Healings in Acts
Now that we have studied the Old Testament and the Gospels, we come to the next book of the Bible: Acts. In the book of Acts, Jesus had been taken up into heaven, and it became the responsibility of the disciples to preach the gospel. In chapter 9, we read that the disciples also healed the sick, and great miracles and signs took place. Individuals were healed, just as we saw in the Gospels. Let us now look at what the book of Acts reveals about healing.
Reason 69: What I Have, I Give to You
Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. (Acts 3:1-5)
Peter and John were on their way to the temple when they encountered a lame man at the gate. This man had been lame from birth and was over forty years old.
For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. (Acts 4:22)
Many people knew this man, as he was regularly seen at the temple gate. They often passed by him as they went in to pray, and it was clear to all that he was unable to walk. When he was healed and able to walk, it was a powerful testimony to the entire city.
Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)
I love this story, and a few things stand out to me. I am sure it will be a great blessing to you as well.
1. Peter had the authority to heal the sick. Notice that Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Peter did not hesitate. He did not say, “Let me pray for you for a moment, and if it is God's will, you will be healed.” Peter was absolutely certain that a miracle would take place.
Did Peter receive a dream or a word from God beforehand, making it known that this man was chosen to be healed? I do not believe so, nor do I find anything about that in the Bible. As I read this story, it appears that Peter and this man met by chance. I do not think Peter knew about it when he left home that day. Then how did Peter know for sure that this man would be healed? Because Jesus had given him—and all believers—the authority and power to heal the sick and to cast out demons. Peter was fully aware of the authority he had received from Jesus.
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. (Matthew 10:1)
2. Peter knew this man would walk even before the healing took place. Before anything was visible, Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” This is faith. Even before the healing was seen, Peter believed he had already received the answer.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24, ESV)
Faith already has the answer, even when the visible manifestation has not yet appeared. It is important to believe that God has healed us before the healing becomes visible in the natural. Peter understood this, and he believed that his words would be fulfilled even before he saw it with his eyes.
3. Peter stepped out in faith.
And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (Acts 3:7)
Peter not only spoke words of faith to the man, but he also acted on his faith. He took the man by the hand and lifted him up. Peter encouraged him to do something he had never done before in his life. This is a beautiful picture of the power of standing together in faith for healing. Peter did not say to the man, “You must believe, and you will be healed. Strengthen yourself to stand in faith.” No, Peter helped him. He supported him with his own faith and helped him to rise.
When you are facing sickness, you do not have to fight the battle of faith alone. It is a great blessing to have people around you who are like Peter—people who help you stand in faith and who understand that they, too, have been given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Together you can stand in faith, and together you can step out in faith.
4. The man did not hesitate. After Peter helped him, the man's feet and ankles were strengthened. What did he do next?
So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:8)
The man immediately leaped and began to walk. He did not hobble at first, nor did he cling to Peter and John as he stumbled into the temple. No, he knew with certainty that a miracle had taken place. He showed his faith by doing what he had never done before. He was fully convinced that God had healed him.
5. The man thanked God. After he was healed, the man praised God in a very joyful way. Sometimes at healing services, people ask, “Should there be all this shouting, rejoicing, and dancing?” The answer is, “Yes.” When someone has been sick for years and Jesus heals them, how can they remain silent? A Biblical response to healing is rejoicing, dancing, and joy. This is not only allowed—it is important.
Jesus is grieved when people are healed but fail to give Him thanks and glory. We see this in the account where Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only one returned to give thanks.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:15-19)
It is important to be thankful when Jesus works in our lives.
Reason 70: Healing Brings Biblical Responses
We have already read that God works miracles and signs, and that these miracles and signs are powerful tools for evangelism. We see this again in the story of the lame man. Sometimes I ask myself, “Why is this particular healing story recorded in the Bible? Jesus and the apostles healed thousands of people. Why was the healing of this lame man specifically mentioned?” I believe it is because this healing caused two important reactions to take place at the same time. First, the healing led many people to believe and be filled with wonder. Second, it caused the apostles to face persecution from the religious leaders. When God is at work, you will always encounter these two reactions. One group will be amazed and glorify God, while another group will stir up opposition and resist what God is doing. Even if God were to raise thousands of dead through you, there would still be many who refuse to believe and would desire to silence or imprison you. Sadly, this resistance can even come from among those who call themselves Christians.
