ACTS 9:32–35
PETER HEALS AENEAS AND THE SPREAD OF FAITH IN LYDDA
Text – Acts 9:32–35
32 As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.” He got up immediately.
35 And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Historical and Jewish Context
Lydda lay on a major trade route between Jerusalem and the coastal regions, making it a strategic location for the spread of the Gospel. Jewish communities were well established there, and healing miracles were traditionally seen as signs of divine authority. Peter’s itinerant ministry echoes the prophetic pattern of visiting and strengthening scattered communities. Long-term illness, such as Aeneas’ paralysis, was often viewed as a condition of social and religious marginalization, making his healing a powerful sign of restoration.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This miracle demonstrates the continuity between Jesus’ earthly ministry and the apostolic mission. Peter explicitly attributes the healing to Jesus Christ, showing that the risen Lord remains the true agent of salvation. The command to “make your bed” signifies complete restoration and new dignity. The resulting conversion of the region reveals that miracles serve the proclamation of faith and lead people to the Lord, not to the healer. The Church continues Christ’s healing work through sacramental life and pastoral care.
Parallels in Scripture
Luke 5:24–26 – Jesus heals the paralytic
Acts 3:6–10 – Healing in the name of Jesus
Isaiah 35:5–6 – The messianic age of healing
Psalm 103:3 – The Lord who heals all infirmities
John 14:12 – Believers sharing in Christ’s works
Key Terms
Passing through every region – Pastoral care of the Church
Holy ones – The baptized members of the Church
Paralyzed – Human helplessness in need of divine grace
Jesus Christ heals you – Christ as the source of healing
Turned to the Lord – Conversion resulting from faith
Immediately – Power and authority of Christ’s action
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 9:32–35 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, highlighting the healing power of the risen Christ at work in the Church through apostolic ministry.
Conclusion
Acts 9:32–35 shows that Christ continues to heal and restore through His Church. The healing of Aeneas leads many to faith, revealing that divine mercy and power draw hearts to conversion.
Reflection
Do I trust Christ’s power to heal and restore broken areas of my life?
Am I attentive to the needs of others as Peter was?
How does my faith witness lead others to the Lord?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You healed Aeneas and restored him to new life. Touch my life with Your healing grace, strengthen my faith, and use me as an instrument of Your mercy, that others may turn to You. Amen.