MicFood Blog HEALING - A Topical Bible Study Using Baker's #Rev 1

7/27/2019 MicFood Blog HEALING - A Topical Bible Study Using Baker's #Rev 1

1/28

Michael's FoodThursday, 23 January 2014

Just now, I dreamed...

In my dream, I wanted to do a topical bible study on Healing. This was due to the fact that my whole

family (my wife, my son and I) fell sick over the last 3 days.

So when I woke up, first thing I did is to study about Healing.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary

Heal, Health.

With characteristic realism the Bible accepts the prevalence in God's world of ill-health and affliction,

although originally it had no place in God's plan, and declares that God who made us is our only

healer. The fact the Lord is our healerechoes through patriarchs, law history, psalms, and

prophecy. Psalm 103:1-5 traces among God's "benefits" the separate stages of convalescence.

HEALING - a topical bible study using Baker's

Praise the LORD, my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

King James Dictionary

Matthew Henry Commentary (Complete)

Matthew Henry Commentary (Concise)

Matthew Henry's Commentary (Biblegateway)

Nave's Topical Bible

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Study Links

Search

Search This Blog

Share 1 More Next Blog [email protected] New Post Design Sign Out
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/http://micfood.blogspot.com/http://micfood.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/https://www.blogger.com/next-blog?navBar=true&blogID=7323013857003263939http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/toc/http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/hitchcocks-bible-names/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7323013857003263939#editorhttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7323013857003263939#templatehttp://micfood.blogspot.com/logout?d=http://www.blogger.com/logout-redirect.g?blogID%3D7323013857003263939%26postID%3D1487712099446813382http://www.blogger.com/http://micfood.blogspot.com/logout?d=http://www.blogger.com/logout-redirect.g?blogID%3D7323013857003263939%26postID%3D1487712099446813382https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7323013857003263939#templatehttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7323013857003263939#editorhttps://www.blogger.com/next-blog?navBar=true&blogID=7323013857003263939http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/wesleys-explanatory-notes/http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/treasury-of-scripture-knowledge/http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/torreys-topical-textbook/http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/strongs-exhaustive-concordance/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/smiths-bible-dictionary/http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/toc/http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/king-james-dictionary/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/hitchcocks-bible-names/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/http://micfood.blogspot.com/


2/28

That God alone heals remains true even though human and traditional means are used. "Physicians"

embalmed Isaac ( Gen 50:2), and apparently practiced in early Israel ( Exod 21:19); later both

doctors and healing balm were associated with Gilead ( Jer 8:22; cf. Luke 4:23, ; and probablyMark

2:17, ; for familiar proverbs ). Sirach 38:1-15 praises highly, if defensively, the physician's skill and

prayerfulness when making diagnosis (contrast 2 Chron 16:12). Priests, too, as God's

representatives bore medical responsibilities ( Lev 13:2-45), while prophets were consulted for

medical advice and action ( 1 Kings 14:1-3; 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:18-37; note 2 Kings 5:1-3; note2

Kings 20:1-11). Naaman the Syrian vividly describes how a prophet was popularly expected to

proceed ( 2 Kings 5:11). In New Testament times, Jewish exorcists practiced, evidently with some

success ( Luke 11:19;Acts 19:13), and Luke became Paul's "beloved physician" ( Col 4:14).

2 Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his

father Israel. So the physicians embalmed him, 3 taking a full forty

days, for that was the time required for embalming. And the

Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. (Genesis 50:2-4) (NIV)

Jesus said to them, Surely you will quote this proverb to me:

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. (Psalms 103:1-5)

(NIV)

Is thereno balmin Gilead?

Is there nophysicianthere?

Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?

(Jeremiah 8:22) (NIV)

2014(27)

January(27)

HEALING - a topical bible studyusing Baker's

Proverbs chapter 12 (part 2) Theway of a fool is ...

Proverbs chapter 12 (part 1) -Loving Discipline i...

Proverbs chapter 11 (part 4) - Oneman gives free...

Proverbs chapter 11 (part 3) -Victory is won thro...

Proverbs chapter 11 (part 2) -Wise Sayings of Sol...

Ministry / Minister





Proverbs chapter 9 - Loving andHonouring God is t. ..

Proverbs chapter 8 (part 2) - Godthe Son is the d...

Proverbs chapter 8 (part 1) -Instruction, Knowled...

Blog Archive
http://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-8-instruction.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-8-part-2-god-son-is.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-9.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-10-part-1-wise-sayings.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-10-part-2-wise-sayings.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-10-part-3-wise-sayings.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-11-part-1-wise-sayings.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/ministry.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-11-part-2-wise-sayings.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-11-part-3-victory-is.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-11-part-4-one-man.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-12-part-1-loving.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-12-part-2-way-of-fool.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/healing-part-1-bakers.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014_01_01_archive.htmlhttp://void%280%29/http://micfood.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2014-01-01T00:00:00%2B08:00&updated-max=2015-01-01T00:00:00%2B08:00&max-results=27http://void%280%29/http://www.biblestudytools.com/colossians/4-14.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/19-13.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/11-19.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/2-kings/5-11.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=2%20Kings+20:1-11http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=2%20Kings+5:1-3http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=2%20Kings+4:18-37http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=1%20Kings+17:17-24http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=1%20Kings+14:1-3http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Leviticus+13:2-45http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-chronicles/16-12.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/2-17.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/4-23.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/jeremiah/8-22.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/exodus/21-19.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/50-2.html


3/28

Physician, healyourself! And you will tell me, Do here in your

hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.