Let us look at the first response. Healings cause people to wonder. After the man at the gate of the temple was healed, we read:
So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. (Acts 3:8-11)
Now, try to make this personal. Imagine you know a man who has always been in a wheelchair. Suddenly, you see someone reach out to him, and the man rises from his wheelchair and walks. A miracle like this—especially when it happens to someone well-known in a town or village—causes great wonder. Everyone would want to know what happened. It would have a powerful impact, and no one could deny that God is alive. Even the apostles’ opponents, the religious leaders, had to acknowledge that a great miracle had taken place:
(...) What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (Acts 4:16)
Healings cause Biblical reactions. When people are touched and healed by God, it opens the way for them to testify about Him. This is exactly what Peter and John did after the healing of the lame man. They testified of Jesus, declaring that God had glorified Him:
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus. (…) (Acts 3:13)
Signs and wonders create amazement, and amazement opens hearts. Therefore, wonders and signs are essential in preaching the gospel.
In mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19)
You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. (Psalm 77:14)
Healing provides a strong Biblical response and makes known God's miracles and His power among the nations. In the example of the lame man, the healing and the preaching that followed led to many coming to faith:
However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. (Acts 4:4)
Let us now look at the second kind of reaction: turmoil.
Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. (Acts 4:1-3)
A healing causes not only positive reactions, but also negative reactions. This was true in the life of Jesus and also in the lives of the apostles in the book of Acts. Negativity is, unfortunately, part of it and is a Biblical (anti-)reaction. Therefore, when people speak negatively about us for preaching the Word, it should not surprise us. It is to be expected.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:18-20)
When we look at healing services, we see both reactions take place. There is a group that marvels and gives God all the glory, but there is also a group that speaks falsely against the evangelist or pastor, persecutes him, or hates him. When we examine the reactions produced by the healing message, we find that both positive and negative responses are signs of Biblical reactions and evidence of a Biblical message.
Reason 71: Jesus’ Name Heals
A special aspect of the healing of the lame man is that the disciples were accountable to the people. They explained why this man had been healed. What was Peter and John’s explanation? Were they receiving a special revelation? Had they been fasting for days? Were they living so godly that God was obligated to act? Why did God heal this man? God did not heal this man because he was godly, nor because Peter and John were godly.
So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness (ESV: piety) we had made this man walk?” (Acts 3:12)
It was not through their strength, godliness, or piety that the man was healed. God does not heal us because we deserve it, because we have been especially holy for a week, or because we have done something for Him. God heals because He loves us, and He heals through faith. Of course, it is important to live godly lives, but healing cannot be bought or earned through godliness.
And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16)
Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. (Acts 4:10)
This man was healed through faith in the name of Jesus, and even that faith was given by Jesus. When you stand in faith for healing, you can know that you are not alone. It is good to build your faith by reading Scripture, meditating on the Word, and praying to God. When we do our part, Jesus will do His part. For example, as we study and meditate on the Bible, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, will give us revelation—and revelation brings forth faith.
When someone is healed, there is no place for boasting about their godliness, piety, strength, or even faith. All is given by Jesus. At the same time, it is necessary to do what the Bible teaches so that we may receive faith:
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
As we fill ourselves with the Word of God and continue to meditate on it, faith will be given in our hearts by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Let us also consider another reason why this man was healed:
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus. (…) (Acts 3:13)
This man was healed so that God the Father would glorify His Servant Jesus. In other words, when someone is healed, it brings glory to the name of Jesus. This also shows that God desires to heal.
Reason 72: Healing Gives Boldness
After Peter and John healed the lame man and were warned by the leaders of the people, they returned to their companions. Together they prayed about what had taken place. What was their prayer?
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)
The disciples prayed that God would stretch out His hand so that more healings, signs, and wonders would take place. They understood that boldness would come when miracles and signs occurred. Peter had already experienced this on the Day of Pentecost. Through a special sign—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the speaking in tongues—he was empowered to preach the gospel with boldness, and thousands came to faith. Similarly, after healing the lame man, Peter again boldly preached the gospel, and thousands believed. Miracles, signs, and healings bring boldness to proclaim the Word.
