Acts 9:34

KJV

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Peter {G4074} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Aeneas {G132}, Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} maketh {G2390} thee {G4571} whole {G2390}: arise {G450}, and {G2532} make {G4766} thy {G4572} bed {G4766}. And {G2532} he arose {G450} immediately {G2112}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa said to him, “Aeneas! Yeshua the Messiah is healing you! Get up, and make your bed!”

Berean Standard Bible

“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up,

American Standard Version

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:34 recounts the miraculous healing of Aeneas, a paralytic in Lydda, through the apostle Peter. This powerful event serves as a vivid demonstration of the authority and healing power of Jesus Christ, working through His chosen instruments, and results in immediate, undeniable restoration, leading to widespread conversion in the surrounding region.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant transitional period in the Book of Acts, immediately following the dramatic conversion of Saul (who would become Paul) in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "The Conversion of Saul"). With Saul's conversion marking a pivotal shift towards the Gentile mission, Peter's ministry in Lydda and Joppa (leading to the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha in [Acts 9:32-43](/acts/9-32-43 "Peter's Ministry in Lydda and Joppa")) underscores the continued, powerful work of the Holy Spirit through the established apostles. It highlights the expansion of the Gospel geographically beyond Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria, fulfilling Jesus' commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission"). The narrative flow emphasizes that while new leaders are emerging, the foundational apostolic ministry remains vibrant and effective.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lydda (modern Lod) was a significant town in the coastal plain of Sharon, located between Jerusalem and Caesarea. It was primarily Jewish but also had a mixed population, serving as an important center for trade and travel. Paralysis in the ancient world was a devastating condition, often leading to complete dependency, social isolation, and destitution. Without modern medicine, a person bedridden for eight years, like Aeneas, would have been considered incurable, a burden to his family, and likely seen as afflicted by divine judgment or demonic influence. The public nature of his condition and the immediate, visible nature of his healing would have made a profound impact on the community, challenging prevailing assumptions about illness and divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** The healing of Aeneas powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in Acts. First, it underscores the **divine authority and power of Jesus Christ** as the true source of healing, with Peter acting merely as His instrument, echoing Jesus' own healing ministry (e.g., [Mark 2:1-12](/mark/2-1-12 "Jesus Heals a Paralytic")). Second, it highlights the **apostolic authentication** through miraculous signs, confirming the apostles' message and their divine commission, as seen throughout [Acts 3](/acts/3 "Peter Heals a Lame Man") and [Acts 5](/acts/5 "Apostles Perform Many Wonders"). Third, the immediate and complete nature of the healing signifies the **transformative power of the Gospel**, which not only addresses spiritual needs but also impacts physical realities. Finally, the subsequent widespread conversions in [Acts 9:35](/acts/9-35 "Impact of Aeneas's Healing") demonstrate the **evangelistic impact of miracles**, serving as irrefutable evidence that leads many to turn to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **maketh thee whole (Greek, _iáomai'_):** This verb signifies a complete and thorough healing, not merely a temporary relief or improvement. It implies a restoration to full health and functionality, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the divine intervention. The active voice here highlights Jesus Christ as the direct agent of this complete restoration.
* **arise (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This word literally means "to stand up" or "to raise up." In this context, it is an imperative command signifying a physical act of standing after a long period of being bedridden. The term carries theological weight, often used in the New Testament for resurrection (e.g., [Matthew 20:19](/matthew/20-19 "Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), subtly connecting physical restoration to the greater power of life over death.
* **immediately (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb emphasizes the instantaneous nature of Aeneas's healing. There was no gradual recovery, no period of rehabilitation; the restoration was sudden and complete. This immediacy serves to underscore the undeniable miraculous power at work, leaving no room for doubt or human explanation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Peter said unto him, Aeneas":** This introduces Peter as the direct speaker and the agent through whom the miracle is performed. His address to Aeneas by name indicates a personal encounter and a direct, authoritative communication.
* **"Jesus Christ maketh thee whole":** This is the core declaration, unequivocally attributing the power and source of the healing to Jesus Christ, not to Peter himself. Peter acts as a channel, ensuring that the glory goes to Christ. This statement is a profound theological truth, emphasizing Christ's ongoing authority and active presence.
* **"arise, and make thy bed":** This is a two-part imperative command. "Arise" signifies the physical act of standing up from his paralyzed state. "Make thy bed" is a practical, tangible instruction that serves as immediate, visible proof of his healing. It demands an action that only a fully recovered person could perform, symbolizing a return to normalcy, self-sufficiency, and dignity.
* **"And he arose immediately":** This clause confirms the complete and instantaneous obedience to Peter's command and the immediate efficacy of Christ's healing power. The swift response underscores the miraculous nature of the event and the undeniable reality of Aeneas's restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Direct Discourse**, quoting Peter's exact words, which lends authenticity and immediacy to the miracle account. Peter's command, "arise, and make thy bed," utilizes the **Imperative Mood**, highlighting the authority with which he speaks, an authority derived from Jesus Christ. There is a strong sense of **Contrast** and **Dramatic Irony** in the command to "make thy bed" for a man who has been bedridden for eight years; this mundane task becomes the extraordinary proof of a divine miracle. Furthermore, the phrase "And he arose immediately" creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** between Aeneas's long-term paralysis and his instantaneous healing, emphasizing the overwhelming power of God. The act of "making his bed" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing Aeneas's complete restoration to functionality, independence, and a new life, mirroring the spiritual transformation offered by Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The healing of Aeneas in Acts 9:34 profoundly illustrates the active continuation of Christ's ministry through His apostles, demonstrating that the power and compassion of Jesus did not cease with His ascension but were extended through the Holy Spirit. This miracle underscores the New Testament's consistent portrayal of Jesus Christ as the ultimate healer, not only of physical ailments but, more significantly, of the spiritual paralysis caused by sin. Peter's declaration, "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole," serves as a theological anchor, reminding believers that all true restoration—physical, emotional, or spiritual—originates from Christ's sovereign power and grace. It also highlights the role of human instruments in God's redemptive plan, showing that ordinary individuals, yielded to Christ, can be channels for extraordinary divine intervention.