(Luke 4:23) (NIV)

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, It is not the healthywho

need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous,

but sinners. (Mark 2:17) (NIV)

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a

diseasein his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his

illnesshe did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the

physicians. (2 Chronicles 16:12) (NIV)

The LORDsaid to Moses and Aaron, 2 When a man has on the skinof his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a

leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought

to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests, 3 and the

priest shall examinethe diseased spot on the skin of his body; and

if the hair in the diseased spot has turned white and the disease

appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous

disease; when the priest has examinedhim he shall pronounce

him unclean. 4 But if the spot is white in the skin of his body, and

appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned

white, the priest shall shut up the diseased personfor seven

days; 5 and the priest shall examine himon the seventh day, and if

in his eyes the disease is checked and the disease has not spread

in the skin, then the priest shall shut himup seven days

more; 6 and the priest shall examine himagain on the seventh

Proverbs chapter 7 - theSeductive Prostitute

Proverbs chapter 6 (part 2) -Warning against Adul...

Proverbs chapter 6 (part 1) -Warning against Sure...

Proverbs chapter 5 (part 2) -

Rejoice in the Wife ...Proverbs chapter 5 (part 1) -

Warning against Infi...

Proverbs chapter 4 - Get Wisdomat Any Cost, Admon...

Proverbs chapter 3 (part 2) -God's Wisdom in Crea...

Ephesians 6:10-20 The Armour ofGod

Proverbs chapter 3 (part 1) -Wisdom for the Young...

Proverbs chapter 2 - The moralbenefits of Wisdom

Proverbs chapter 1 - Exhortationsto embrace Wisdo...

Esther chapter 10 - The greatnessof Mordecai

Esther chapter 9 - The triumph ofthe Jews

2013(10)

Michael MagniMedia

About Me
https://plus.google.com/110385452116722651459http://micfood.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2013-01-01T00:00:00%2B08:00&updated-max=2014-01-01T00:00:00%2B08:00&max-results=10http://void%280%29/http://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/esther-chapter-9-triumph-of-jews.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/esther-chapter-10-greatness-of-mordecai.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-1.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-2-moral-benefits-of.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-3-wisdom-for-young.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/ephesians-610-20-armour-of-god.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-3-part-2.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-4w.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-5-part-1-warning.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-5-part-2-rejoice-in.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-6-warning-against.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-6-part-2-warning.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-7.html


4/28

day, and if the diseased spot is dim and the disease has not

spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce himclean; it is

only an eruption; and he shall wash his clothes, and be

clean. 7 But if the eruption spreads in the skin, after he has shown

himself to the priestfor his cleansing, he shall appear again

before the priest; 8 and the priest shall make an examination, and

if the eruption has spread in the skin, then the priest shallpronounce himunclean; it is leprosy.9 When a man is afflicted with leprosy, he shall be brought to the

priest; 10 and the priest shall make an examination, and if there is

a white swelling in the skin, which has turned the hair white, and

there is quick raw flesh in the swelling, 11 it is a chronic leprosy in

the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean;

he shall not shut him up, for he is unclean. 12 And if the leprosy

breaks out in the skin, so that the leprosy covers all the skin of the

diseased person from head to foot, so far as the priest can

see, 13 then the priest shall make an examination, and if the

leprosy has covered all his body, he shall pronounce him clean of

the disease; it has all turned white, and he is clean. 14 But when

raw flesh appears on him, he shall be unclean. 15 And the priest

shall examinethe raw flesh, and pronounce him unclean; raw

flesh is unclean, for it is leprosy. 16 But if the raw flesh turns again

and is changed to white, then he shall come to the priest, 17 and

the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has turned white,then the priest shall pronounce the diseased personclean; he is

clean.18 And when there is in the skin of ones body a boil that has

healed, 19 and in the place of the boil there comes a white

swelling or a reddish-white spot, then it shall be shown to the

priest; 20 and the priest shall make an examination, and if it

Follow 6

View my complete profile

Proverbs chapter 8 (part 1) - Instruction,Knowledge, Wisdom are better than Silver,Gold, Jewels

Proverbs chapter 8. Summary: Wisdom isproclaimed, propagated and publicized toeveryone at everywhere. Simple and foolishpeople should ...

HEALING - a topical bible study using Baker's

Just now, I dreamed... In my dream, I wanted todo a topical bible study on Healing. This was

due to the fact that my whole family (my wife...

Esther chapter 5 - Esther invites the King andHaman to a big dinner

Esther chapter 5. Esther Invites the King andHaman to a Big Dinner 5 On the third dayEsther put her royal robes on. She stood inthe...

Proverbs chapter 6 (part 1) - Warning againstSurety, Laziness, Wickedness, AbominableSins

Proverbs chapter 6. Summary: We are warnedagainst becoming Surety and Loan Guaranteefor friends, acquaintances, and s trangers. Weare w...

Proverbs chapter 11 (part 2) - Wise Sayings ofSolomon. The righteous is rescued fromtrouble,

Proverbs chapter 11. Summary: Hope andambition dies when the wicked, godless and

Popular Posts
http://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-11-part-2-wise-sayings.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-6-warning-against.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2013/12/esther-chapter-6-esther-invites-king.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/healing-part-1-bakers.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-8-instruction.htmlhttps://plus.google.com/110385452116722651459


5/28

appears deeper than the skin and its hair has turned white, then

the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is the disease of leprosy,

it has broken out in the boil.21 But if the priest examines it, and

the hair on it is not white and it is not deeper than the skin, but is

dim, then the priest shall shut him upseven days; 22 and if it

spreads in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce himunclean; it

is diseased.23

But if the spot remains in one place and does notspread, it is the scar of the boil; and the priest shall pronounce

himclean.24 Or, when the body has a burn on its skin and the raw flesh of

the burn becomes a spot, reddish-white or white, 25 the priest

shall examine it, and if the hair in the spot has turned white and it

appears deeper than the skin, then it is leprosy; it has broken out

in the burn, and the priest shall pronounce himunclean; it is a

leprous disease. 26 But if the priest examines it, and the hair in the

spot is not white and it is no deeper than the skin, but is dim, the

priest shall shut himup seven days, 27 and the priest shall

examine himthe seventh day; if it is spreading in the skin, then

the priest shall pronounce himunclean; it is a leprous

disease. 28 But if the spot remains in one place and does not

spread in the skin, but is dim, it is a swelling from the burn, and

the priest shall pronounce himclean; for it is the scar of the burn.29 When a man or woman has a disease on the head or the

beard, 30 the priest shall examine the disease; and if it appearsdeeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the

priest shall pronounce himunclean; it is an itch, a leprosy of the

head or the beard. 31 And if the priest examines the itching

disease, and it appears no deeper than the skin and there is no

black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up the personwith the

itching disease for seven days, 32 and on the seventh day the

unjust person dies. The righteous will be able toovercom...

