And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Jesus couples miraculous power with proclamation. The command therapeuete tous en autē astheneis (θεραπεύετε τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ ἀσθενεῖς, "heal the sick that are therein") uses the present imperative for continuous action—make healing a consistent practice. The term therapeuō (θεραπεύω) means to serve, care for, or heal, from which we derive "therapy."
The proclamation follows: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you (Ēngiken eph' hymas hē basileia tou Theou, Ἤγγικεν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ). The perfect tense ēngiken (ἤγγικεν, "has come near") indicates completed action with ongoing results—God's kingdom has arrived and now stands at the door. This is the core gospel message: God's reign is breaking into history through Jesus Christ. Healing demonstrates the kingdom's power over sickness and Satan's dominion.
Word and deed combine in authentic witness. Healing validates the message and demonstrates God's compassion. This pattern continues in Acts: apostles performed signs and wonders confirming gospel proclamation (Acts 2:43, 5:12, 14:3). The kingdom of God (basileia tou Theou, βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ) is central to Jesus' teaching—God's sovereign rule restoring creation, defeating evil, and bringing salvation.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine was filled with sickness, demon possession, and physical affliction. Medical care was primitive and expensive. Jesus' healing ministry demonstrated messianic credentials (Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1-2) and revealed God's compassion. The disciples' healing authority proved they represented Jesus. Miracles were 'signs' (σημεῖα, sēmeia) pointing to spiritual reality—God's kingdom breaking Satan's power. The early church continued this ministry: Peter healed the lame man (Acts 3), Philip performed miracles in Samaria (Acts 8), Paul healed on his journeys (Acts 14:8-10).
Questions for Reflection
How do healing and proclamation work together in gospel witness, and why does Jesus command both?
What does it mean that 'the kingdom of God is come nigh,' and how did Jesus' ministry inaugurate God's reign?
Should modern Christians expect miraculous healings to accompany gospel proclamation, and how should we understand when healing doesn't occur?
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Analysis & Commentary
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Jesus couples miraculous power with proclamation. The command therapeuete tous en autē astheneis (θεραπεύετε τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ ἀσθενεῖς, "heal the sick that are therein") uses the present imperative for continuous action—make healing a consistent practice. The term therapeuō (θεραπεύω) means to serve, care for, or heal, from which we derive "therapy."
The proclamation follows: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you (Ēngiken eph' hymas hē basileia tou Theou, Ἤγγικεν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ). The perfect tense ēngiken (ἤγγικεν, "has come near") indicates completed action with ongoing results—God's kingdom has arrived and now stands at the door. This is the core gospel message: God's reign is breaking into history through Jesus Christ. Healing demonstrates the kingdom's power over sickness and Satan's dominion.
Word and deed combine in authentic witness. Healing validates the message and demonstrates God's compassion. This pattern continues in Acts: apostles performed signs and wonders confirming gospel proclamation (Acts 2:43, 5:12, 14:3). The kingdom of God (basileia tou Theou, βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ) is central to Jesus' teaching—God's sovereign rule restoring creation, defeating evil, and bringing salvation.