Topical Bible: Gifts of Healing

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Gifts of Healing" are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, as described in the New Testament, particularly within the context of the early Christian church. These gifts are considered a subset of the spiritual gifts, or "charismata," which are bestowed upon believers for the edification of the church and the glorification of God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the Gifts of Healing is found in 1 Corinthians 12:9, where the Apostle Paul lists them among the various gifts given by the Spirit: "to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit" . This passage highlights that the gifts are diverse and distributed according to the will of the Holy Spirit.

Nature and Purpose

The Gifts of Healing are understood to be supernatural abilities granted by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals, enabling them to heal physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments. These gifts serve multiple purposes: they demonstrate the power and compassion of God, confirm the message of the Gospel, and provide relief and restoration to those who are suffering.

Examples in Scripture

Throughout the New Testament, there are numerous instances of healing that illustrate the operation of these gifts. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, performed many healings, setting a precedent for His followers. In Matthew 4:23, it is recorded, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people" .

The apostles also exercised these gifts, as seen in Acts 3:6-8, where Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate: "But Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!' Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong" .

Theological Considerations

From a theological perspective, the Gifts of Healing are seen as a continuation of Christ's ministry through His body, the Church. They are not merely natural abilities but are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The gifts are not guaranteed to every believer, nor are they always manifested in the same way. The sovereignty of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit determine their operation.

Contemporary Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the Gifts of Healing are often associated with prayer, laying on of hands, and anointing with oil, as suggested in James 5:14-15: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick" .

While some Christian traditions emphasize the continuation of these gifts, others view them as having ceased with the apostolic age. However, many believers today testify to experiences of divine healing, attributing them to the work of the Holy Spirit through these gifts.

Conclusion

The Gifts of Healing remain a significant aspect of Christian theology and practice, reflecting the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the world. They serve as a testament to God's power and love, providing hope and healing to those in need.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Gifts of Healing

GIFTS OF HEALING

See HEALING.

Library

Whether Free Grace is Appropriately Divided by the Apostle
... depends either on wisdom or on knowledge, according to Dan.1:17: "God gave them
knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom." The gifts of healing and kinds ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article four whether free grace.htm

Scriptural Christianity
... Were all even then prophets? Were all workers of miracles? Had all the gifts
of healing? Did all speak with tongues? No, in no wise. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 4 scriptural christianity.htm

Spiritual Gifts.
... of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit, and
to another faith by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healing in the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Discourse of Abbot Nesteros on the Threefold System of Gifts.
... 1939] And on the other hand, if the faith of those who bring them or of the sick
is wanting, it prevents those on whom the gifts of healing are conferred from ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter i discourse of abbot.htm

How the Excellence of Gifts Consists not in Miracles but in ...
... But he who aims at commanding unclean spirits, or bestowing gifts of healing, or
showing some wonderful miracle to the people, even though when he is showing ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter vii how the excellence.htm

Divine Healing.
... The "gifts of healing" were placed in the church. See 1:Cor.12:28. As
late as the year 60 AD, twenty-seven years after the Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ix divine healing.htm

General Service to the Unmercenaries and Wonder-Workers.
... filled and rivers, and manifestly filled to overflowing, ye do water the creation
with the knowledge of God and with the most famous gifts of healing, dry up ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvi general service to.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
... And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly
teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, divers ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xxi the work of.htm

Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ...
... and counsel." "To another, faith by the same Spirit;" this will be "the spirit of
religion and the fear of the Lord." "To another, the gifts of healing, and to ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter viii man the image of.htm

Of the Manifold Grace of Men's Calls.
... Go thy way, and as thou hast believed so be it unto thee." [1846] To others hoping
for restoration from the touch of His hem, He granted rich gifts of healing. ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xv of the manifold.htm