Esther chapter 2 - Esther made Queen

Esther Chapter 2. Esther Made Queen. 2 Laterwhen King Xerxes fury had subsided, heremembered Vashti and what she had doneand what ...

Esther chapter 8 - The King's Edict in Behalf ofthe Jews

Esther chapter 8. Summary: Queen Estherpleaded again with King Xerxes for the lives ofher people and her family. King Xerxes finallydec...

Dec 25, 2013

During Christmas service on Dec 25, 2013, Ihave decided to start reading the Bible moreregularly. This will be one of my Resolutionsfor...

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 Blessings for Obedience

When I was walking close to God, I wasblessed with tremendous blessings. I became aChristian in January 1982, when I was 15 yearsold. I w...

Esther chapter 10 - The greatness of Mordecai

Esther chapter 10. Summary: King Xerxes,aka King Ahaseurus, had become very powerfulwith a huge empire. Having a great PrimeMinister w...

adulterous woman (4)

Labels
http://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/adulterous%20womanhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/esther-chapter-10-greatness-of-mordecai.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2013/12/deuteronomy-281-14-blessings-for.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2013/12/dec-25-2013.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2013/12/esther-chapter-8-kings-edict-in-behalf.htmlhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2013/12/esther-chapter-2-esther-made-queen.html


6/28

priest shall examine the disease; and if the itch has not spread,

and there is in it no yellow hair, and the itch appears to be no

deeper than the skin, 33 then he shall shave himself, but the itch

he shall not shave; and the priest shall shut up the personwith

the itching disease for seven days more;34 and on the seventh

day the priest shall examine the itch, and if the itch has not

spread in the skin and it appears to be no deeper than the skin,then the priest shall pronounce himclean; and he shall wash his

clothes, and be clean. 35 But if the itch spreads in the skin after his

cleansing, 36 then the priest shall examine him, and if the itch has

spread in the skin, the priest need not seek for the yellow hair; he

is unclean. 37 But if in his eyes the itch is checked, and black hair

has grown in it, the itch is healed, he is clean; and the priest shall

pronounce himclean.38 When a man or a woman has spots on the skin of the body,

white spots,39 the priest shall make an examination, and if the

spots on the skin of the body are of a dull white, it is tetter that

has broken out in the skin; he is clean.40 If a mans hair has fallen from his head, he is bald but he is

clean. 41 And if a mans hair has fallen from his forehead and

temples, he has baldness of the forehead but he is clean. 42 But if

there is on the bald head or the bald forehead a reddish-white

diseased spot, it is leprosy breaking out on his bald head or his

bald forehead. 43 Then the priest shall examine him, and if thediseased swelling is reddish-white on his bald head or on his bald

forehead, like the appearance of leprosy in the skin of the

body, 44 he is a leprous man, he is unclean; the priest must

pronounce himunclean; his disease is on his head. (Leviticus 13:1-

44) (RSV)

bible (30) bible

reading (30) bible study (30)blessings (6)

Esther (8)

fools(4)

immoral woman(4)

King Ahaseurus(5) King Xerxes

(8)

loose woman (4)

Mordecai (7)

Proverbs (20)
http://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/Proverbshttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/Mordecaihttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/loose%20womanhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/King%20Xerxeshttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/King%20Ahaseurushttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/immoral%20womanhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/foolshttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/Estherhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/blessingshttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/bible%20studyhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/bible%20readinghttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/bible


7/28

At that time Abijah son of Jeroboam became ill, 2 and Jeroboam

said to his wife, Go, disguise yourself, so you wont be

recognized as the wife of Jeroboam. Then go to Shiloh. Ahijah the

prophetis therethe one who told me I would be king over this

people. 3 Take ten loaves of bread with you, some cakes and a jar

of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will happen to the

boy. (1 Kings 14:1-3)(NIV)

The story of Elijah17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house,

became ill; and his illness was so severethat there was no breath

left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, What have you against me,

O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to

remembrance, and to cause the death of my son! 19 And he said

to her, Give me your son. And he took him from her bosom, and

carried him up into the upper chamber, where he lodged, and laid

him upon his own bed. 20 And he cried to the LORD, O LORDmy

God, hast thou brought calamity even upon the widow with whom

I sojourn, by slaying her son? 21 Then he stretched himself upon

the child three times, and cried to the LORD, O LORDmy God, let

this childs soul come into him again.22 And the LORDhearkened

to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him

again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child, and brought

him down from the upper chamber into the house, and deliveredhim to his mother; and Elijah said, See, your son lives. 24 And

the woman said to Elijah, Now I know that you are a man of

God, and that the word of the LORDin your mouth is truth. (1

Kings 17:17-24) (RSV)

The story of Elisha

Proverbs 11 (4)

Queen Esther (5)

riches (5) righteous (9)

understanding

(5)

wealth (5) wicked (6)

wisdom(12) wise (4)
http://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/wisehttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/wisdomhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/wickedhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/wealthhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/understandinghttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/righteoushttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/richeshttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/Queen%20Estherhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/Proverbs%2011


8/28

18 When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father

among the reapers. 19 And he said to his father, Oh, my head,

my head! The father said to his servant, Carry him to his

mother. 20 And when he had lifted him, and brought him to his

mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.21 And

she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut

the door upon him, and went out.22

Then she called to herhusband, and said, Send me one of the servants and one of the

asses, that I may quickly go to the man of God, and come back

again. 23 And he said, Why will you go to him today? It is neither

new moon nor sabbath. She said, It will be well.24 Then she

saddled the ass, and she said to her servant, Urge the beast on;

do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you. 25 So she set

out, and came to the man of Godat Mount Carmel.