If healing were not from God and not His will, why would the disciples pray for God to heal? God heals, and it is very important. Healing brings boldness to speak, and through miracles and signs, people come to faith and are saved for eternity.
What was the Holy Spirit’s response to their prayer? The Holy Spirit agreed with their request. He came upon the place where they were gathered, and the whole place was shaken.
The Holy Spirit and God are eager to heal, so that boldness may arise and the gospel may be preached.
I find this prayer powerful. Peter and John had just been threatened by the spiritual leaders and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus again. Yet how did the disciples respond? They prayed and asked God to continue doing healings, signs, and wonders. The disciples did not listen to the criticism, but continued in faith. God also did not listen to the criticism, but continued to heal and perform miracles. As we read later in Acts:
And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. (...) (Acts 5:12)
Healing gives boldness, and through boldness, we can proclaim the gospel of God.
Reason 73: The Church is the Solution
In the world today, many people are sick or struggling with mental problems. This is very difficult for those who suffer, and it also demands much energy and time from their caregivers. How wonderful it would be if the church, as in the book of Acts, would rise again.
The church is meant to be the answer for this world. When the church becomes the answer, it will also bring great benefit to society. Imagine what would happen if people who are chronically ill were healed in great numbers. It would be a tremendous blessing for those who are healed, and at the same time, a great relief for those around them. When we study the book of Acts, we see that the church was the solution to these kinds of problems:
So that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. (Acts 5:15-16)
There are many other passages in the book of Acts that show that healings, miracles, and signs took place among the people.
What would the world look like if the church once again took this position in society? The church is meant to be the solution—not only for spiritual problems, where people experience new birth, but also for physical needs. This was the reality for the early church in Acts, and since Jesus has not changed, we as the church today may also strive to see healing and health restored in our midst.
As we continue reading the book of Acts, we find several more examples of healing. The disciples did not only heal in the first months after Jesus' ascension into heaven; they continued to heal afterward. Consider the wonderful story of Aeneas:
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:32-35)
Aeneas was healed, and this miracle led all who lived in Lydda and Sharon to turn to the Lord. Healing is a powerful miracle sign of God's power, and when healings begin to flow, many will come to faith.
Reason 74: The Gospel is about Healing
Paul preached the gospel in Lystra, and during this time, a great healing miracle took place. This healing story is very beautiful, and we can learn much from it. First, let us read the full account:
And they were preaching the gospel there. And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. (Acts 14:7-10)
Paul entered this city and preached the gospel. A crippled man heard Paul speak, and based on what Paul said, he received faith for healing. So what was Paul speaking about? I believe Paul was preaching the gospel, which includes God's desire to restore man completely: spirit, soul, and body. Paul must have spoken about God's willingness to heal the body, because when the crippled man heard Paul's message, faith arose in him to be made well. If Paul had only spoken about the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in the future, this lame man would not have had faith that God wanted to heal him physically. Paul proclaimed the gospel, and what he spoke produced faith for healing. Therefore, the gospel is also about healing the body.
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:7-8)
He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:2)
The healing of the sick is part of the gospel of the kingdom of God. God cares about the healing of the body. Paul was not the only one who included the healing of sickness in his evangelistic message; Peter also did this when he preached to Cornelius. It is important to realize that Peter spoke the following words during his very first sermon to Cornelius. Therefore, healing should be seen as an important part of the gospel message:
The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:36-38)
See? Healing was not a subject the disciples reserved for the third year of a Bible school. Healing was something they taught and demonstrated immediately, or almost immediately. Often, people were healed first, heard a testimony of healing, or saw a miracle sign before they came to faith and heard the message that Jesus Christ forgives sins. We saw this, for example, with the lame man at the temple. He was healed first, and only afterward did Peter preach about Jesus and forgiveness.
Am I saying that healing is more important than forgiveness and eternal life? Absolutely not. Forgiveness and eternal life are most important. But healing is not unimportant; it belongs in the evangelistic message.
