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NASB | 1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 12:9 to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; |
Subject: gift of healing same as prayer of faith |
Bible Note: Greetings Tim, Faith healing and the charismatic movement have grown up together. Acts 19:12 speaks of how Paul's handkerchiefs were taken to the sick.. Paul and the other apostles had been given unique power. Nothing in the New Testament suggests that anyone else could send out handkerchiefs to work healing miracles. The likes of Kenneth Hagin can give all kinds of outlandish examples on television of various healings that occurred from any kind of gimmick that you can think of. The Lord Jesus Christ was the great miracle worker, performing miracles to point to the fact of His deity (see John 2:11; 5:36; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22). Jesus healed people and raised people from the dead, He cast out demons, and He performed miracles of nature - such as multiplying loaves of fish, quieting the sea, and walking on water. Once Christ's work was finished, the apostles had the task of proclaiming and recording His message in Scripture. To authenticate the apostles' work, Christ gave to them the ability to cast out demons and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1). Matthew 10:1 is a single promise from Jesus to the twelve. But as the Spirit was given and the church age began, the apostles continued to manifest the gift of healings. In fact, they were so associated with this gift that Paul reminded the believers at Corinth that "the signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles" (2 Cor. 12:12). These miraculous healing powers were then limited in scope and restricted to the apostles, the seventy, and a few close associates, such as Philip. They were not given to the average Christian (Luke 9:1-2, Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4), though some who were commissioned by an apostle shared in this ministry of miraculous healings (such as Philip, Acts 8:6-7). I believe that these miraculous gifts of healing were distinctively given for the authentication of the apostles. And, since no new Scriptural revelation is being given (Rev. 22:18-19), then there is no need for the presence of these miraculous powers of healing to authenticate a new Scriptural revelation. If every common disciple of Christ could perform the miracle of healing, then why is there a distinction that is noted in Mark 16:20, which says that the apostles' message was confirmed by "accompanying signs"? I also note that Mark 16:20, which is admittedly a highly disputable portion of Scripture, confirms that there is a link between the gospel message and the miraculous healing signs that accompanied them. If the gospel message has already been preached in every part of the world, then what need is there for any further accompanying sign, now that we have the Word of God in Scripture? To make a comparison between the gift of healing being claimed today and that which the Bible teaches, we simply need to take a look at Jesus' ministry. When Jesus healed, He healed disease to demonstrate His deity. He always healed with a word or a touch (see Matthew 8:6-7,13 and Mark 5:25-34). He always healed instantly (Matt. 8:13, Mark 5:29, Luke 5:13, 17:14, John 5:9, 9:1-7). He always healed totally (Luke 4:39-40), it was instantaneous and total. Jesus healed everyone. He did not leave long lines of disappointed people who had to return home in their wheelchairs. And the apostles were able to heal people with a word or touch, instantly, totally, and they could heal anyone. In fact, the apostles were even able to raise people from the dead. People who claim to have the gift of healing today do not spend much time in funeral parlors, funeral processions, or cemeteries. The reason is obvious. No one today is truly exhibiting the healing traits that were exhibited by Christ and the apostles in Scripture. So Tim, how many funerals have you had to conduct because you were not able to use your gift of healing to raise the person from the dead? Blessings to you, Makarios |