When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his

servant, Look, yonder is the Shunammite; 26 run at once to meet

her, and say to her, Is it well with you? Is it well with your

husband? Is it well with the child? And she answered, It is

well. 27 And when she came to the mountain to the man of God,

she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to thrust her away.

But the man of God said, Let her alone, for she is in bitter

distress; and the LORDhas hidden it from me, and has not told

me. 28 Then she said, Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say,

Do not deceive me? 29 He said to Gehazi, Gird up your loins,and take my staff in your hand, and go. If you meet any one, do

not salute him; and if any one salutes you, do not reply; and lay

my staff upon the face of the child.30 Then the mother of the

child said, As the LORDlives, and as you yourself live, I will not

leave you. So he arose and followed her. 31 Gehazi went on

ahead and laid the staff upon the face of the child, but there was


9/28

no sound or sign of life.Therefore he returned to meet him, and

told him, The child has not awaked.32 When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead

on his bed.33 So he went in and shut the door upon the two of

them, and prayed to the LORD.34 Then he went up and lay upon

the child, putting his mouth upon his mouth, his eyes upon his

eyes, and his hands upon his hands;and as he stretched himselfupon him, the flesh of the child became warm.35 Then he got up

again, and walked once to and fro in the house, and went up, and

stretched himself upon him; the child sneezed seven times, and

the child opened his eyes.36 Then he summoned Gehazi and said,

Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she came to

him, he said, Take up your son. 37 She came and fell at his feet,

bowing to the ground; then she took up her son and went out. (2

Kings 4:18-37) (RSV)

The story of Elisha and Naaman

Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of

Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly

regarded, because through him the LORDhad given victory to

Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he hadleprosy.[a]

2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken

captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naamans

wife.3

She said to her mistress, If only my master would see theprophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy. (2

Kings 5:1-3) (NIV)9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at

the door of Elishas house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to

him, Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh

will be restored and you will be cleansed.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%205&version=NIV#fen-NIV-9649a


10/28

11 But Naaman went away angry and said, I thought that he

would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of

the LORDhis God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my

leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus,

better than all the waters of Israel? Couldnt I wash in them and

be cleansed? So he turned and went off in a rage.13 Naamans servants went to him and said, My father, if the

prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have

done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, Wash and be

cleansed! 14So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan

seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was

restored and became clean like that of a young boy.(2 Kings 5:9-

14) (NIV)

The story of Isaiah and King Hezekiah

In those days Hezekiah became sickand was at the point of

death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and

said to him, Thus says theLORD, Set your house in order; for you

shall die, you shall not recover. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face

to the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying,3 Remember now,

O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in

faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good

in thy sight.And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 And before Isaiah had

gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORDcame tohim: 5 Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people,

Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard

your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you;on

the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD. 6 And I will

add fifteen years to your life.I will deliver you and this city out of

the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my


11/28

own sake and for my servant Davids sake. 7 And Isaiah said,

Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that

he may recover.

8 And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, What shall be the sign that

the LORDwill heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of

the LORDon the third day? 9 And Isaiah said, This is the sign to

you from the LORD, that the LORDwill do the thing that he has

promised: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten

steps?10 And Hezekiah answered, It is an easy thing for the

shadow to lengthen ten steps; rather let the shadow go back ten

steps. 11 And Isaiah the prophet cried to the LORD; and he

brought the shadow back ten steps, by which the sun[a]had

declined on the dial of Ahaz. (2 Kings 20:1-11) (RSV)

13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spiritstried toinvoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-

possessed. They would say, In the name of the Jesuswhom Paul

preaches, I command you to come out. (Acts 19:13) (NIV)

14 Luke the beloved physicianand Demas greet you. (Colossians

4:14) (RSV)

Ordinary means of healing were of most diverse kinds. Balm

( Gen 37:25) is thought to have been an aromatic resin (or juice)

with healing properties; oil was the universal emollient ( Isa 1:6),

and was sometimes used for wounds with cleansing wine ( Luke

10:34). Isaiah recommended a fig poultice for a boil ( 38:21);
http://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/38-21.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/10-34.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/1-6.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/37-25.htmlhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+kings+20&version=RSV#fen-RSV-10110a


12/28

healing springs and saliva were thought effectual ( Mark

8:23; John 5;9:6-7). Medicine is mentioned ( Prov 17:22) and

defended as "sensible" ( Sirach 38:4). Wine mixed with myrrh was

considered sedative ( Mark 15:23); mint, dill, and cummin

assisted digestion (Matt 23:23); other herbs were recommended

for particular disorders. Most food rules had both ritual and

dietary purposes, while raisins, pomegranates, milk, and honey

were believed to assist restoration.

One extraordinary means of healing is recorded in 2 Kings 4:25-

37: Elisha first ordered that his staff be laid on the inert body of a

child, and when that failed, he lay face to face upon the child until

warmth and life returned. Nevertheless, ordinary or exceptional,agent and method were but channels of divine healing, which

could operate efficiently without either ( 2 Kings 5:10-14).

