Lexical Summary Aineas: Aeneas Original Word: Αἰνέας Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Aeneas. Of uncertain derivation; Aeneas, an Israelite -- Aeneas. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Aeneas, a paralytic cured by Peter NASB Translation Aeneas (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 132: ΑἰνέαςΑἰνέας, , ὁ, Aeneas, the proper name of the paralyric cured by Peter: Acts 9:33f. Topical Lexicon Overview Aeneas is a paralytic man briefly mentioned in Acts 9:32-35. Though his name appears only twice in the New Testament, his encounter with the apostle Peter serves as a pivotal demonstration of Christ’s continuing power to heal, the authority delegated to the apostles, and the gospel’s spread throughout Judea and Samaria. Scriptural Setting Following the conversion of Saul and prior to Peter’s ministry in Caesarea, Luke records that “as Peter was traveling throughout the area, he went down to the saints in Lydda” (Acts 9:32). There he found Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter declared, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately the man rose, and “all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord” (Acts 9:34-35). Narrative Emphases 1. Christ-centered Healing: Peter explicitly attributes the miracle to Jesus Christ, not to apostolic power. Historical and Cultural Background Lydda (Old Testament Lod) lay on the main route between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean coast. Aeneas bears a common Greco-Roman name, indicating the gospel’s penetration into Hellenistic circles. Paralysis in the first century rendered an individual economically and socially marginalized; the healing thus restored Aeneas to both physical health and community life. Theological Significance • Continuity of Jesus’ Ministry: The scene parallels Christ’s earlier command, “Rise, take up your mat and walk” (compare Mark 2:11), showing that the risen Lord continues His works through His apostles. Relation to the Surrounding Passage The healing of Aeneas sets the stage for the resurrection of Tabitha (Dorcas) in Joppa (Acts 9:36-43). Together these accounts emphasize that signs and wonders authenticate the gospel as it crosses cultural and geographic boundaries, preparing for the Gentile mission beginning in Acts 10. Implications for Ministry Today 1. Dependence on Christ’s Authority: Effective ministry rests on the proclamation of Jesus’ ongoing power, not personal charisma. Intertextual Echoes Psalm 103:3-4 celebrates the Lord “who heals all your diseases… who redeems your life from the pit,” themes palpably fulfilled in Aeneas. Isaiah 35:6 foretells, “Then the lame will leap like a deer,” a prophecy progressively realized as the kingdom advances in Acts. Legacy in the Church Though unnamed elsewhere, Aeneas stands as an enduring testament to Christ’s compassion and power. His account encourages believers to trust the Lord for physical restoration, to expect divine intervention in missionary outreach, and to praise God for every life raised from helplessness to service. Forms and Transliterations Αινεα Αἰνέα Αινεαν Αἰνέαν Ainea Ainéa Ainean AinéanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 9:33 N-AMSGRK: τινα ὀνόματι Αἰνέαν ἐξ ἐτῶν NAS: named Aeneas, who had been bedridden KJV: named Aeneas, which had kept INT: certain by name Aeneas for years Acts 9:34 N-VMS Strong's Greek 132 |
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