to be healed or to heal something we have to drum up within ourselves? I believe the answer to those questions is all a resounding “No!” In Acts 3:16, Peter is recorded to say:

• Acts 3:16 – “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

Peter and John had come across a man who had been lame from birth, (i.e., he had a genetic defect). God directed them that He was willing to heal that man and as Peter and John fixed their gaze on the beggar, Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you: ‘In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:4-6). Miraculously, Peter took the man by the hand and the man was able to rise to his feet and leaped for joy. This miracle of healing was there for all to see and many looked to Peter and John in amazement. The focus was being turned onto the two apostles. But as we see in the above quoted verse, HEALING BEGINS AND ENDS WITH JESUS. Notice the faith that heals is “faith in His name” and “the faith which comes through Him.” THE FAITH TO BE HEALED COMES FROM JESUS. If someone has faith to be healed it is because in the sovereign grace of God that faith has been given to him or her. If a person is not healed, it is not necessarily because that person does not have enough faith; it may be because God has chosen not to heal them. It is wrong to blame the unhealed of a lack of faith. It is up to God to determine whom He will and will not heal. Only God knows the reasoning behind such decisions. We have not right to play God and ignorantly accuse the unhealed of a lack of faith on their part. We ought to encourage instead of accuse the sick. God may have a far more important lesson to teach them (and us) by not healing them!

Sickness Can Bring Glory to God

If you’re from a health and wealth background, the idea that sickness can bring glory to God is anathema. But it’s true; sickness can bring glory to God’s name. How can sickness bring glory to God? In the Gospel of John Jesus says:

• John 11:4 – “When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Glory is brought to the name of God by healing the sickness as that shows the power of God over sickness. And glory is brought to the name of God when, by His grace, a person is sustained through illness. One way or the other, when the sick turn to God in total surrender to His will, God receives glory for His gracious sovereign ways.

Healing and the Cross of Christ

Healing comes by “the faith which comes through Him” (Acts 3:16) because Jesus is the one who suffered on the cross to atone for personal sin but also for the planetary sin of the world.

• Isaiah 53:4-5 –
  ⁴ “Surely He has borne our griefs
  And carried our sorrows;
  Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
  Smitten by God, and afflicted.
  ⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,
  He was bruised for our iniquities;
  The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
  And by His stripes we are healed.”

Sickness can be caused by personal sin (2 Chronicles 21:14-19; Micah 6:13) as well as planetary sin (Romans 5:12, 14). Jesus went to the cross for the sins of the world (John 1:29; 1 John 2:2). Sickness entered the world through sin (both personal and planetary sin). When healing occurs, it is a sign that God is in control and that sin has been dealt a deathblow. That blow was struck at the cross of Christ.

That physical as well as spiritual healing is directly linked to the cross of Christ is evidenced in the following verses:

• Matthew 8:16-17 – ¹⁶ “When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, ¹⁷ that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.” (See Isaiah 53:4-5)

Here the Spirit inspires Matthew to make a direct correlation between the cross of Christ and healing, both spiritual and physical. There can be no denying that the power to heal is rooted in and closely related to the cross of Jesus.

Jesus Himself associated His ministry with healing and the effects of the crucifixion on the dead testify to this as well. This is seen in Jesus’ response to the questioning of John the Baptist about His identity and resurrection of the dead when He breathed His last on the cross:

• Matthew 11:1-6 – ¹ “Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. ² And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples ³ and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” ⁴ Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: ⁵ “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. ⁶ “And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” (See also Matthew 27:51-53)
• Matthew 27:51-53 – ⁵¹ “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. ⁵¹ Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, ⁵² and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; ⁵³ and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”

Jesus came to set men free from the bondage of this sin-infested world. He accomplished this on the cross. Death is the full extent of sin and, as you can see from Matthew 27:51-53 quoted above, death was swallowed up in victory! Paul was inspired to write of this saying:

• 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 – ⁵⁴ “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” ⁵⁵ “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

The faith to heal and be healed comes from Jesus. The power to heal comes from Jesus and in particular the cross of Christ.

Sickness and Satan

It should be noted that Satan plays a role at times in illness. In the Bible we see the close connection at times between demonic activity and sickness:

• Job 2:1-10 – ¹ “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. ² And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” ³ Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” ⁴ So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. ⁵ “But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” ⁶ And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” ⁷ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. ⁸ And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes. ⁹ Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” ¹⁰ But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin with his lips.”

The physical afflictions experienced by Job were the result of Satan’s attack on him. Understand that Satan had to go to God for permission to afflict Job, but Satan used physical affliction to attack Job.

