Acts 9:32-35
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years.
34 "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up.
35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
Who was Aeneas?
Aeneas was a man living in the town of Lydda, situated on the coastal plain about 22 miles northwest of Jerusalem
Aeneas had suffered from paralysis for eight years until Simon Peter came to town
The name Aeneas is Greek and may imply that the man was either a Gentile or a Hellenistic Jew
The Miracle
Peter said to him, ‘Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.’ Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
Not only was a paralyzed man healed, but Acts 9:35 says that “all those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
Aeneas healing is remarkable. When he heard the words “Jesus Christ heals you,” his reaction was not cynical or doubting. He did not say: “I have been paralyzed for eight years! What are you talking about? How can I get up and make my bed?!” Instead, he immediately believed that Christ healed him!
The Significance
By recognizing that Jesus wanted to heal this non-traditional Jew or possibly a Gentile, Peter was better prepared for the vision Jesus would soon give him in nearby Joppa at the home of Simon the tanner (Acts 9:43; Acts 10).
God used Aeneas to demonstrate His power to people who did not know Him.
2 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV)
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
If I were Aeneas, what would I have done? Would I have believed St. Peter, that Jesus Christ will heal me?
