Connect Acts 4:14 with other instances of miraculous healings in the New Testament. Setting the Scene: Acts 4 : 14 “ And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response.” Immediate Context—The Beautiful Gate Miracle (Acts 3 : 1-10) • A beggar lame from birth is healed in Jesus’ name. • The man “went into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God.” • His public presence in Acts 4 : 14 silences the Sanhedrin—visible proof nobody can refute. Jesus’ Healings That Laid the Foundation • Luke 5 : 24-26—Paralytic lowered through the roof – “Immediately the man stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God.” – Like Acts 4, the healed person stands before skeptics and leaves them in awe. • John 9 : 1-34—Man born blind – “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!” (v. 25) – Religious leaders can question, but they cannot deny the physical evidence. • Mark 5 : 25-34—Woman with hemorrhage – “Immediately her bleeding stopped and she sensed in her body that she was healed of her affliction.” (v. 29) – Instant, observable change underscores divine authority. Apostolic Healings That Echo Acts 4 • Acts 9 : 32-35—Aeneas in Lydda – “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” (v. 34) – Result: “All who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” (v. 35) • Acts 14 : 8-10—Lame man in Lystra – Paul commands, “Stand up on your feet!” The man leaps and walks. – Public setting produces undeniable testimony, paralleling Acts 4 : 14. • Acts 28 : 8-9—Publius’ father on Malta – Healed of fever and dysentery; others on the island receive the same grace, confirming the gospel to pagans. Shared Features of New Testament Healings • Performed in Jesus’ name or authority. • Instantly complete and physical—no gradual recovery. • Publicly verifiable, often with the healed person “standing” or “walking” before onlookers. • Lead to praise of God and growth of faith, while silencing opposition (cf. Acts 4 : 16). Implications for Today • God’s power validates the gospel with tangible evidence. • Bold proclamation flows naturally when miracles are undeniable (Acts 4 : 20). • The same risen Christ who healed then still holds ultimate authority over body and soul now (Hebrews 13 : 8). |
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