In the New Testament the ailments (both physical and psychological) of those brought to Jesus were often attributed by Jesus to the work of Satan and his demons. This does not necessarily mean that all physical and psychological ailments are due to the work of Satan or demons. Some psychiatric conditions are due to chemical imbalances in the body and some physical ailments are due to the planetary effects of sin in the creation. But some ailments are linked to Satan. We see this in the following passage:

• Matthew 4:24 – “Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.”
• Matthew 9:32-33 – ³² “As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. ³³ And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”
• Matthew 12:22-23 – ²² “Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. ²³ And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”
• Matthew 17:14-20 – ¹⁴ “And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ¹⁵ “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. ¹⁶ “So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” ¹⁷ Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” ¹⁸ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. ¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” ²⁰ So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. “
• Mark 5:1-18 – ¹ “Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. ²  And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, ³ who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, ⁴ because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. ⁵ And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. ⁶ When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. ⁷ And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” ⁸ For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” ⁹ Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰ Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. ¹¹ Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. ¹² So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” ¹³ And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. ¹⁴ So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. ¹⁵ Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ¹⁶ And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. ¹⁷ Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. ¹⁸ And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him.”
• Acts 10:38 – “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Satan’s desire is to demoralize and destroy people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is not to say that all such maladies are related to demon possession, but some are. Satan and his cohorts do exploit sickness in order to work discouragement into the lives of already hurting people. The people of God can combat this by empathizing with the sick and “bearing one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2; See also Romans 12:9-21) When we pray for healing we should be open to the Spirit to direct us as to the source of the illness. We are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). But we should not go to the other extreme and associate all illness with demonic activity. As we have seen above, illness can be caused by personal and planetary sin as well. There needs to be balance in our view of sickness and healing.

Why is healing necessary?

Why is healing even necessary? There are two reasons why healing is necessary. Let’s see what they are.

First, healing is necessary to get the attention of the unsaved. At times God chooses to draw people to Himself by way of healing. We see evidence of how healing can pave the way to a gospel presentation. Under the direction of the Spirit, Peter and John wasted no time in pointing inquisitors of the healing to Jesus for salvation.

Second, healing is necessary because human medicine and doctors don’t always have the answers. In the gospels we have the incident of a woman who had been to all the doctors but remained unhealed. The account states:

• Luke 8:43-44 – ⁴² “Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, ⁴⁴ came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.”

Sometimes the doctors don’t have the answers. In such times it is especially important to bring the sick to Jesus.

When King Asa refused to seek the LORD’s healing but instead turned to his physicians, he died because the doctors could not cure him (2 Chronicles 16:12). On the other hand, some cults refuse to go to a doctor because they feel to do so is a lack of faith. But sometimes God uses physicians to heal (2 Kings 20:7). Asa’s death was mostly due to his rebellious and proud attitude. He did not remain open to God. The people of Israel in their rebellion turned from faith in God to faith in useless remedies for healing (Jeremiah 46:11). Today the world is obsessed with prolonging life through science, exercise, diet, and artificial means. Whether God chooses to heal you by doctors or not or even heal you at all, YOUR FAITH SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN GOD.

How are people healed?

God in His sovereign will has determined to use a number of means to heal. Below are a few ways God chooses to heal.

First, God heals by way of prayer. When Aaron and Miriam spoke out against Moses having an Ethiopian for a wife and rebelled against Moses’ leadership, God struck Miriam with Leprosy. When they quickly saw the error of their ways and begged Moses to pray to God on their behalf, he did and God healed Miriam’s leprous condition (Numbers 12:1-15). In the New Testament epistle of James it instructs believers who are sick to go to the elders of the church to be anointed with oil “in the name of the Lord” (a symbol of the Holy Spirit – Zechariah 4) and prayed over saying that “the prayer of faith will save the sick…” (James 5:14-15).

Second, God heals by way of repentance. When a prophet from God came and rebuked Jeroboam (king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel) for his idolatry, Jeroboam called for the prophet’s arrest by stretching out his hand against him. Upon stretching out his hand, the Lord struck him with leprosy. Jeroboam repentantly asked the prophet to pray for his healing, which the prophet did and Jeroboam was healed (1 Kings 13:1-10).

Third, God heals by miraculous intervention. In the Old Testament Elijah is used by God to heal the only son of a widow by raising him from the dead (1 Kings 17:17-23). In the New Testament, Paul on one occasion preached into the night. His teaching went on so long that a young fellow by the name of Eutychus, who was sitting in a third story window area, dozed off and tumbled out of the window falling to his death. Paul rushed outside, prayed over him, and he was healed (Acts 20:7-12). There are numerous accounts in Acts alone of miraculous healings of people by the Lord.

Fourth, God heals by way of medicine. In the Old Testament King Hezekiah of Judah became sick near death. Hezekiah prayed for healing and the Lord, through Isaiah, used a “lump of figs,” or poultice to bring healing to the king (2 Kings 20:7; 2 Chronicles 32:24-29; Isaiah 38). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy to use wine medicinally for a sick stomach and other chronic ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).

Fifth, God heals by way of using His word. In Psalms it states:

• Psalm 107:20 –
  “He sent His word and healed them,
  And delivered them from their destructions.”

Granted, this verse refers primarily to the greatest healing – spiritual healing, but the Bible also contains a great deal of health and dietary information that, when applied, is a great resource for healing.

