Healing has always been an integral part of God’s plan for humanity. From the Old Testament to the ministry of Jesus, divine healing has been a powerful testament to God’s love and compassion.
Now, let’s explore how divine healing continued through the ministry of the apostles and disciples, and how Jesus commissioned the Church to minister healing in His Name.
Jesus Commissions His Disciples
Authority Given to the Twelve
When Jesus called His twelve disciples, He equipped them with the power to heal and cast out unclean spirits.
Matthew 10:1 (KJV): “And when he [Jesus] had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
Jesus empowered His disciples to heal every kind of sickness and disease. This authority was not limited to minor ailments but extended to all forms of illness, showcasing God’s boundless healing power.
The Ministry of Divine Healing Begins
The disciples obeyed Jesus’ command and began to minister healing.
Mark 6:12-13 (KJV): “And they [Jesus’ disciples] went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.”
Through the disciples’ ministry, many experienced the transformative power of divine healing. They followed Jesus’ example, demonstrating the Kingdom of God through miraculous healings and deliverances.
Divine Healing Through the Hands of the Apostles
Signs and Wonders Among the People
The early Church saw numerous signs and wonders performed by the apostles.
Acts 5:12 (KJV): “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.”
The apostles’ ministry was marked by miraculous healings, which served as a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel. These signs and wonders were a continuation of Jesus’ healing ministry, confirming that the same power was now at work in His followers.
Divine Healing at the Beautiful Gate
A notable example of healing in the early Church is found in the account of Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple gate.
Acts 3:1-8 (KJV): 1 “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 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 of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH RISE UP AND WALK. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”
This miraculous healing was performed in the Name of Jesus, demonstrating the power and authority vested in His disciples. The healing at the Beautiful Gate not only restored the man’s physical health but also led to widespread praise and amazement among the people.
The Broader Commission to Heal
Empowering More Disciples
The healing ministry was not confined to the original twelve disciples. Jesus extended this authority to seventy others.
Luke 10:1, 8-9 (KJV): 1 “… the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, wither he himself would come … 8 [Jesus said unto the seventy disciples] And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 9 And HEAL THE SICK that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.”
Jesus’ instruction to heal the sick was clear and unequivocal. The seventy disciples were sent out with the same mandate: to heal and proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom. This highlights the continuity of divine healing from Jesus’ ministry to His followers.
This instruction is not merely a call to physical healing but also signifies a deeper spiritual restoration. When Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:1-12), He empowered them to bring wholeness to those they encountered.
The Great Commission
Jesus’ Great Commission to the Church encompasses healing as a vital aspect of Gospel ministry.
Mark 16:15-18 (KJV): 15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, and THEY SHALL RECOVER.”
The Great Commission includes a promise that signs and wonders, including healing, will accompany those who believe. This assurance reinforces the expectation that divine healing should be a normal part of the Christian life and ministry.
Healing in the Early Church
Apostolic Ministry
The early Church continued to experience divine healing as a regular occurrence.
Acts 2:43 (KJV): “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”
The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, performed numerous healings and miracles, confirming the message of the Gospel. This demonstrated that the power of God was active and present in the life of the Church.
Paul’s Ministry
The Apostle Paul, a key figure in the early Church, also witnessed and performed miraculous healings.
Romans 15:19 (KJV): “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God... I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”
Paul’s ministry was marked by the same divine healing that characterized the ministry of Jesus and the other apostles. These signs and wonders were a testament to the authenticity and power of the Gospel message.
Healing as a Distinctive Mark of the Church
Throughout church history, divine healing has remained a distinctive mark of the true Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus promised that His followers would do the works He did and even greater works. This promise is foundational to understanding the role of healing within the church’s mission.
In the Gospels, we see Jesus performing many miracles, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and even raising the dead. These acts were not merely demonstrations of His divine power; they were also signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world.
John 14:12 (KJV): “… He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”
This promise assures believers that the ministry of healing did not end with the apostles but continues as an integral part of the Church’s mission.
Recommended Bible Study Verses
To deepen your understanding and faith in divine healing, here are some recommended Bible study verses:
- Matthew 10:1 (KJV): “And when he [Jesus] had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
- Mark 16:15-18 (KJV): “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. … THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, and THEY SHALL RECOVER.”
- Acts 3:6 (KJV): “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH RISE UP AND WALK.”
- John 14:12 (KJV): “… He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”
- Romans 15:19 (KJV): “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God... I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”
Conclusion
Divine healing was not only a cornerstone of Jesus’ ministry but also a significant part of the early Church’s mission. Jesus commissioned His disciples and all believers to carry on this ministry, healing the sick and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
As modern-day followers of Christ, we are called to continue this legacy, embracing the power and authority given to us in His Name. Let us have unwavering faith in His promises and boldly minister healing to those in need, demonstrating the love and compassion of our Savior.