25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a

caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were

loaded with spices, balmand myrrh, and they were on their way

to take them down to Egypt. (Genesis 37:25) (NIV)

From the sole of your foot to the top of your head

there is no soundness

only wounds and welts

and open sores,

not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. (Isaiah 1:6)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=2%20Kings+5:10-14http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/23-23.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/15-23.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/17-22.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=John+9:6-7http://www.biblestudytools.com/john/5.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/8-23.html


13/28

33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and

when he saw him, he had compassion,34 and went to him and

bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on

his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

(Luke 10:33-34) (RSV)

23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the

village. When he had spit on the mans eyesand put his hands

on him, Jesus asked, Do you see anything? (Mark 8:23) (NIV)

23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the

village; and when he had spit on his eyesand laid his hands upon

him, he asked him, Do you see anything? 24 And he looked up

and said, I see men; but they look like trees, walking. 25 Thenagain he laid his hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and

was restored, and saw everything clearly. (Mark 8:23-25) (RSV)

5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight

years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had

been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, Do you want

to get well?7 Sir, the invalid replied, I have no one to help me into the pool

when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone

else goes down ahead of me.8 Then Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your mat and

walk.9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and

(NIV)


14/28

walked.

The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, (John 5:5-9)

(NIV)

The Healing Messiah.With this background, the prevalence of sickness in theancient world, it was natural that hearts should hope for a better future, when sorrow and sighing

would flee away ( Isa 29:17-19; 35:10). There is rabbinic evidence that some were looking for a

Messiah who would heal the world's sickness. The Talmud later preserves among "signs of the

Messiah" the portrait of "one in the midst of the suffering poor tending their wounds." This may look

back for scriptural warrant to Isaiah's picture of the Servant of the Lord who would bear our griefs and

carry our sorrows. That such a hope was current much earlier is shown by Matthew's quoting these

words (in a variant version, 8:17) to "explain" the healing mission of Jesus.

A cheerful heart is a good medicine,

but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

(RSV)

A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22) (NIV)

A merry heart does good, likemedicine,[b]

But a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22) (NKJV)

23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not

take it. (Mark 15:23) (NIV)

23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe

mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier

matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought

to have done, without neglecting the others. (Matthew 23:23)

(RSV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+17&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-16896bhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/8-17.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/35-10.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Isaiah+29:17-19


15/28

17 This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He

took our infirmitiesand bore our diseases. (Matthew 8:17)

(RSV)

For Matthew understands "he took up our infirmities and carried our diseases" to mean, not

that Jesus was sick, but that he was concerned about the sick.

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and

he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath

day. And he stood up to read;17 and there was given to him the

book of the prophet Isaiah.He opened the book and found the

place where it was written,

Is it not yet a very little while

until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field,

and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest?

In that day the deaf shall hear

the words of a book,

and out of their gloom and darknessthe eyes of the blind shall see.

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among

men shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.(Isaiah 29:17-19) (RSV)

and those the LORDhas rescued will return.

They will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:10) (NIV)


16/28

20 And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and

sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on

him. 21 And he began to say to them, Today this scripture has

been fulfilled in your hearing. (Luke 4:16-21) (RSV)

Luke shows Jesus announcing in similar terms the arrival of God's kingdom"freedom for the

prisoners and recovery of s ight for the blind, to release the oppressed" (the healing of society, Luke

4:18). And when the Baptist, hearing in prison of Jesus' ministry, sent someone to ask Jesus if he

was indeed the Messiah, Jesus sent back the message, "The blind receive sight, the lamewalk, those who have leprosy are cured, the dea f hear, the dead are raisedBlessed is the

man who does not fall away on account of me" ( Matt 11:4-6). Christ's healing ministrywas

sufficient evidence that the king had come, and that the kingdom of God was gracious and kind, not

as John had foretold, a realm of axe and flail, of fire and judgment, but of healing and liberation.So

concern for suffering and the impulse to heal became vital elements in Christianity. On the disciples'

first mission they were charged to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those w ho have

leprosy, drive out demons"( Matt 10:8); visitation of the sick(always an obligation in Jewish

piety, Sirach 7:35) was made an issue in the last judgment in Christ's last parable ( Matthew

25:36; Matthew 25:44).

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the

Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, Are you the one who is

to come, or should we expect someone else?4 Jesus replied, Go back and report to John what you hear and

The Spirit of the Lordis upon me,18

because he has anointed me to preach good news to the

poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

to proclaim the acceptable year of19 the Lord.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/25-44.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/25-36.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/10-8.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Matthew+11:4-6http://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/4-18.html


17/28

see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have

leprosy[b]are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and

the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who

does not stumble on account of me. (Matthew 11:2-6) (NIV)

5 These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, Go nowhere

among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but

go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And preach as

you go, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the

sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.You

received without paying, give without pay. 9 Take no gold, nor

silver, nor copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, nor

two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his

food. (Matthew 10:5-10) (RSV)

31 When the Son of mancomes in his glory, and all the angelswith him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will

be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from

another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the

goats, 33 and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the

goats at the left. 34 Then the Kingwill say to those at his right

hand, Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom

prepared for you from the foundation of the world;35 for I was

hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave medrink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked

and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison

and you came to me. 37 Then the righteous will answer him,

Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and

give thee drink? 38 And when did we see thee a stranger and

welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39 And when did we see
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-23465b


18/28

thee sick or in prison and visit thee? 40 And the King will answer

them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these

my brethren, you did it to me.41 Then he will say to those at his

left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire

prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you

gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I

was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did

not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.44 Then

they also will answer, Lord, when did we see thee hungry or

thirsty or a stranger or naked orsick or in prison, and did not

minister to thee?45 Then he will answer them, Truly, I say to

you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to

me.46 And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the

righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:31-46) (RSV)

Luke, especially, emphasizes that Christ's healing ministry was far wider than the few miraclesdescribed ( 4:40; 5:15; 6:17-19; 9:11; cf. Matt 15:30-31; Mark 1:38). Among Jesus' motives,

simple compassion is mentioned nine timesan attitude rare when most sickness was ascribed to

sin. Jesus never recoiled from disease or mental illness, but touched lepers, allowed the "unclean"

to touch him, conversed with the deranged, spoke gently to those in distress who challenged him,

and sprang to the defense of the maimed or diseased who intruded into synagogues or wealthy

houses. He took great pains with a deaf-mute to establish communication; for a blind man, whose

wild excitement at cure could cause ridicule, he provided privacy; a young girl was raised from death

without knowing it ( Mark 7:32-35; 8:22-26; 5:35-43). To Jesus' mind, the cure of suffering took

precedence, repeatedly, over the Sabbath rules ( Luke 13:14-17; 14:1-6).