Sixth, God heals by using faith. Over and over again in the gospels we see Jesus say things like, “Your faith as made you well.” We see this in the following verses:

• Matthew 9:20-22 – ²⁰ “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. ²¹ For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” ²² But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.” (See also Mark 6:4-6 and John 4:46-53 for further examples.)

In the epistle of James, the half-brother of Jesus is inspired by the Lord to tell us:

• James 5:15 – “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

We have already discussed how the faith to heal or be healed comes from Jesus (Acts 3:16), but having said that, we should not diminish the importance of faith in the healing process of God. Faith is integral to the healing work of God.

Seventh, God heals at times over a long period of time. In John 5 there is an account of a man who was sick with an infirmity for “thirty-eight years” (John 5:5). His hope for healing rested on dipping into the waters of a pool when an angel stirred it, but he could never, over all these years, get someone to get him in first. He was like a person seeking an organ donation, but could never get to the top of the list. For thirty-eight years he experienced this sickness and frustrating situation, which compounded his pain. Then Jesus came along and, with a word, healed him (John 5:1-15). Sometimes God does not heal immediately, but, by His sovereign will, allows a condition to persist. Jesus’ healing of this man was instantaneous, but he waited thirty-eight years to receive it!

Eighth, God heals according to His mercy. The account of Epaphroditus’ illness gives us insight into the healing heart of God. Epaphroditus was ill and even near death at one point. We can assume the disciples and even Paul prayed for this dear fellow minister. Epaphroditus was healed and when Paul describes the healing he says:

• Philippians 2:27 – “For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”

God is merciful and full of compassion. He is especially near those who are in pain or who have loved ones in pain and He will deal mercifully. The bible says of God:

• Lamentations 3:22-26 –
  ²² “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
  Because His compassions fail not.
  ²³ They are new every morning;
  Great is Your faithfulness.
  ²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
  “Therefore I hope in Him!”
  ²⁵ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
  To the soul who seeks Him.
  ²⁶ It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
  For the salvation of the Lord.”

In times of sickness or distress, it is especially important to wait on and trust in the mercy of God who is every faithful.

What ailments can be healed?

Truly the Biblical examples show us that “Nothing is impossible with God.” Any ailment can be healed if God so desires. Below is a short list of some of the ailments that can be healed according to the Bible (if an ailment is not listed or mentioned in the Bible, it doesn’t mean God can’t or won’t heal it):

1. “Every” sickness and disease – Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35
2. Leprosy – Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:31; Luke 17:11-19
3. Any ailment – Matthew 8:16-17
4. Paralysis – Matthew 9:1-7
5. Death – Matthew 9:18-19, 23-25; John 4:50; Acts 20:9-10
6. Internal chronic bleeding – Matthew 9:20-22
7. Blind, deaf, dumb, and lame were healed – Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 11:1-6; Matthew 15:30; Matthew 21:14; Luke 7:21; John 9:6
8. Shriveled hand – Matthew 12:9-13
9. Demon possessed – Matthew 12:22
10. Epilepsy – Matthew 17:14-20
11. Fever – Luke 4:38-39
12. Crippled – Luke 13:13
13. Decapitated extremity – Luke 22:51

The Dangers of Healing

As mentioned earlier, the danger with gifts of healings is that the focus will be placed on the instrument instead of the Great Physician. This was the case in Acts:

• “Acts 14:8-18 – ⁸ “And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. ⁹ This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, ¹⁰ said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. ¹¹  Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” ¹² And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. ¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out ¹⁵ and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, ¹⁶ “who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. ¹⁷ “Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” ¹⁸ And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.”

Paul wasted no time in redirecting the people’s attention away from himself and onto God. Unfortunately, some involved in “Healing” ministries often allow adulation to be heaped upon them instead of giving glory to God. Paul would not allow any of the glory associated with such a miracle to be associated with “men with the same nature as you.” We should follow his example and instruct people to “turn from these useless things to the living God.”

The Greatest Healing

THE GREATEST HEALING IS SPIRITUAL HEALING. Jeremiah was aware of this as he mourned the spiritual sickness of God’s people. He longed for the day when the people would return to God for spiritual healing:

• Jeremiah 8:22 – “Is there no balm in Gilead, Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery For the health of the daughter of my people?”

The psalmist captured the path of spiritual healing – realizing your personal sin and falling on the mercy of God. Only God can heal us spiritually.

• Psalm 41:4 –
  “I said, “Lord, be merciful to me;
  Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”

The greatest healing is not merely healing from a physical condition; it is healing of the eternal soul. What we will now see in Acts is that, as the Spirit moves in this circumstance of healing, He uses physical healing to open the door of opportunity to eternal spiritual healing. It is to this which we now turn.

