Early Christian Beliefs About Divine Healing

Origen, Against Celsus Direct teaching

I indeed, from no wish to flatter Christianity, but from a desire thoroughly to examine the facts, would say that even those who are engaged in the healing of numbers of sick persons, do not attain their object — the cure of the body — without divine help;

Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes Direct teaching

He gave strength to the sick, and to those languishing under various diseases, not by any healing remedy, but instantaneously, by the force and power of His word;

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

He cleansed the polluted and the blemished. And He performed all these things not by His hands, or the application of any remedy, but by His word and command, as also the Sibyl had foretold: Doing all things by His word, and healing every disease.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Direct teaching

...m did, without doing anything against the law when He healed on the Sabbath. The law did not forbid healing on the Sabbath; in fact, it allowed circumcision on that day and required priests to perform duties for the people. It didn’t even prohibit healing animals. Both in Siloam and on many other occasions, He healed on the Sabbath, and for this reason, many came to Him on the Sabbath. The law commanded them to refrain from all servile work, meaning from all pursuit of wealth through trading or other worldly activities, but encouraged them to engage in spiritual exercises, involving reflection and helpful communication for their neighbors' benefit. Therefore, the Lord reproved those who unjustly criticized Him for healing on the Sabbath. He did not nullify the law but fulfilled it by performing the duties of the high priest, seeking favor from God for people, cleansing lepers, healing the sick, and suffering death Himself, so that exiled man might be freed from condemnation and might return without fear to his rightful heritage.

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

...soul by giving exhortations. It is very fitting that the treatment of bodily diseases is called the healing art, an art learned by human skill. But the Father’s Word is the only Paeonian physician for human weakness, and the holy charmer of the sick soul. “Save Your servant, O my God, who trusts in You. Pity me, O Lord, for I cry to You all the day.” For a time, the physician’s art, according to Democritus, heals the diseases of the body. But wisdom frees the soul from passion. Yet the good Instructor, the Wisdom, the Word of the Father, who made man, cares for the whole nature of His creature. The Savior, the fully sufficient Physician of humanity, heals both body and soul. He said to the paralyzed man, “Rise up; take the bed on which you lie, and go home.” Mark 2:11 At once the disabled man received strength. And to the dead man He said, “Lazarus, come out.” John 11:43 And the dead man came out of his coffin just as he had been before he died, after undergoing resurrection. Further, He heals the soul itself by commands and gifts. He heals by commands over time. But since He is generous in His gifts, He says to us sinners, “Your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

On account of these powers and divine works wrought by Him when a great multitude followed Him of the maimed, or sick, or of those who desired to present their sick to be healed, He went up into a desert mountain to pray there.

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

His powers were those which Apollo called wonderful: that wherever He journeyed, by a single word, and in a single moment, He healed the sick and infirm, and those afflicted with every kind of disease: so that those who were deprived of the use of all their limbs, having suddenly received power, were strengthened, and themselves carried their couches, on which they had a little time before been carried.

Tatian, The Diatessaron Direct teaching

...got up and served them. When evening came, they brought to him many who had demons. And all who had diseases, varied and severe, brought them to him. He laid his hand on them one by one and healed them. This was so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “He takes our pains and bears our diseases.” And the whole city was gathered together at the door of Jesus. He also cast out demons from many, as they were crying out and saying, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God.” And he rebuked them. He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew that he was the Lord Messiah.

Acts 10:38 Direct teaching

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Matthew 4:24 Direct teaching

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Luke 7:21 Direct teaching

And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.

Mark 6:56 Direct teaching

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Gregory Thaumaturgus, A Sectional Confession of Faith Direct teaching

...ed, and that no man can say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with it. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (1 Corinthians 12:3-13). And again he says, "For if he who comes preaches another Christ whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit that you have received not, or another gospel

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

...me Spirit." This will be the spirit of religion and the fear of the Lord. "To another, the gifts of healing, and to another the working of miracles." This will be the spirit of might. "To another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues." This will be the spirit of knowledge. See how the apostle agrees with the prophet, both in distributing the one Spirit and in explaining His special graces. This too I may say with confidence: the one who compared the unity of our body, through all its many and different members, to the joining together of the Spirit's different gifts, also shows that there is only one Lord of the human body and of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit, according to the apostle's argument, did not mean that the service of these gifts should be in the body, nor did He place them in the human body. And on the subject of love being above all these gifts, He even taught the apostle that it was the chief commandment, just as Christ showed it to be: "You shall love the Lord with all your heart and soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as your own self." Luke 10:

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

To another, the gifts of healing, and to another the working of miracles;

