Palsies, in biblical context, refer to conditions characterized by paralysis or a loss of muscle function, often accompanied by tremors or involuntary movements. The term "palsy" is derived from the Greek word "paralytikos," which is used in the New Testament to describe individuals suffering from paralysis. This condition is mentioned in several passages, highlighting both the physical affliction and the miraculous healings performed by Jesus Christ.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 4:24 : "News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and He healed them." This verse underscores the widespread nature of palsies and other ailments during Jesus' ministry and His divine power to heal.

2. Matthew 9:2-7 : "Just then, some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.' At this, some of the scribes said to themselves, 'This man is blaspheming!' But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, 'Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...' Then He said to the paralytic, 'Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.' And the man got up and went home." This passage illustrates not only the physical healing of the paralytic but also the spiritual authority of Jesus to forgive sins, linking physical healing with spiritual restoration.

3. Mark 2:3-12 : This account parallels the account in Matthew, where friends of a paralytic man lower him through the roof to reach Jesus. The narrative emphasizes the faith of the man's friends and Jesus' authority to heal and forgive, reinforcing the connection between faith and divine intervention.

4. Luke 5:18-26 : Luke's account provides additional details, such as the reaction of the crowd and the glorification of God following the healing. The passage highlights the amazement and praise that result from witnessing Jesus' miraculous works.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, palsies serve as a metaphor for spiritual paralysis, where individuals are unable to move forward in their faith due to sin or unbelief. The healing of those with palsies by Jesus is symbolic of the liberation from spiritual bondage and the restoration of wholeness through faith in Christ. The accounts of healing emphasize the importance of faith, both on the part of the afflicted and those interceding on their behalf.

The healing of palsies also demonstrates the compassion of Jesus and His mission to bring physical and spiritual healing to a broken world. These miracles attest to His divine nature and authority, affirming His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. Through these acts, Jesus fulfills the prophetic expectations of the Old Testament, revealing the kingdom of God through acts of mercy and power.

Historical Context:

In the ancient world, paralysis was a debilitating condition with limited understanding and treatment options. Those afflicted often faced social isolation and economic hardship. The miraculous healings performed by Jesus provided not only physical relief but also social and spiritual reintegration, restoring individuals to their communities and affirming their worth in the eyes of God.

The accounts of healing in the Gospels serve as a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' ministry, offering hope and redemption to all who believe.(n.) Plural of Palsy.

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
... the miracles which he did.7. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out
of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/seed scattered and taking root.htm

Job's Question, Jesus' Answer
... tremulous hope with its insistent interrogation. It is not denial, but it is
a doubt which palsies hope. But though he has no certainty ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jobs question jesus answer.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... by diseases of various kinds: and not to lengthen the list by going through all
possible examples, our own flesh is subject to fevers, and palsies, and a crowd ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and
that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.". ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... history of the gospel witnesses: there came unto Christ all sorts of sick sinners;
the blind, lame, halt, lepers, such as were sick of palsies, dropsies, bloody ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

Acts vii. 54
... For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed
with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii acts vii 54.htm

An Appeal to Sinners
... His very self-righteousness fetters his foot, so that he cannot come; palsies his
arm, so that he cannot take hold of Christ; and blinds his eye, so that be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/an appeal to sinners.htm

But they with whom we Argue have Undoubtedly a Right to Select ...
... 3. The diseases were, for the most part, of that sort which depends upon inaction
and obstruction, as dropsies, palsies, and some tumours. ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii but they with.htm

Prayer to the Most High
... Speak to Him as they did. Show Him your palsies and your leprosies as they did.
Follow Him about, telling Him about your sons and daughters as they did. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xv prayer to the most.htm

The Unclean Spirits.
... miracles which the apostles wrought, "unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice,
came out of many possessed with them, and many taken with palsies, and that ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

Palsies (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Palsy. Multi-Version Concordance
Palsies (1 Occurrence). Acts 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying ...
/p/palsies.htm - 6k

Palsied (7 Occurrences)

/p/palsied.htm - 8k

Palsy (12 Occurrences)

/p/palsy.htm - 12k

Possessed (100 Occurrences)
... Acts 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were
possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were ...
/p/possessed.htm - 37k

Palsies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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