Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the apostles of Jesus Christ were endowed with the divine authority to heal sickness and perform miracles as a testament to the power of God and the truth of the Gospel. This empowerment was a direct result of their close association with Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which enabled them to continue the work that Jesus began during His earthly ministry.Biblical Foundation The foundation for the apostles' ability to heal is rooted in the commission given by Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles with specific instructions and authority: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8). This mandate underscores the apostles' role in demonstrating the kingdom of God through acts of healing and deliverance. The Day of Pentecost The empowerment of the apostles was further solidified on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, filling them with divine power and enabling them to perform miraculous signs. Acts 2:4 states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This event marked the beginning of the apostles' public ministry, characterized by miraculous healings and bold proclamation of the Gospel. Examples of Apostolic Healing The Book of Acts provides numerous accounts of the apostles exercising their healing authority. One notable example is the healing of the lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared to the man, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). The man was instantly healed, leaping and praising God, which led to many witnessing the power of Jesus' name. Another significant instance is found in Acts 5:12-16 , where it is recorded that "the apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people." The passage describes how people brought the sick into the streets so that Peter's shadow might fall on them as he passed by, resulting in their healing. This account highlights the extraordinary nature of the apostles' healing ministry and the widespread impact it had on the early Christian community. Purpose and Significance The apostles' ability to heal served multiple purposes within the early Church. Firstly, it authenticated their message, confirming that they were true messengers of Christ. Secondly, it demonstrated the compassion and power of God, drawing people to faith in Jesus. Lastly, it provided a foretaste of the ultimate healing and restoration that will be fully realized in the kingdom of God. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the apostles' healing ministry underscores the belief in the continuation of Jesus' work through His followers. It affirms the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church, enabling believers to carry out the mission of Christ. The healings performed by the apostles are seen as signs of the in-breaking of God's kingdom, where sickness and suffering are overcome by divine intervention. In summary, the apostles were endowed with the power to heal as a testament to the authority of Jesus Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Their ministry of healing not only served as a powerful witness to the early Church but also continues to inspire faith and hope in the enduring presence of God's healing power. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:1And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 16:18,20 Library Extracts No. vi. The End of Christ's Coming Miscellaneous Subjects. The Circumcision of the Heart Psalm CII. Matt. xviii. 7 Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ... I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- A Treatise of the Fear of God; part i Resources Why does God allow sickness? | GotQuestions.orgIs Sunday sickness a real thing? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual sickness? What does it mean to be spiritually sick? | GotQuestions.org Sickness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sickness: Christ Compassionate Those In Sickness: Christ Healed by Imposition of Hands Sickness: Christ Healed with a Touch Sickness: Christ Healed with a Word Sickness: Christ Healed: Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Not Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Through the Touch of his Garment Sickness: Faith Required in Those Healed of, by Christ Sickness: God: Abandons the Wicked To Sickness: God: Comforts Saints In Sickness: God: Exhibits his Love in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Mercy in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Power in Healing Sickness: God: Hears the Prayers of Those In Sickness: God: Often Manifests Saving Grace to Sinners During Sickness: God: Permits Saints to be Tried By Sickness: God: Persecutes the Wicked By Sickness: God: Preserves Saints in Time of Sickness: God: Promises to Heal Sickness: God: Strengthens Saints In Sickness: God's Aid should be Sought In Sickness: Healing of, Lawful on the Sabbath Sickness: Not Visiting Those In, an Evidence of not Belonging to Christ Sickness: Often Brought on by Intemperance Sickness: Often Incurable by Human Means Sickness: Often Sent As a Punishment of Sin Sickness: One of God's Four Sore Judgments on a Guilty Land Sickness: Pray for Those Afflicted With Sickness: Saints are Resigned Under Sickness: Saints: Acknowledge That, Comes from God Sickness: Saints: Ascribe Recovery From, to God Sickness: Saints: Feel for Others In Sickness: Saints: Mourn Under, With Prayer Sickness: Saints: Praise God for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Pray for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Thank God Publicly for Recovery Form Sickness: Saints: Visit Those In Sickness: The Apostles Were Endued With Power to Heal Sickness: The Devil Sometimes Permitted to Inflict Sickness: The Power of Healing: One of the Miraculous Gifts Bestowed on the Early Church Sickness: The Wicked: Forsake Those In Sickness: The Wicked: Have Much Sorrow, With Sickness: The Wicked: Visit not Those In Sickness: Visiting Those In, an Evidence of Belonging to Christ Related Terms |
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