This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. (Acts 14:9-10)
In addition, the crippled man in Lystra received faith during Paul’s preaching. The Bible does not tell us exactly how long he heard Paul speak—perhaps it was ten minutes or a few hours. In any case, faith arose while Paul was speaking. This man had not been believing for years for his healing. He believed, Paul recognized his faith, and he was healed. Faith for healing does not have to be a long, difficult struggle lasting many years. Faith for healing can arise quickly, and healing can manifest immediately. It is the hearing of the gospel that produces faith:
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
Reason 75: Supernatural protection
There is much more that could be written about healings and miracles in the book of Acts, but I would like to close this chapter with a special story about Paul. First, let us read from Mark 16:
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mark 16:17-18)
In this passage, Jesus said that believers would take up serpents and drink anything deadly without being harmed. Of course, the intention is not that we should test God by doing foolish or dangerous things on purpose. We are not meant to drink poison or seek to be bitten by a poisonous snake. But God promises to protect us when such dangers happen unexpectedly, especially when we are on our way to proclaim the gospel.
When Paul was captured in Jerusalem, he had to stand trial before various rulers. Eventually, Paul appealed to Caesar, which he was allowed to do because he was a Roman citizen. However, he had to be transported from Caesarea to Rome, and much of the journey was by sea. During the voyage, a great storm arose, and the ship was shipwrecked. The entire ship was lost, but God protected Paul and ensured that everyone aboard reached land safely.
Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. (...) But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. (...) But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (...) The centurion, (…) commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. (Acts 27:9-11, 14-15, 21-25, 43-44)
This story shows God's protection over Paul during the shipwreck. What stands out is that Paul warned the crew beforehand, telling them that it was not wise to set sail. Paul already knew that something was wrong. However, he had no choice; he was forced to go along because he was a prisoner.
This is an important example of supernatural protection. When the Holy Spirit instructs you to not to do something or refrain from doing something, it is very important to obey. Sometimes, for example, while evangelizing, you may feel a strong urge to not approach someone. I am not speaking of fear from your mind, but of the voice of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit says not to do something, He may be warning you to protect you from danger.
In this story, Paul was forced to continue the journey; he had no choice. But God still protected him. First, God sent an angel to encourage Paul, assuring him that he would arrive safely. Then God made sure that Paul and the entire crew escaped from the ship and reached land safely. This was a great miracle of God's protection. Then another miracle took place:
But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. (Acts 28:3-6)
Paul was bitten by a poisonous viper. The people expected him to swell or fall dead immediately. Yet, Paul suffered no harm. This clearly shows God's supernatural protection. Again, it is important not to put God to the test. It is also important to listen carefully to the Holy Spirit when He tells us what to do or what not to do. But at the same time, God desires to protect us supernaturally from dangers that arise unexpectedly.
Summary
The book of Acts describes the healings that took place after Jesus ascended into heaven and the disciples were given the task of proclaiming the gospel. We began with the story of Peter and John encountering a lame man at the gate of the temple. Peter healed the man in the name of Jesus Christ, and the man immediately began walking and leaping, praising God. This story shows that Peter had authority to heal the sick and that he believed the man would be healed even before it was visible. Peter knew, by faith, that the man would walk, and he acted on that faith by taking the man by the hand and helping him to stand. This highlights the value of having others around us who encourage and support us in our faith. After his healing, the man praised God, demonstrating the importance of gratitude when God works in our lives. Joy and thankfulness are appropriate responses to healing.
We also saw that healing is part of the gospel. Both Paul and Peter spoke about healing during their preaching, and we witnessed that healings and miracles opened the way for them to testify about God. Healing is part of the message of the kingdom of God and serves to bring people to faith.
Healings also produce boldness, and this was part of the disciples' prayer. The church is meant to be the solution to people's physical needs, just as it was in the early church.
The story of the healing of Aeneas is also very beautiful. It shows that the message of the gospel includes the healing of the body. Because Aeneas heard the gospel, faith arose in his heart, leading to his healing miracle.
Finally, we saw how God provided supernatural protection for Paul. Paul faced a violent storm and a shipwreck on his journey to Rome, but God protected him and ensured that he and the entire crew reached land safely. Even when Paul was bitten by a poisonous viper, he suffered no harm. This demonstrates that God desires to protect His people supernaturally, even in dangerous and life-threatening situations.