An Act of Healing

• Acts 3:1 – Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

There were three times of prayer at the Temple: 9 a.m., 12 noon, and 3 p.m. We observe two things from this verse:

First, Peter and John still relied on the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. The Bible states that if we regard iniquity in our heart, our prayers are hindered and won’t be heard by God (Psalm 66:18). That Peter and John went up to the Temple is evidence to the fact that the first disciples of Jesus were Jewish and still observed some of the aspects of Judaism such as viewing the Temple as a place God ordained to meet with Him. But it should also be noted that Peter and John did not go up to the Temple to sacrifice. Now that Jesus had provided the ultimate holy sacrifice, (to which all other sacrifices pointed) there was no longer any need to bring a sacrifice to God (See Hebrews 8-10). The forgiveness for their sins that made them able to enter into prayer before God came by grace through faith in Jesus. Jesus had made a way for them to enter boldly before the throne of grace (cf. Hebrews 4:14-16).

Secondly, they were men of prayer. The people God uses are people of prayer. This makes perfect sense. Surely those God uses need to be in constant contact with Him to receive direction, counsel, and empowerment.

We quoted E. M. Bounds earlier in this study, (see comments on Acts 1:12-14 in this study). What he wrote about prayer and the church bears repeating. He said:

Defeat awaits a non-praying church. Success is sure to follow a church given to much prayer. The supernatural element in the church, without which it must fail, comes only through prayer…As often as God manifested His power in Scriptural times in working wonders through prayer, He has not left Himself without witness in modern times. Prayer brings the Holy Spirit upon men today in answer to importunate, continued prayer just as it did before Pentecost. The wonders of prayer have not ceased.³⁹

When the Spirit acts on people, He moves them to pray, and when the people of God pray (in the Spirit), things happen. That is exactly what we see in the Book of Acts.

• Acts 3:2-10 – ² 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 from those who entered the temple; ³ who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. ⁴ And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” ⁵ So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. ⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” ⁷ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. ⁸ So he, leaping up, stood, and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. ⁹ And all the people saw him walking and praising God. ¹⁰ Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

The Temple courts were frequented by many people, and those who came, came to find atonement for their sins. The legalistic religious system of the Pharisees and Sadducees was a system of motivating by guilt (Matthew 23:1-4). Those visitors to the Temple area would be more inclined to give alms to a lame man begging so as to curry favor with God.

We see that the apostles entered at “the gate of the Temple which was called Beautiful” (Acts 3:2) or “The Beautiful Gate.” This gate was called “Beautiful” because it was made of expensive Corinthian bronze. It was in the shadows of this Beautiful Gate that Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6).

Imagine the boldness and faith Peter and John must have had to reach out and lift up this man who was lame from birth (i.e., congenitally lame). Peter did not act presumptuously in reaching down and lifting up the lame man. Peter was merely following in faith the prodding and direction of the Spirit. The result was the healing of the lame man and glory being given to God.

• Acts 3:11-16 – ¹¹ Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. ¹² So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. ¹⁴ But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, ¹⁵ and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. ¹⁶ And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

These verses reveal a number of truths about the healing work of God. The Spirit uses this situation to teach purposefully a right view of healing. We can summarize these purposeful points as follows.

First, the power to heal was not in the men Peter and John (Acts 3:11-12). Peter and John wasted no time in dissuading any notion that they were the ones with the power to heal. They basically said, “Don’t look at us; we’re not the ones who have the power to heal.” No, there is a far greater purpose for healing than bringing attention to man.

Second, the purpose of healing is to bring attention to Jesus (Acts 3:13-15). Peter and John used the attention that the healing had brought to shine the light on Jesus and proclaim the gospel of Christ.

Third, the power to heal is from Jesus and the faith to have healing occur is from Jesus (Acts 3:16). Peter says, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him…” As mentioned earlier, the faith to be healed comes from Jesus (“the faith which comes through Him”). Jesus is the true source of all healing. His cross and power are at the root of all healing.

Fourth, the Spirit aims at perfect or complete (i.e., both spiritual and physical) healing for people (Acts 3:16). In verse sixteen it concludes, “has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” There is a word used here by Peter (under the inspiration of the Spirit) that implies there is something more than a mere physical healing that has taken place in this healed lame man.

The words “perfect soundness” are translated from the single Greek term HOLOKLARIA which refers primarily to physical soundness, integrity, and being complete in every part physically.”⁴⁰ But I think it would not be a stretch to look at the impact of the healing on this lame man and deduce that his healing was not only skin deep. This man had been lame from birth (Acts 3:2). He had never walked. His legs were probably a contorted twisted mess beneath him. He lived watching others walk by above him. He had to depend on others to carry him from place to place. What must he have thought as the years went by and he lived that life of dependence and incarceration to physical abnormality and pain? He must have asked at some point, “Why Lord? Why can’t I walk? Why are my legs like this?” He probably prayed often for God’s healing during his forty years of life (Acts 4:22). Or perhaps in his later years he had simply given up on being changed or healed by God. We don’t know what this lame man’s relationship with God was prior to his encounter with the apostles who were used by God to heal him. I wonder if he had questioned whether or not there even was a “God.” But whatever despair or doubt he may have been living in, whatever hope he had given up on, when those two apostles came his way, looked him in the eye and said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Act 3:6)⁴¹ he was changed. All these years he may have been praying. Now, finally his prayers were answered. And by Whom? It was, “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” that he was raised up and walked for the first time. And he didn’t only rise up and walk, it says he was, “walking, leaping, and praising God.” (Act 3:8)⁴² This man was not only changed on the outside, he was changed on the inside. Just as he was healed physically, the Spirit spoke to his heart and brought life to his soul through Jesus Christ. “Perfect soundness” is not only physical, it is spiritual, in the heart, it involves salvation. I believe this is what happened in the heart of this lame man made whole on that day. And that is what this world needs today, more lame men made whole by Jesus standing as an undeniable testament to the work of the Spirit.

