And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. Peter's command demonstrates apostolic authority while carefully attributing healing power to Christ, producing immediate, complete restoration.
Jesus Christ maketh thee whole identifies healing's source—not Peter's power but Christ's authority. Apostolic miracles consistently point beyond human instruments to divine agent. The phrase maketh whole (Greek: iaomai) means to heal or cure, indicating complete restoration, not partial improvement.
Arise, and make thy bed combines healing with responsibility. Aeneas must act in faith, trusting the word spoken. Make thy bed shifts him from recipient of care to self-sufficient—transformation from dependency to capability. Reformed theology emphasizes grace enables response; healing empowers obedience.
He arose immediately confirms complete, instantaneous healing—no gradual recovery, no rehabilitation period. This differentiates miraculous from natural healing. The immediacy authenticated divine intervention. God's work in salvation similarly produces instant transformation (regeneration), though growth continues progressively.
Historical Context
Ancient miracle accounts (Jewish, Greco-Roman, Christian) shared certain features, but biblical miracles distinctively glorified God rather than human worker. Peter's explicit attribution to Jesus Christ distinguished Christian healing from pagan magic or Jewish exorcism using divine name mechanically.
The command to make thy bed held practical and symbolic meaning—demonstrating healing's completeness while giving purpose to restored capability. This healing around 38-39 CE authenticated Peter's ministry while displaying Christ's continuing power through His church. The account's historical particularity (named individual, specific location, witnesses) contrasts with legendary accretions in later non-canonical literature.
Questions for Reflection
How does attributing miracles to Christ rather than human instruments prevent personality cults?
What relationship exists between faith and healing in biblical miracles?
In what ways does instant, complete healing demonstrate divine rather than natural causation?
How should commands to act in faith balance presumption versus trust?
What does progression from dependency to responsibility teach about spiritual healing's effects?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. Peter's command demonstrates apostolic authority while carefully attributing healing power to Christ, producing immediate, complete restoration.
Jesus Christ maketh thee whole identifies healing's source—not Peter's power but Christ's authority. Apostolic miracles consistently point beyond human instruments to divine agent. The phrase maketh whole (Greek: iaomai) means to heal or cure, indicating complete restoration, not partial improvement.
Arise, and make thy bed combines healing with responsibility. Aeneas must act in faith, trusting the word spoken. Make thy bed shifts him from recipient of care to self-sufficient—transformation from dependency to capability. Reformed theology emphasizes grace enables response; healing empowers obedience.
He arose immediately confirms complete, instantaneous healing—no gradual recovery, no rehabilitation period. This differentiates miraculous from natural healing. The immediacy authenticated divine intervention. God's work in salvation similarly produces instant transformation (regeneration), though growth continues progressively.