What Old Testament prophecies connect to the healing power in Jesus' name? The Moment in Acts 3 “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” (Acts 3:6) Peter’s words echo centuries-old promises that the coming Messiah would bring literal, physical healing. As the crippled man stands and begins leaping, those prophecies burst into living color. Old Testament Promises of a Healing Messiah “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened… the lame will leap like a deer.” – Directly anticipates Acts 3:8 (“he began to walk and jump”). “Surely He took on our infirmities… by His stripes we are healed.” – Matthew 8:16-17 links Jesus’ healing ministry to this passage. “He… heals all your diseases.” – David attributes to Yahweh the very power later exercised through Jesus’ name. “He sent His word and healed them.” – In Acts 3 the “word” is embodied in the risen Christ; His name carries that same healing authority. “The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves.” – The formerly lame man literally “leaps,” a vivid sign that the dawning of that “sun” has begun. “I will bring to it health and healing… reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” – Peter couples healing with a gospel call to repentance (Acts 3:19), fulfilling both health and peace. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me… to bind up the brokenhearted.” – Jesus cites this of Himself (Luke 4:18); physical healings verify His Spirit-anointed mission. How Jesus Fulfills Each Prophecy 1. Power resident in His person – During His earthly ministry “power was coming from Him and healing them all” (Luke 6:19). 2. Power released through His name after the resurrection – Peter insists, “By faith in His name, this man… has been made strong” (Acts 3:16). 3. Ongoing proof that Jesus is the promised Messiah – Peter links the miracle to God’s pledge: “Indeed, all the prophets… announced these days” (Acts 3:24). Why the Name Carries Healing Authority • The Name embodies His identity (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58). • All authority in heaven and on earth is given to Him (Matthew 28:18). • Believers act as representatives; the miracle testifies to the risen Lord, not to human power (Acts 4:10). Takeaway Connections • Old Testament healing prophecies are not vague metaphors; they pointed to concrete, observable acts. • Every healing in Acts validates that those promises now flow through Jesus’ exalted name. • The same Scriptures that foretold the cross also foretold the compassion and power that would follow it. |
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