Healing Can Lead to Revival

• Acts 3:17-19 – ¹⁷ “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. ¹⁸ But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. ¹⁹ Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,…

This Spirit-led and empowered act of healing led to an opportunity to present the gospel, and it led to a revival. When do we need revival?

• When the power of the Spirit is lacking in the church.
• When there are obstacles that need obliterating, we need revival.
• When people’s hearts are more stony than soft toward the Lord.
• When people don’t believe in God.
• When the saints act as if they don’t believe in God.
• When the church is indistinguishable from the world.
• When Christians are indistinguishable from the world.
• When saints compartmentalize God and make Him “just another” thing or part of their lives instead of the most important thing in their lives.
• When saints are not walking the talk, when their lives don’t match their words about Jesus and His word.
• When the world has more influence on the church than the church on the world.
• When the church is more concerned with worldly trends than Scriptural truth.
• When the church looks to the world for answers, instead of the world looking to the church for answers.
• When the church is more like, or indistinguishable from, the world.
• When saints and the church are concerned about how far they can stretch God’s patience and grace and still be acceptable to the Lord, instead of being so hungry for holiness and being close to the Lord that nothing is too dear to give up.
• When souls are not being saved.
• When people don’t care if they are saved.
• When people don’t care if others are saved.
• When there is irreverence toward God and the things of God.
• When people don’t have time for Jesus or the things of God.
• When people are not putting Jesus first.
• When the church forgets the true biblical Jesus and instead adopts an antichrist substitute Jesus of their own making (i.e., like in Judges 21:25 – making “God” or “Jesus” in their own image or that they prefer or are comfortable with – 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
• When people would rather be comfortable than courageous.
• When the church is empty.
• When the Bible is closed.
• When prayer is lifeless or nonexistent.
• When worship is lifeless, nonexistent, or ignored.
• When the presence of the Lord is absent.
• When the saints are too tired for Jesus and the things of the Lord.
• When pastors are thinking about removing poorly attended services instead of needing to add services because of overcrowding.
• When God’s people are satisfied with mere morsels and not hungering for more.
• When Jesus is not your master passion.

That’s when a revival is needed.

What is “revival”?

Revival is a refreshing repentance-producing move of the Spirit —“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). “Refreshing” (Greek ἀνάψυξις – anapsuxeos) is properly, a recovery of breath, i.e., (figuratively) revival, a refreshing, relief, rest. This is the only verse in which this word is found in the New Testament.

Revival is connected with repentance. “Repent” (Greek metanoesate – Aorist/Active/Imperative of the verb metanoeo) here means a change of mind that it is imperative to take decisive action to repent, to change one’s mind, be converted, turn around 180 degrees in your thinking. This is to change one’s mind in thinking, attitude, and purpose (Matthew 3:2; Luke 15:7, 10). But repentance is more than simply a change of mind; it is a change of mind, regret over sin that leads to a change in behavior. Repentance is the realization that one is a sinner and living in a way that displeases God. Repentance is a realization about our sinfulness and being convicted by the Holy Spirit to seek to live a holy life in the power of the Spirit. Repentance is a change of mind that welcomes help from God to change one’s behavior. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change in life.

Who needs to repent?

First, unbelievers need to repent of their sins. Unbelievers need to have a change of mind about their sinfulness before a Holy God that is not just cerebral, but that is substantial and leads to a change in direction in life. This is a product of God’s grace working in us (Romans 2:4). Jesus called the sinner to repent of their sins (Matthew 4:17; Matthew 9:13; Mark 1:15; Mark 2:17; Luke 13:3, 5; Luke 5:32; Luke 15:7). Repentance for sin was preached at Pentecost (Acts 2:37-39). Peter preached repentance for sin (Acts 8:22). Paul preached repentance for sin (Acts 17:30-31). And Jesus instructed in the Great Commission “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:42).

Second, believers in the church need to repent of their sins. Paul spoke of the need for repentance in the church (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Repentance of believers for sins they commit is also a product of God’s grace (2 Timothy 2:23-25). Believers need to move on or repent of being caught up in “dead works” (Hebrews 6:1). Jesus called five of seven End Times representative churches to repent. Jesus called the church at Ephesus who had “left your first love,” to repent (Revelation 2:4-5). Jesus called the church of Pergamos who was carnal and compromising with the world to repent (Revelation 2:16). Jesus called the religiously seductive and sexually immoral church of Thyatira to repent (Revelation 2:21-22). Jesus called the spiritually dead church of Sardis to repent (Revelation 3:2-3). And Jesus called the lukewarm church of Laodicea, the church that made him sick to His stomach, to repent (Revelation 3:19-20).