40 At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds

of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.

(Luke 4:40) (NIV)

15 But so much the more the report went abroad concerning him;

and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their
http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+14:1-6http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+13:14-17http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Mark+5:35-43http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Mark+8:22-26http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Mark+7:32-35http://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/1-38.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Matthew+15:30-31http://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/9-11.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+6:17-19http://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/5-15.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/4-40.html


19/28

infirmities.(Luke 4:15) (RSV)

17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large

crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people

from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region

around Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear him and to be

healed of their diseases.Those troubled by impure spirits were

cured,19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power

was coming from himand healing them all.(Luke 6:17-19) (NIV)

11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him; and he

welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and

cured those who had need of healing. (Luke 9:11) (RSV)

29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he

went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds cameto him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and

many others,and laid them at his feet; and he healed

them.31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute

speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind

seeing.And they praised the God of Israel. (Matthew 15:29-31)

(NIV)

38

And he said to them, Let us go on to the next towns, that Imay preach there also; for that is why I came out. 39 And he

went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and

casting out demons. (Mark 1:38-39) (RSV)

31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon,

down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.


20/28

[h]32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and

could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his

fingers into the mans ears.Then he spit and touched the mans

tongue.34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to

him, Ephphatha!(which means Be opened!). 35 At this, the

mans ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began

to speak plainly.(Mark 7:31-35) (NIV)

22 And they came to Beth-saida. And some people brought to him

a blind man, and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the

blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village; and when he

had spit on his eyesand laid his hands upon him, he asked him,

Do you see anything? 24 And he looked up and said, I see men;

but they look like trees, walking. 25 Then again he laid his hands

upon his eyes;and he looked intently and was restored, and saweverything clearly. (Mark 8:22-25) (RSV)

35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the

house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. Your daughter is dead,

they said. Why bother the teacher anymore?36 Overhearing[c]what they said, Jesus told him, Dont be afraid;

just believe.37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John

the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the

synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying

and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, Why all this

commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.40 But

they laughed at him.

After he put them all out, he took the childs father and mother
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24401chttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+7&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24495h


21/28

and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child

was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, Talitha

koum!(which means Little girl, I say to you, get

up!).42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around

(she was twelve years old). At this they were completely

astonished. (Mark 5:35-42) (NIV)

10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the

synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled

by a spiritfor eighteen years. She was bent over and could not

straighten upat all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward

and said to her, Woman, you are set free from your

infirmity.13 Then heput his hands on her, and immediately she

straightened upand praised God.14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the

synagogue leadersaid to the people, There are six days forwork. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.15 The Lord answered him, You hypocrites! Doesnt each of you

on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it

out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter

of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years,

be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the

people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

(Luke 13:10-17) (NIV)

One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who

belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. 2 And behold,

there was a manbefore him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus spoke

to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the


22/28

sabbath, or not? 4 But they were silent. Then he took him and

healed him, and let him go. 5 And he said to them, Which of you,

having a son[a]or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not

immediately pull him out on a sabbath day? 6 And they could not

reply to this. (Luke 14:1-6) (RSV)

Besides demonstrating the nature of God's kingdom as health-giving, down-to-earth, and relevant to

the daily problems of the whole person, and the compassion of Jesus toward ordinary, undervaluedindividuals, the healing miracles left no doubt that a new power was at work in the world, and

available through Christ ( Luke 4:36; 5:17; 6:19). To those who watched, the miracles declared that

"God was with him" ( Luke 7:16;Acts 2:22; 10:38). Jesus' presence proclaimed and achieved

victory already over all demonic forces that degraded and tormented humankind; the frontiers of

God's kingdom were being advanced, and God's will was being done.

31 And he went down to Caperna-um, a city of Galilee. And he

was teaching them on the sabbath; 32 and they were astonished

at his teaching, for his word was with authority. 33 And in the

synagogue there was a manwho had the spirit of an unclean

demon; and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 Ah![a]What have

you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy

us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God. 35 But Jesus

rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out of him!And when

the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of

him,having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and

said to one another, What is this word? For with authority and

power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.(Luke 4:31-36) (RSV)

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his

disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he

approached the town gate, a dead personwas being carried out
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+4&version=RSV#fen-RSV-25087ahttp://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/10-38.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/2-22.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/7-16.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/6-19.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/5-17.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/4-36.htmlhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+14&version=RSV#fen-RSV-25548a


23/28

the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large

crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his

heart went out to her and he said, Dont cry.14 Then he went up and touched the bierthey were carrying him

on, and the bearers stood still. He said, Young man, I say to you,

get up!15 The dead man sat up and began to talk,and Jesus

gave him back to his mother.16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. A great

prophet has appeared among us, they said. God has come to

help his people. (Luke 7:11-16) (NIV)

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and

with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that

were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10"38)

(RSV)

The forms of Christ's healing, moreover, illustrated his redemptive mission, as bringing light to

the blind soul, a kindling word to the deaf mind, sanity to the deranged personality, a

lighter step to the lame spirit, a song to the dumb heart, calmness to the fevered life, and

use again to the paralyzed will.

