Acts 9:33

KJV

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there {G1563} he found {G2147} a certain {G5100} man {G444} named {G3686} Aeneas {G132}, which had kept {G2621}{G1909} his bed {G2895}{G1537} eight {G3638} years {G2094}, and {G3739} was {G2258} sick of the palsy {G3886}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There he found a man named Aeneas who had lain bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed.

Berean Standard Bible

There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years.

American Standard Version

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:33 introduces Aeneas, a man in Lydda who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of divine healing through the Apostle Peter. This verse highlights the severe and prolonged nature of Aeneas's suffering, underscoring the human impossibility of his recovery and preparing the reader for a miraculous intervention that would validate the apostolic ministry and the truth of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:33 is situated within a broader narrative detailing the expansion of the early church and the ministry of its key apostles following the dramatic conversion of Saul (who would become Paul) in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - The Conversion of Saul"). After Saul's conversion and initial ministry, Peter embarks on an extensive tour to visit and minister to the scattered communities of believers. His journey takes him from Jerusalem, through Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the coastal plain. The events in Lydda (Acts 9:32-35) and Joppa (Acts 9:36-43) showcase Peter's apostolic authority and the working of God's power through him, serving as pivotal moments that precede the groundbreaking conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile, in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - The Conversion of Cornelius"). This particular verse, therefore, acts as the introduction to a significant healing miracle, paralleling Jesus's own healing ministry and affirming the continuity of divine power in the nascent church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lydda (modern Lod) was a prominent town on the fertile Sharon plain, strategically located on the main road between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean coast. It was a significant Jewish center, indicating the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem to Jewish communities in the wider region. In the ancient world, chronic illnesses like paralysis ("palsy") were often seen as incurable, leaving sufferers dependent on family or charity. Medical understanding was rudimentary, and such conditions frequently led to social isolation and despair. The "eight years" of Aeneas's affliction emphasizes the long-term, debilitating nature of his condition, making his healing all the more astonishing and counter-cultural. The presence of Christian "saints" (believers) in Lydda indicates the early church's rapid growth and geographical reach, even before the widespread Gentile conversions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an introduction to Peter's miracle, contributes to several major themes found throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "Acts - The Acts of the Apostles"). Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Divine Power and Authority** at work through the apostles. Peter is not merely a compassionate visitor but an instrument through whom God's healing power is manifested, echoing the miracles performed by Jesus himself. Secondly, it highlights the **Compassion and Holistic Ministry** of the early church. Peter's journey to visit the saints and his encounter with Aeneas demonstrate the church's commitment to caring for the suffering, reflecting the ministry of Christ who "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" as described in [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus's Ministry of Healing"). Finally, the healing of Aeneas serves as a powerful **Validation of the Gospel Message**. Such undeniable signs and wonders provided compelling evidence of God's endorsement of the apostles' preaching, leading many to faith, as explicitly stated in [Acts 9:35](/acts/9-35 "Acts 9:35 - The Result of Aeneas's Healing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Greek, _heurískō_):** This verb (G2147) means "to find" literally or figuratively, "to get, obtain, perceive, see." In this context, it implies Peter's discovery of Aeneas, suggesting a providential encounter rather than a random one. It signifies that Peter, in his ministry travels, encountered this specific individual in need, setting the stage for God's intervention.
* **kept his bed (Greek, _katákeimai_):** This compound verb (G2621) from _katá_ ("down") and _keîmai_ ("to lie") means "to lie down," and by implication, "to be sick" or "to recline at a meal." Here, it unequivocally denotes being bedridden due to illness. The phrase "kept his bed" emphasizes the continuous and involuntary nature of Aeneas's confinement to his bed, highlighting the severity and duration of his condition.
* **sick of the palsy (Greek, _paralýō_):** This verb (G3886) means "to loosen beside," and in its perfect passive participle form, "paralyzed" or "enfeebled." It describes Aeneas's specific affliction as paralysis, a condition that rendered him unable to move or care for himself. The KJV's "sick of the palsy" accurately conveys the debilitating nature of this neurological condition, which was incurable in that era.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there he found a certain man named Aeneas":** This clause introduces the setting and the individual. "There" (Lydda, as per the preceding verse) indicates Peter's location. The discovery of Aeneas is presented as a direct encounter, emphasizing Peter's active ministry among the believers. Aeneas is identified by name, giving a personal touch to the narrative and highlighting that this was a specific, known individual within the community.
* **"which had kept his bed eight years":** This detail is crucial for understanding the gravity of Aeneas's condition. The "eight years" signifies a chronic, long-term, and seemingly hopeless affliction. It underscores that this was not a temporary ailment but a deep-seated, debilitating paralysis that had incapacitated him for a significant portion of his life, making his impending healing all the more remarkable.
* **"and was sick of the palsy":** This final clause specifies the nature of Aeneas's illness. "Palsy" (paralysis) indicates a severe neurological condition that rendered him immobile. This clarifies why he was bedridden for so long, emphasizing the physical impossibility of his recovery through natural means and setting the stage for a supernatural intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Realism** by providing specific, tangible details about Aeneas's condition ("kept his bed eight years," "sick of the palsy"), which grounds the narrative in a relatable human experience of suffering. This detailed description creates a sense of **Pathos**, evoking sympathy for Aeneas and highlighting the severity of his plight, thereby amplifying the impact of the miracle that follows. The mention of his long-term suffering also serves as **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for a powerful divine intervention that will defy human limitations. The contrast between Aeneas's chronic illness and Peter's arrival implicitly sets up a dramatic tension that will be resolved by the demonstration of God's healing power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:33, while seemingly a simple descriptive verse, profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's active involvement in human suffering and His power to restore. It echoes the compassionate ministry of Jesus, who frequently healed the paralyzed and infirm, demonstrating His divine authority over sickness and sin. This verse also affirms the continuity of God's power through His chosen instruments, showing that the miraculous signs accompanying the Gospel message were not limited to Jesus's earthly ministry but continued through His apostles, validating their message and mission. The healing of Aeneas, therefore, is not merely an isolated event but a testament to God's enduring desire to bring wholeness—physical and spiritual—to humanity, and His readiness to use His servants to accomplish His purposes.