Third, God calls all people to repent of their sins. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count lackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Revival is connected to being “converted” (Greek epistrepsate – Aorist/Active/Imperative of the verb epistrepho) here means it is imperative to take decisive action to pay attention, turnback, return, to turn around. This can refer to change experienced in initial conversion to Christ as well as from sin or waywardness that occurs once one has already been converted to Christ. The idea is to “return to God” in whatever state you are in (e.g., 2 Cor. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:25).

Revival is connected to the blotting out of sins – “that your sins may be blotted out.” “blotted out” (Greek exaleiphthenai – Aorist/Passive/Infinitive of the verb exaleipho) means decisive action is taken on you to wipe out, blot out, smear out, rub out, obliterate “your sins” (Greek hamartias – noun form of hamartia) which refers to sin, a sinful deed, sinfulness, breaking God’s Law.

Revival is an extraordinary manifestation of God’s presence – Acts 3:19.

Revival is a move of the Spirit in response to those who get serious in prayer seeking the Lord – Acts 1:4-5, 8, 14; 2:1-4. Revival comes only to those who want it.

Revival is a move of the Spirit in response to those who get serious about living out God’s word – Acts 1:15-16. Revival won’t happen if we’re not seriously surrendered to God to have one. We need to seriously be willing for God to disrupt our lives. Are we willing to change or have God change us? Revival comes only to those who want it.

Revival is a move of the Spirit in those who get serious about filling the gap in the ranks of those representing God – Acts 1:17-26. Revival comes only to those who want it.

Revival is a bold powerful impactful move of the Spirit in the followers of Jesus – Acts 2:1-36. Revival comes only to those who surrender to Jesus and really want it.

Revival is power to stand for Jesus and make Him known to those who would hate and even crucify Jesus – Acts 2:13-21

Revival is Jesus pouring out the Promise of the Father, the Spirit, on His people – “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” – Acts 2:33.

Revival is sinners being convicted of their sins, repenting, and being saved from their sins – Acts 2:37-39.

Revival is making a Jesus-footprint in a lost wayward world – Acts 2:40-47

What must we be willing to do in order for revival to happen?

Revival will not come unless there is genuine acknowledgment of sin and repentance of it – (Acts 3:19).

If we want people to be saved from their sins (Acts 2:40-41), we must be willing to change our priorities. We must be actively willing to set aside other things and live our faith in the following ways. Said another way, when the Spirit is really moving, manifesting, reviving, making an impact, we are moved to set aside our personal desires and excuses and “continue steadfastly.”

“Continue steadfastly” is proskaryerontes (Present/Active/Participle of proskartereo) an ongoing active to adhere firmly, persist in, remain devoted to.

“Continue steadfastly” means having a top priority in word and deed. It means you actually put God and that associated with Him, FIRST. IT MEANS YOU SURRENDER YOUR PRIORITIES TO THE LORD AND REALLY ACTUALLY PUT GOD FIRST.

“Continue steadfastly” by the Spirit means implementing practically in life the following:

Acts 2:42

1. Prioritize and devotion to the teaching of God’s word
2. Prioritize and devotion to fellowship – attending church when there’s a service even when it means you attend more than 1, 2, 3 etc. times a week. Not settling for watching from home or picking and choosing what services or how many you’ll attend. The temptations of this world demand we be in church being strengthened as much as possible. No excuses for staying home.
3. Prioritize and devotion to worshiping the Lord. Actively worship personally. Get to church in time to worship in services.
4. Prioritize and devotion to prayer personally and corporately in the church.

What happens when the Spirit moves and we cooperate with Him in this way?

1. There will be a holy environment of reverence – “fear came upon every soul” (Acts 2:43a).
2. There will be manifestations of the Spirit – “many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43b).
3. There will be a new vibrant unity – “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44).
4. There will be genuine concern to help those of the gathering fellowship who are in need – “and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need” (Acts 2:45).
5. There will be in addition to church attendance, a spontaneous getting together in each other’s homes – “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:46). This will be a glad gathering and simple not clouded with anxiously prepping and cleaning your home to ready it for visitors, but a simple spontaneous “come on over” to others.
6. There will be an open public praising of God that brings favor with all (even unsaved) people – “praising God and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:47a).
7. There will be growth in numbers of people to the gathering of the church – “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47b).

That is what revival is. That is what we must be we willing to do for revival to come. And that is what will happen when the Spirit moves to bring revival.

Are you interested?

Are you willing?

Are you ready?

Are you ready to be refreshed/revived?

Healing and Revival Lead to Jesus

Healing leads to Jesus. God heals to bring people face to face with Jesus. This is what we see in the rest of Acts 3.