Gregory Thaumaturgus, A Sectional Confession of Faith Direct teaching

to another faith by the sane Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

to another faith through the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing through the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:9 Direct teaching

to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

...acle to his receiving the full measure of heavenly strength. He was not only raised from his bed by divine mercy, but with his restored and increased strength he also picked up the bed itself. Therefore, as far as I am allowed by faith to understand and think, this is my opinion: anyone should be considered a true Christian if, by the law and right of faith, he has obtained the grace of God in the Church. Or if anyone thinks that those who have only been sprinkled with the saving water have gained nothing by it, and are still empty and without anything, let them not be so mistaken that, if such people escape the danger of their sickness and recover, they should seek to be baptized. But if those who have already been sanctified by ecclesiastical baptism cannot be baptized, why are people troubled about their faith and the mercy of the Lord? Or have they in fact received divine favor, but only in a smaller and more limited measure of the divine gift and of the Holy Spirit, so that they are to be regarded as Christians, but still not counted equal with others?

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Supporting witness

...onomy 5. And so on. These things must be kept, along with whatever else is commanded in reading the Bible. And by Isaiah He commands us: "Wash yourselves, and make yourselves clean. Put away wickedness from your souls before my eyes. Learn to do good. Seek judgment. Rescue the wronged. Judge for the orphan, and justify the widow. And come, and let us reason together," says the Lord. And we will find many examples in other places also. For example, about prayer, Scripture says, "Good works are an acceptable prayer to the Lord." And the manner of prayer is described: "If you see the naked, cover him, and do not overlook those who belong to your own seed. Then your light shall break forth early, and your healing shall spring up quickly; and your righteousness shall go before you, and the glory of God shall surround you." What, then, is the fruit of such prayer? "Then you shall call, and God will hear you; while you are still speaking, He will say, 'I am here.'"

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Direct teaching

For those who are in old age and infirmity, for the sick and suffering, and those who are troubled by unclean spirits, for their speedy cure from God and their salvation;

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. Mark Direct teaching

Deliver them and us, O Lord, from sickness and disease, and drive away the spirit of weakness.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...he one who has despaired of salvation because of the great number of offenses to perish completely. Search for the one who has grown sleepy, drowsy, and sluggish, and who is careless about his own life because of the depth of his sleep, and who is far from his own flock, so that he is in danger of falling among the wolves and being devoured by them. Bring him back by admonition. Urge him to be watchful, and plant hope in him. Do not allow him to say what some have said: “Our impieties are upon us, and we pine away in them; how then shall we live?” Therefore, as much as possible, let the bishop make the offense his own, and say to the sinner, “Only return, and I will undertake to suffer death for you, as our Lord suffered death for me and for all men.” For the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. But the hired servant, who is not the shepherd and whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, that is, the devil, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf seizes them. John 10:11-12 We must know, therefore, that God is very merciful to those who have offended, and has promised repentance with an oath. But the one who has offended and does not know this promise of G

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

...ist, are considered renewed and sanctified, then why are the baptized among them not also given the laying on of hands, in the name of that same Christ, to receive the Holy Spirit? Why does the same greatness of the same name not have power in the laying on of hands, if, as they claim, it had power in the sanctifying of baptism? For if someone born outside the Church can become God's temple, why can the Holy Spirit not also be poured out on that temple? For the one who has been sanctified, with his sins taken away in baptism, and has been spiritually remade into a new man, has become fit to receive the Holy Spirit, since the apostle says, "As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27. He who, after being baptized among the heretics, is able to put on Christ, can much more receive the Holy Spirit whom Christ sent. Otherwise, the One who is sent would be greater than the One who sends, so that a person baptized outside may indeed begin to put on Christ, but not be able to receive the Holy Spirit, as if Christ could be put on without the Spirit, or the Spirit could be separated from Christ. Moreover, it is foolish to say that although the sec

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...one speak against his bishop? It is through him that the Lord gave the Holy Spirit among you by the laying on of his hands. Through him you have learned the sacred teachings, have known God, and have believed in Christ. Through him you were known by God. Through him you were sealed with the oil of gladness and the ointment of understanding. Through him you were declared to be children of light. Through him, in your illumination, the Lord testified by the laying on of the bishop's hands and sent out His sacred voice over every one of you, saying, "You are My son; this day I have begotten you." By your bishop, O man, God adopts you as His child. Acknowledge, O son, that right hand which was a mother to you. Love him who, after God, has become a father to you, and honor him.

James 5:15 Direct teaching

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Wisdom of Sirach 38:9 Supporting witness

My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: But pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole.

Origen, Commentary on Matthew Direct teaching

...ces. But we should ask about which diseases the sufferers themselves believe and pray for their own healing, and which diseases others do this for them. For example, the centurion did this for his servant, and the nobleman for his son, and the ruler of the synagogue for a daughter, and the Canaanite woman for her little daughter who was troubled by a demon, and now this man who kneels before Him for his epileptic son. Along with these cases, you should also examine when the Savior heals by Himself and without anyone asking Him, as for example in the case of the paralytic. For when these healings are compared with one another for this purpose, and studied together, they will show to the one who is able to hear the wisdom of God hidden in a mystery, 1 Corinthians 2:7 many teachings about the different diseases of souls, and also the way they are healed.