* [Mark 2:11-12](/mark/2-11-12 "Mark 2:11-12 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic")
* [Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Luke 5:24-25 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic and Forgives Sins")
* [Acts 3:6-8](/acts/3-6-8 "Acts 3:6-8 - Peter Heals the Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:33 serves as a powerful reminder that God sees and cares for those in their deepest suffering, even when their affliction has been long-standing and seemingly hopeless. Aeneas's eight years of paralysis represent the chronic, debilitating struggles many face—whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational. This verse encourages us to recognize that no condition is beyond God's reach or too entrenched for His transformative power. It calls believers to cultivate a heart of compassion, actively seeking out and ministering to those who are suffering, just as Peter did. Furthermore, it instills hope, reminding us that God can use ordinary individuals, empowered by His Spirit, to bring about extraordinary change and healing in the lives of others, thereby demonstrating His love and validating His truth to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Aeneas's long-term suffering challenge or confirm your understanding of God's timing and intervention in difficult situations?**
* **In what ways can you, like Peter, actively seek out and minister to those who are "bedridden" by various forms of suffering in your community or sphere of influence?**
* **What "impossible" situations in your own life or the lives of those you know might God be preparing to demonstrate His power and bring about unexpected healing or transformation?**

### FAQ

**What does "sick of the palsy" mean in modern terms?**

Answer: "Sick of the palsy" refers to a condition of paralysis or severe neurological impairment, often resulting from a stroke, spinal cord injury, or other debilitating disease that affects motor function. In Aeneas's case, it meant he was completely incapacitated and confined to his bed, unable to move or care for himself for eight years. This condition would be diagnosed today as a severe form of paralysis.

**Why is the detail "eight years" significant?**

Answer: The detail "eight years" is highly significant because it emphasizes the chronic, long-term, and seemingly incurable nature of Aeneas's condition. It highlights that this was not a temporary illness but a profound, debilitating affliction that had lasted for a substantial period of his life. This duration underscores the human impossibility of his recovery, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of the healing performed by Peter and demonstrating the extraordinary power of God at work, as seen in the immediate and complete healing described in [Acts 9:34](/acts/9-34 "Acts 9:34 - Peter Heals Aeneas").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of Aeneas in Acts 9:33-34, though performed by Peter, is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Peter's authority and power to heal did not originate from himself but flowed directly from Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Peter explicitly states, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you!" in [Acts 9:34](/acts/9-34 "Acts 9:34 - Jesus Christ Heals Aeneas"), making it clear that Christ is the true source of all healing and restoration. This miracle mirrors the many instances of Jesus healing paralytics during His earthly ministry, such as the man let down through the roof in [Mark 2:1-12](/mark/2-1-12 "Mark 2:1-12 - Jesus Heals and Forgives a Paralytic"), demonstrating that Christ's power continues to operate through His body, the church, even after His ascension. Aeneas's physical healing points to the greater spiritual healing that Christ offers to all humanity—freedom from the paralysis of sin and spiritual death, bringing new life and the ability to "rise and walk" in faith and obedience, as promised in passages like [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ"). Thus, this account serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing, life-transforming power of Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrebs/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ Unchanging")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 13:16

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

John 5:5

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

Acts 14:8

¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

John 9:21

But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

Mark 9:21

And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

Acts 4:22

For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

Acts 3:2

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;