There is no doubt that the healings were miraculous.The resurrection of Jesus makes all lesser

miracles credible but not every Christian credulous: quality, motive, evidence, still demand

consideration. The Gospel writers would assume that the God who made the world is not fettered by

it, but free to act in any way consistent with his character and purpose.

Yet Jesus continually "pla yed down" his spectacula r deeds.No theatrical flourish, no fixed

pattern of action or words added drama to the healing (except, for special reasons, in John 9). A

simple touch, a quiet word, a command (to an evil spirit), a "morning call" to a "sleeping"

girl, a touch from behind himself, even an assurance from a distance was enough.All is

done naturally, informally, simply.

And Jesus set limits to his miracle-ministry. He did not allow it to distract him from the

hi f th ki d S ti h ithd t th l ( L k 4 42 43 5 16 )
http://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/5-16.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+4:42-43


24/28

preaching of the kingdom. Sometimes he withdrew to other places( Luke 4:42-43; 5:16), or

checked enthusiasm with warning of approaching death ( Luke 9:43-45). Power over spirits is no

true basis of Christian joy ( Luke 10:20). God's kingdom cannot be built on signs and wonders

( Luke 4:3-4; Luke 4:9-12); a generation that demanded "signs" was "evil"incapable of discerning

God wherever and however he spoke and acted. The need was not for visual evidence to gape at, but

for inward light ( Luke 11:29-30Luke 11:32-36; 20:1-8).

Nothing resembling a campaign inviting all comers to attend and be healed is recorded of Jesus.

Even with Jesus himself visibly present, no healing was possible except "according to yourfaith"( Matt 9:29); without faith, even Jesus "could not do any miracles"( Mark 6:5-6). To

discourage the wonder-seeking excitement in Galilee, he often warned the cured to be silent, and to

maintain reserve. Yet, in spite of all Jesus' avoidance of display, " the healing Messiah" left

everywhere a deep and last ing impression, st ill plainly visible in the Gospel records, kindling new

hope for the afflictedand a strong motive of active compassionin the church.

The Healing Church.For, as the disciples shared the healing work in the earlieryears, so the church continued to do so through the apostolic age. Although our information is

confined to Acts and a few allusions in the Epistles, we know of the healing of a lame man at the

temple, of the sick in the streets (Acts 5:12-16), of the spirit-possessed in Samaria ( 8:7), of

Aneas' paralysis ( 9:33-35); of the raising of Dorcas, the healing of a cripple at Lystra, and the slave

girl at Philippi. We read of "extraordinary miracles" at Ephesus ( 19:11), the restoration of Eutychus

at Troas ( 20:9-12), and the healing of Publius's father on Malta.

Indirectly we learn of signs and wonders during Paul's missions ( Rom 15:18-19; cf. 2 Col

12:12;Gal 3:5). It is evident that thegift of healingwas by no means limited to apostles, but

bestowed "as the Spirit wills"( 1 Corinthians 12:91 Corinthians 12:11). Although the picture so

presented is incomplete and unsystematic, it is clear that the power to heal was neither

universal nor constant, but spasmodic and occasional. An impression of surprise and wonder,

of something "ext raordinary" indeed, shows that healing never became common- place or automatic.

Dorcas died. Epaphroditus was c lose to death for some time. Timothy, for years Paul's constantattendant, was troubled with "frequent illnesses" ( 1 Tim 5:23). Trophimus had to be left at Miletus,

sick ( 2 Tim 4:20). There was repeated and serious illness in the churches at Corinth and

Thessalonica ( 1 Cor 11:30; 1 Thess 4:13-18). Paul himself prayed, repeatedly and

"unsuccess fully, " for release from his phys ical affliction ( 2 Col 12:7-9; Gal 4:13-15). The apostolic

church had its invalids, gifts of healing notwithstanding.

Luke's constant care of Paul reminds us that nonmiraculous means of healingwere not

neglected in that apostolic circle.Wine is recommended for Timothy's weak stomach, eye-

sal e for the Th atiran ch rch's blindness (metaphorical b t significant) James offers pastoral
http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Galatians+4:13-15http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=2%20Corinthians+12:7-9http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=1%20Thessalonians+4:13-18http://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/11-30.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/2-timothy/4-20.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-timothy/5-23.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-11.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-9.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/galatians/3-5.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/12-12.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Romans+15:18-19http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Acts+20:9-12http://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/19-11.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Acts+9:33-35http://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/8-7.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Acts+5:12-16http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Mark+6:5-6http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/9-29.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+20:1-8http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+11:32-36http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+11:29-30http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+4:9-12http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+4:3-4http://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/10-20.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+9:43-45http://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/5-16.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Luke+4:42-43


25/28

salve for the Thyatiran church's blindness (metaphorical, but significant). James offers pastoral

counsel for the sick:Send for elders of the church, who will encourage, advise, and intercede

for the patient; if sin truly underlies the sickness, le t the sick confess and receive

forgiveness; let soothing oil, the universal panacea for all discomforts, be applied. (No

brother gifted with healing is here mentioned: James 5:14-16.)

Paul offers his own example. Of course he prayed concerning his affliction, but like all truly

Christian prayer, that petition was subject to God's will.When the trouble was not removed, he

sought instead the meaning of his "thorn"and discovered it. In his case it was to keep him, despite

his great privileges, humble and usable in God's hands. Thereafter he accepted the experience,although "a messenger of Satan" in some respects, as permitted for a purpose. And he accepted

with it the grace God promised to be "sufficient" for endurance without resentment or self-pity, and

the divine strength most plainly manifest through human weakness ( 2 Cor 12:1-10).

Behind that courageous attitude lay the profound conviction that God makes all things work together

to make us Christ-like; and therefore nothing, nothing at all, neither tribulation, nor distress, nor peril,

nor things present or to come, will separate us from God's love ( Romans 8:28-2; Romans 8:35-39).