• Acts 3:20-26 – ²⁰ and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, ²¹ whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. ²² For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. ²³ And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ ²⁴ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. ²⁵ You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ ²⁶ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

This incident of healing opens the door to a fuller and more important sharing of the gospel with the curious onlookers. What did the Spirit speak to these people through Peter? A number of things, many of which we see Peter had proclaimed before at Pentecost.

First, ignorance of God’s truth is not an excuse; you still need to repent (Acts 3:17, 19-21). Did you ever ask yourself, “How is it that Jewish scholars missed the point of so many Old Testament prophecies that pointed to Jesus?” It is because they spiritualized and rationalized away the meaning of those messianic prophecies which spoke of a suffering messiah (e.g., Psalm 22; Isaiah 53 – because it was not acceptable to them) and they focused on the more palatable messianic prophecies, which spoke of the rule and kingship of messiah. It is dangerous to rationalize away the literal interpretation of portions of Scripture that make us uncomfortable or confuse us, we may just miss out on something very important and blessed. It’s important to see here that while they were “ignorant” they still had to repent (Act 3:19-21).

Second, God fulfilled in Jesus all the messianic prophecies that spoke of Messiah’s suffering (Act 3:18-26). Whether we believe it or not, God will fulfill His word. Peter’s words tell us Jesus is proof of this (e.g., whether we believe in the Rapture or not, in the 2nd Coming of Jesus or not, God will fulfill it.)

Jesus – Messiah – Son of God

Jews today deny Jesus was and is Messiah saying that the words, “a prophet like me,” refer to Moses who was a mere man, not God –Man or Son of God like Christians call Jesus. Having said that, Jews have difficulty explaining the meaning of such verses as Isaiah 9:6 and Psalm 2:7 which state:

• Psalm 2:7 – “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.”
• Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Indeed, one of the first things the apostle Paul proclaimed after His conversion was that Jesus was the Son of God, (a messianic title). In Acts it states:

• Acts 9:20 – “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.”

It is likely that some first century Rabbis viewed the Messiah as being the Son of God otherwise why would they have asked Jesus if He was the “Son of God”? In Matthew it states:

• Matthew 26:63-64 – ⁶³ “But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God !” ⁶⁴ Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

In the gospels, Peter proclaimed that Jesus was the “Son of God” it was because Jews were looking for messiah who was the Son of God (Matthew 16:16-18; Mark 14:61). Jesus Himself did not deny He was the Son of God and referred to God as His personal Father (Matthew 11:27; Mark 13:32; Mark 14:36). Unfortunately, Jews today are looking to identify the messiah as one who will rebuild their Temple and this will open them up to following the Antichrist – Compare John 5:43; Daniel 9:24-27.

The Spirit Acts by Using Temporal Earthly Healing to Lead People to Eternal Heavenly Healing

The purpose of miracles is not to entertain people but to bring them to repentance before God through faith in Jesus (Acts 3:19-26). Peter says:

• Acts 3:19-20 – ¹⁹ “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, ²⁰ “and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before,”

The person who turns from their sin to God (i.e., repents) for forgiveness through faith in Christ will never be the same.

Repentance

The word “repent” is translated from the Greek term METANOEO which means, “to think differently…i.e., reconsider (morally feel compunction); repent.”⁴³ Repentance is not only a change of mind, but also a change of heart; it is turning from your way of doing things to God’s ways; it is turning from sinful ways to the ways of God;l it is stepping down off the throne of your heart and inviting Jesus to step up onto the throne of your heart. This is the first step in salvation. It is the heeding of the conviction for sin that the Spirit brings to the sinner (John 16:8-11).

What does the word “convert” mean? The word “convert” or “conversion” is a dirty word in the world because it implies there is a right and wrong, that there is one way to eternal life. The world wants to believe that all ways or any ways are okay as long as they don’t hurt others, or disturb the comfort zones of others. But Jesus said there is only one way, only one truth, only one way to life, eternal life, through faith in Him (John 14:6).

Conversion

The word “convert” is translated from the Greek term EPISTREPHO. This is a compound term consisting of the prefix EPI which here means “towards” and STREPHO, which means, “to turn.”^{44 45} To be converted means to turn to God with all your heart (e.g., Acts 8:37), it means heed the call of the Spirit to come to the Father through faith in the Son Jesus. Jesus said:

• John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

There is no getting around this verse folks. There is only one way to heaven; Jesus Christ is that only way. The apostles preached this in Acts too when they said:

• Acts 4:12 – “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The only way to be converted and saved from sin is to come to Jesus by God’s grace through faith in Him.

The Obliteration of Sin

When you repent and come to Jesus, Peter said, your sins will be “blotted out.” These words are translated from the Greek term EXALEIPHO which means, “to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase…pardon sin); blot out, wipe away.”⁴⁶ It’s as though all your sins were written down on a long ledger and when you repent of them, come to Jesus and put your faith in Him, and ask God to forgive your sin, He takes that ledger and throws it down on the ground and drives His Almighty heel into the ledger obliterating it.

