Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, healers are individuals endowed with the divine ability to restore health and wholeness to those who are sick or afflicted. This gift is often associated with the power of God working through chosen individuals, and it is a prominent theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, healing is primarily seen as an act of God. The Hebrew word for healing, "rapha," is often used to describe God's intervention in restoring health. One of the earliest references to God as a healer is found in Exodus 15:26, where God declares to the Israelites, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you." Prophets such as Elijah and Elisha are notable figures associated with miraculous healings. In 1 Kings 17:17-24, Elijah prays for the son of the widow of Zarephath, and God restores the boy's life. Similarly, Elisha performs several healings, including the cleansing of Naaman's leprosy in 2 Kings 5:1-14. New Testament Context The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate healer, whose ministry was marked by numerous miraculous healings. Jesus' healings are signs of the coming Kingdom of God and His authority over sin and death. In Matthew 4:23, it is recorded, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." The Gospels recount various instances of Jesus healing the sick, such as the healing of the blind (John 9:1-12), the lame (John 5:1-15), and those possessed by demons (Mark 5:1-20). These acts of healing demonstrate His compassion and divine authority. After Jesus' ascension, the apostles continued His healing ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 3:6-8, Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate, saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" The early church recognized healing as a spiritual gift, as noted in 1 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul lists "gifts of healing" among the manifestations of the Spirit. Role of Faith and Prayer Faith and prayer are integral to the biblical understanding of healing. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick; the Lord will raise him up." The Gospels frequently highlight the role of faith in healing. In Mark 5:34, Jesus tells a woman healed of a bleeding disorder, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction." Healers in the Early Church The early church fathers and Christian tradition continued to emphasize the role of healers within the community. The practice of anointing the sick and praying for healing became a sacramental act, reflecting the belief in God's ongoing power to heal through the church. Throughout church history, various individuals have been recognized for their healing ministries, often attributed to their deep faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit. These healers are seen as instruments through which God's grace and mercy are manifested in the world. In summary, healers in the Bible are portrayed as vessels of God's healing power, acting through faith, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bring about physical and spiritual restoration. Library Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth On the Arrival of the Egyptians. The Suffering Servant-ii The Third Epistle. Healing and Service The Fall of the House of Ahab 1 Timothy v. 8 The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's ... General Service to the Unmercenaries and Wonder-Workers. Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the ... Thesaurus Essenes... We may say that to us the two most likely derivations are `asiya', "doers" or 'aciya', "healers." Our preference is for the latter, as one of the ... /e/essenes.htm - 38k Healers (1 Occurrence) Healer (2 Occurrences) Healest (1 Occurrence) Resources Are faith healers for real? Does a faith healer heal with the same power as Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy won't God heal amputees? | GotQuestions.org What is the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Healers (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 12:28 Subtopics Related Terms |
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