Between them James and Paul describe what has become (for whatever reason) the "normal"

Christian attitude toward sickness, and it obviously finds justification in the New Testament. But so

does the expectation that, when God so wills, miracles will sometimes occur.

Ref: Baker: http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/heal-

health.html

Gift of Healing.Holy Spirit, Gifts of.Four New Testament passages delineate specific gifts that God's Spirit gives to his people ( Rom

12:3-8; 1 Cor 12-14; Eph 4:7-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11). The terminology varies from ordinary words for

gift (dorea, doma Eph 4:7-8) to a cognate of grace (charisma Rom 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:41

Corinthians 12:91 Corinthians 12:281 Corinthians 12:30-31; 1 Peter 4:10), to a substantive formed

from the adjective "spiritual" (pneumatika 1 Cor 12:1; 1 Corinthians 14:11 Corinthians 14:37). But

the concept remains the same: distinctive, divinely originated endowments to serve the Triune Godfor the common benefit of his people, the church ( Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:7; Eph 4:12-13; 1 Peter

4:10). No text enables us to determine the relation of spiritual gifts to "natural" talents or abilities;

scriptural examples suggest thatsome are given entirely de novo(e.g., the prophets and

tongues-speakers inActs 19:6), while others build on a lifetime of divinely superintended

preparation(as with Paul's apostleship, prepared for by his unique blend of Jewish, Greek, and

Roman backgrounds). The Spirit must be given freedom to give his gifts any way he desires.

One may distinguish between gifts that require miraculous intervention or divine revelation (e g
http://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/19-6.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-peter/4-10.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Ephesians+4:12-13http://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-7.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Romans+12:4-5http://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/14-37.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/14-1.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-1.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-peter/4-10.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=1%20Corinthians+12:30-31http://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-28.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-9.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-4.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/12-6.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Ephesians+4:7-8http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=1%20Peter+4:10-11http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Ephesians+4:7-13http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Romans+12:3-8http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Romans+8:35-39http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=Romans+8:28-29http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=2%20Corinthians+12:1-10http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=James+5:14-16


26/28

One may distinguish between gifts that require miraculous intervention or divine revelation (e.g.,

prophecy, healings,miracles, tongues and their interpretation) from other less "supernatural" gifts,

although one suspects that first-century Christians may have considered all of them supernatural to

some extent. One may separate gifts of leadership (apostles, administrators, teachers, pastors, and

evangelists) from the rest, although one must be careful not to confuse gifts with offices (humanly

appointed positions of ecclesial authority). One may identify a number of gifts t hat apparently involve

an extra measure of virtue or responsibility commanded of all Christians (e.g., faith, service, giving,

mercy, or evangelizing) as over or against those for which some believers have no ability or

responsibility (e.g., miracles, tongues, or administration).

Healingsand miracles are the other two more "supernatural" charisms. The plural nouns ( 1

Corinthians 12:101 Corinthians 12:28) in each instance suggest that there may be different kinds of

miraculous gifts or that these gifts are not the permanent possession of an individual but repeatedly

given for the specific occasions in which they are to be used. The terminology

(iamataand dunameis,respectively) harks back to the various miracles worked by Jesus in the four

Gospels and by his followers in Acts, miracles that were by no means limited to the apostles (cf.

esp. Stephen and PhilipActs 6-8). "Healings" would involve the restoration of physical health

to the sick or injuredwhile "miracles" would embrace a wider variety of supernatural phenomena. A

spiritual gift of healing should be distinguished from both a miraculous healing that God

works in answer to prayer (as inJames 5:13-18) and the ordinary therapeutic work of

physicians. Rather, gifts of healing will be exercised in the ministry of a particular person

possessing those charisms. Such a person need not expect a 100 percent success rate any more

than do teachers or evangelists or those with various other gifts. On the other hand, ministries that

only rarely experience the miraculous phenomena that they advertise prove more suspect.

Ref: Baker: http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/holy-spirit-

gifts-of.html

Thursday, Jan 23, 2014.

Michael Yeap.

First update: Friday, Jan 24, 2014.

Posted by Michael MagniMedia at 15:01
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&from=pencilhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/healing-part-1-bakers.htmlhttps://plus.google.com/110385452116722651459http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible/passage.aspx?q=James+5:13-18http://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-28.htmlhttp://www.biblestudytools.com/1-corinthians/12-10.htmlhttp://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=facebookhttp://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=twitterhttp://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=bloghttp://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=email


27/28

Older PostHome

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Labels: bible, bible reading, bible study, gift of healing, gifts of Holy Spirit, healer, healing

+1 Recommend this on Google

Sign out

Not ify me

Enter your comment...

Comment as: Michael Magni

Publish Preview

Create a Link

No comments:

Post a Comment

Links to this post
http://www.blogger.com/blog-this.ghttp://www.blogger.com/blog-this.ghttp://micfood.blogspot.com/logout?d=http://www.blogger.com/logout-redirect.g?blogID%3D7323013857003263939%26postID%3D1487712099446813382http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=facebookhttp://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=twitterhttp://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=bloghttp://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7323013857003263939&postID=1487712099446813382&target=emailhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/healinghttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/healerhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/gifts%20of%20Holy%20Spirithttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/gift%20of%20healinghttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/bible%20studyhttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/bible%20readinghttp://micfood.blogspot.com/search/label/biblehttp://micfood.blogspot.com/feeds/1487712099446813382/comments/defaulthttp://micfood.blogspot.com/http://micfood.blogspot.com/2014/01/proverbs-chapter-12-part-2-way-of-fool.html


28/28

Ethereal template. Powered by Blogger.
http://www.blogger.com/

Documents

MicFood Blog HEALING - A Topical Bible Study Using Baker's #Rev 1