Times of Spiritual Refreshing – Spiritual Birth

When your sins are blotted out, it opens the floodgates of God’s glory into your life. Peter describes it as “times of refreshing.” The word “refreshing” comes from the Greek term ANANPSOOKSIS which means, “a recovery of breath,…revival.”⁴⁷ People are born into this world with physical breath, but Jesus said a person needs to be spiritually born. He told that to a religious leader named Nicodemus saying:

• John 3:1-8 – ¹ “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God;l for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” ³ Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” ⁴ Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

You see just because you are physically born and alive does not mean you are spiritually born and alive. In fact, unless you have repented and turned to Jesus in faith to be converted, you are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1-10). Everyone must be spiritually born or born again spiritually. That can only happen through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. When you turn from your sin to Jesus in faith and ask God to forgive your sin, He will, and He will then give you spiritual life, eternal life. He will send the Holy Spirit to indwell you and give you spiritual life (Romans 8:9-17). The “recovery of breath” is the indwelling Holy Spirit who gives life to your soul! Everyone needs that.

The Presence of Jesus in You

The result of repenting, being converted and receiving the breath of life by the Spirit is “that He may send Jesus Christ” to you. Those who have repented, been converted and spiritually born again are given the presence of Jesus by the Spirit in their lives. This is seen throughout the New Testament but we only note a few verses stating this here:

• Romans 8:9-11 – ⁹ “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ¹⁰ And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
• 2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”
• Ephesians 3:14,17 – ¹⁴ “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,… ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
• Colossians 1:27-28 – ²⁷ “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

One commentator refers to A.T. Robertson in regards to Colossians 1:27 stating:

A. T. Robertson states the idea is “in,” not “among.” “It is the personal experience and presence of Christ in the individual life of all believers that Paul has in mind, the indwelling Christ in the heart as in Ephesians 3:17. He constitutes also the hope of glory” (Word Pictures, vol. 4, p. 485).⁴⁸

That the presence of Jesus in us enables us to press on and stay the course of walking in the Spirit in this life. That is what the apostle John meant when he was inspired to write:

• 1 John 4:4 – “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Jesus yearns to come into our hearts. In the final words of Jesus in His letters to the seven churches of Revelation that is exactly what He says:

• Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Notice Jesus is writing this to those already in the church, which seems to imply that some in the church are not born again or have Him in their hearts. Jesus knocks on the door of everyone’s heart until they hear Him, open the door, and invite Him in. Oh what a shame it is when people turn a deaf ear to the knocking of the Lord; what a blessing they are missing and what a dark eternal destiny they are headed for without Jesus.

The indwelling Holy Spirit is one just like Jesus (John 14:16). The indwelling Holy Spirit brings the presence of Jesus into your heart and life. That is the best refreshing anyone could hope for, that is the way, the truth, and the life all people are looking for and craving.

Conclusion

Healing is not an end in and of it, it has a purpose. The purpose of healing is not to bring glory to man or really impress people or entertain them; it is to point people to Jesus. God can bring good even from times of hardship and pain, yes even sickness. The follow poem by an unknown author points this out:

IF YOU NEVER…

If you never felt pain,
Then how would you know that I'm a Healer?

If you never went through difficulties,
How would you know that I'm a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial,
How would you call yourself an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness,
How would you know that I'm a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake,
How would you know that I'm forgiving?

If you knew all,
How would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble,
How would you know that I will come to your rescue?

If you never were broken,
Then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem,
How would you know that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering,
Then how would you know what Jesus went through?
If you never went through fire,
Then how would you become pure?

If I gave you all things,
How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you,
How would you know that I love you?

If you had all power,
Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect,
Then what would you need Me for?

Sickness, pain, and hardship can become a blessing when these drive us closer to God and into His saving arms through faith in Jesus. Sickness can be used by God to draw people to Jesus, to preach the gospel and revive people spiritually. The greatest healing is not healing from cancer, or some other terminal disease, it is healing from the terminal disease of sin. The greatest healing is when the chasm of sin is spanned by the love of God in Christ, in the cross and by faith; I trust in Jesus and cross over to His side. That healing comes by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus. That is the greates healing. That is what happens when the Spirit acts.

28 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

29 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

30 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

31 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

32 See the two videos set entitled: The Signs and Wonders Movement Exposed (National Prayer Network, 37 Wykeham Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 BLL U.K.

33 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

34 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

35 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

36 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

37 (See the book Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff for a discussion of such persons.)

38 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

39 E. M. Bounds, Possibilities of Prayer (Grand Rapids: Mich.: Baker Book House) pages 44, 63, 125, 126, 136, 137, 138

40 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

41 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

42 The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

43 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

44 W. E. Vine, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, (Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell) 1981.

45 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

46 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

47 James Strong, New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1996.

48 Jerome H. Smith, editor, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge [computer file], electronic edition of the revised edition of The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, ©1992 by Jerome H. Smith.