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

In short, He did himself touch others, upon whom He laid His hands, which were capable of being felt, and conferred the blessings of healing, Luke 4:40 which were not less true, not less unimaginary, than were the hands wherewith He bestowed them.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

For he who has received the gift of healing is declared by revelation from God, the grace which is in him being manifest to all.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

not only cutting and searing, or using corrosives, but binding up, and putting in tents, and using gentle healing medicines, and sprinkling comfortable words.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...e instructed and baptized him, so also let all join in prayers for this man, and restore him by the laying on of hands to his former place among the flock, as one purified by repentance. And that laying on of hands shall be to him instead of baptism. For by the laying on of our hands the Holy Ghost was given to believers. And if one of those brothers who had stood immovable accuses you because you are reconciled to him, say to him: "You are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad. For this your brother was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found." For God not only receives the penitent, but also restores them to their former dignity. Holy David is a sufficient witness, who, after his sin in the matter of Uriah, prayed to God and said: "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your free Spirit." And again: "Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my offenses. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in my inward parts. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me." Therefore, as a compassionate physician, heal all who have sinned, making use of savi

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Direct teaching

...ect, but, as it were, whole and complete. For when the Holy Spirit is given to each believer by the laying on of the bishop’s hands, as happened with the Samaritans after Philip’s baptism, the apostles gave them the Holy Spirit by laying hands on them in this way. And so that this might happen, they themselves prayed for them, because the Holy Spirit had not yet descended on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Moreover, after His resurrection, when our Lord had breathed on His apostles and had said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” John 20:22, in this way and in this way only He bestowed the Spirit on them.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...For good reason He also said to all of us together, when we had been made complete concerning those gifts given by Him through the Spirit, “Now these signs will follow those who have believed in my name: they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will by no means hurt them. They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover,” Mark 16:17-18. These gifts were first given to us, the apostles, when we were about to preach the Gospel to every creature. Afterward, they were necessarily given to those who had believed through us. They were not for the benefit of those who performed them, but to convince unbelievers, so that those whom the word did not persuade might be put to shame by the power of signs. For signs are not for us who believe, but for unbelievers, both Jews and Gentiles. For it is no profit to us to cast out demons, but to those who are cleansed in this way by the power of the Lord. As the Lord Himself teaches us somewhere, and shows, saying, “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven,” Luke 10:20. Since the form

Luke 4:40 Direct teaching

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Mark 16:18 Direct teaching

they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

1 Timothy 4:14 Supporting witness

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Acts 8:19 Supporting witness

saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 9:34 Direct teaching

And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Direct teaching

...med man from the beginning, when He found His creation harmed by wickedness, performed all kinds of healing on it. At times, He did so for each individual part, as it is found in His own creation; and at other times, He restored man completely, making him perfect for Himself for the resurrection. What was His purpose in healing different parts of the flesh and restoring them to their original condition if those parts healed by Him were not able to obtain salvation? For if it was merely a temporary benefit that He provided, He granted nothing of importance to those who were healed by Him. Or how can they argue that the flesh is incapable of receiving the life that comes from Him, when it received healing from Him? For life is brought about through healing, and incorruption through life. Therefore, He who gives healing also grants life; and He who gives life also encompasses His creation with incorruption.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

Many and great, beloved brothers, are the divine benefits with which the rich and abundant mercy of God the Father and of Christ has worked, and is always working, for our salvation. The Father sent the Son to preserve us and give us life, so that He might restore us. And the Son was willing to be sent and to become the Son of Man, so that He might make us sons of God. He humbled Himself, so that He might lift up the people who had before been cast down. He was wounded so that He might heal our wounds. He served so that He might lead into liberty those who were in bondage. He underwent death so that He might set immortality before mortal people. These are many and great gifts of divine compassion. But beyond this, what providence is this, and how great is this mercy, that by a divine arrangement it has been provided for us that even greater care should be taken to preserve man after he has already been redeemed! For when the Lord, at His coming, had cured those wounds that Adam had borne and had healed the old poisons of the serpent, He gave a law to the man who was made whole and commanded him to sin no more, lest something worse should happen to the sinner. By the commandment of

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Supporting witness

6. For the Maker of all things, the Word of God, who did also from the beginning form man, when He found His handiwork impaired by wickedness, performed upon it all kinds of healing.

Irenaeus, Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenæus Supporting witness

And as He suffered, so also is He alive, and life-giving, and healing all our infirmity.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Supporting witness

to whom also He said, “Behold, thou art made whole, sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee:” pointing out by this, that, because of the sin of disobedience, infirmities have come upon men.

Isaiah 53:5 Direct teaching

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Psalms 103:3 Supporting witness

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;