The Miracles of Christ: Peter's Wife's Mother Healed
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The healing of Peter's wife's mother is a significant miracle performed by Jesus Christ, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, and Luke 4:38-39. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' authority over sickness and His compassion for individuals, regardless of their social status or gender.

Context and Setting

The event takes place in Capernaum, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry. After teaching in the synagogue, Jesus enters the house of Simon Peter. It is here that He encounters Peter's mother-in-law, who is suffering from a fever.

The Miracle Described

In the Gospel of Matthew, the account is brief yet powerful: "When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them" (Matthew 8:14-15). This passage highlights the immediacy and completeness of the healing. Jesus' touch alone is sufficient to restore her health, underscoring His divine power.

Mark's account provides additional details: "As soon as Jesus and His disciples had left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they promptly told Jesus about her. So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them" (Mark 1:29-31). Here, the narrative emphasizes the disciples' concern and Jesus' immediate response to their request.

Luke, known for his attention to detail, adds that Jesus "rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them" (Luke 4:39). The use of the word "rebuked" suggests a command over the illness, similar to His authority over demons and nature.

Theological Significance

This miracle is rich in theological implications. First, it affirms Jesus' divine authority over physical ailments, showcasing His power to heal with a mere touch or word. The healing of Peter's mother-in-law also reflects Jesus' compassion and willingness to respond to the needs of those around Him, regardless of their societal role.

Furthermore, the immediate service of Peter's mother-in-law upon her healing illustrates the appropriate response to Jesus' work in one's life: gratitude expressed through service. Her actions serve as a model for believers, emphasizing that restored health and blessings from God should lead to active service in His kingdom.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the cultural context of first-century Judea, women often held domestic roles, and their contributions were primarily within the household. The healing of Peter's mother-in-law not only restored her physically but also reinstated her ability to fulfill her role within the family. This miracle, therefore, highlights the value Jesus placed on women and their service, countering cultural norms that often marginalized them.

Conclusion

The healing of Peter's wife's mother is a testament to Jesus' compassion and divine authority. It serves as a reminder of His power to heal and the appropriate response of gratitude and service from those who experience His transformative touch.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 8:14,15
And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Heals the Nobleman's Son. --Chooses Capernaum for His
... Abode."Healing of Peter's Wife's Mother. ... Galileans had to be roused by visible miracles
and material ... refer the words of reproof uttered by Christ before he ...
/.../section 127 christ heals the.htm

A Group of Miracles
... And Clement of Alexandria tells us that Peter's wife acted as ... by which means the
gospel of Christ penetrated without ... who are so busy studying the miracles as a ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 29-34 a group of.htm

The History of a Year.
... year of the ministry of Christ, that between ... the synagogue of Capernaum; shortly
after Peter's wife's mother was cured ... and then followed many miracles of which ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the history of a year.htm

The Cure of Simon's Wife's Mother.
... the story of the cure of St Peter's mother-in-law. ... of the laws of nature as the miracles
themselves, are ... chance, is a Christian only because Christ has claimed ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/iii the cure of simons.htm

Faith Rewarded.
... Peter's wife's mother had been healed by a word ... want to bring them right to the Lord
Jesus Christ, that He ... He can perform miracles to-day, and He will if we ask ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iv faith rewarded.htm

Healing and Service
... this, that the first thing about all Christ's miracles, and most ... see that it is at
least possible that Peter and his ... he lets us see that Jesus Christ did not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/healing and service.htm

Christ's Touch
... Lord's touch as connected with His miracles than in ... Mark delights to dwell on Christ's
touch ... out His hand, and 'lifts up' Peter's wife's mother, and immediately ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs touch.htm

Matt. viii. 14
... mark, I pray thee, herein also Peter's reverence towards ... make a gain out of such
miracles; wherefore also ... From the answer which Christ makes, meeting not the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvii matt viii 14.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Minim, Siphrey, i.23, 33. Miracles of Christ, the wine at Cana, i.351, 363; ... Peter's
wife's mother and many sick, 485-488; the leper, 491-498; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Answer to Mr. W's First Objection.
... a leper, of the centurion's servant, and of Peter's wife's mother, relates no more
miracles particularly, but ... crying out and saying, Thou art Christ the Son ...
/.../section 1 answer to mr.htm

Resources
What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Miraculous

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost

Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of

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The Miracles of Christ: Peter Walking on the Sea
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