* [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Jesus Heals Many")
* [Luke 5:24-25](/luke/5-24-25 "Jesus Heals a Paralytic and Forgives Sins")
* [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "Jesus Promises Greater Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:34 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of God's power and our role as His instruments in the world. Just as Aeneas experienced a complete and immediate transformation, we are reminded that Jesus Christ possesses the power to bring wholeness to every area of our lives—healing emotional wounds, delivering from spiritual bondage, and restoring broken relationships. This passage encourages us to place our faith entirely in Christ as the ultimate source of all healing and restoration, rather than relying on our own strength or limited resources. Furthermore, Peter's clear attribution of the miracle to Jesus teaches us humility and proper perspective: we are merely vessels through whom God chooses to work. Our task is to faithfully declare Christ's power and truth, trusting that He will bring about His purposes. The command for Aeneas to "make thy bed" also serves as a powerful call to action for us: once we have experienced God's transformative touch, our lives should bear tangible evidence of that change, demonstrating our new freedom and capacity to serve Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need Jesus Christ to "make you whole" today?**
* **How can you, like Peter, humbly point others to Jesus as the true source of healing and transformation, rather than drawing attention to yourself?**
* **What "bed" (i.e., practical action or changed behavior) is God calling you to "make" as evidence of His work in your life?**

### FAQ
**Who was Aeneas and why is his healing significant?**

Answer: Aeneas was a man living in Lydda who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. His healing is significant because it was a public, immediate, and undeniable miracle performed by Peter, clearly attributed to the power of [Jesus Christ](/acts/9-34 "Acts 9:34 - Jesus Christ Maketh Thee Whole"). This miracle served as powerful evidence of the truth of the Gospel and the active presence of the Holy Spirit through the apostles, leading to widespread conversions in Lydda and Sharon, as recorded in [Acts 9:35](/acts/9-35 "Acts 9:35 - All that dwelt in Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord").

**Why did Peter tell Aeneas to "make thy bed"?**

Answer: The command to "make thy bed" served as tangible, irrefutable proof of Aeneas's complete healing. For a man who had been bedridden for eight years, the ability to perform such a simple, self-sufficient act was a clear and public demonstration that he was fully restored. It was a practical instruction that confirmed the miracle to all witnesses, much like Jesus' command to the paralytic in [Mark 2:11](/mark/2-11 "Mark 2:11 - Take Up Thy Bed") to "take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house." It symbolized a return to normalcy and dignity, moving from a state of dependency to one of capability.

**How does this miracle relate to the broader ministry of the apostles in Acts?**

Answer: This miracle is consistent with the broader ministry of the apostles throughout the Book of Acts, which is characterized by powerful signs and wonders performed through the Holy Spirit. These miracles, like the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Peter Heals a Lame Man"), served to authenticate the apostles' message about Jesus Christ, confirm their divine commission, and draw people to faith. They demonstrated that the resurrected Christ was actively working through His church, validating the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of Aeneas by Peter, through the power of Jesus Christ, serves as a profound echo and foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate redemptive work. Aeneas's eight years of paralysis vividly portray the spiritual helplessness and incapacitation of humanity under the dominion of sin, unable to "arise" or "make their bed" of their own accord. Just as Peter, acting as Christ's representative, brought immediate and complete physical wholeness to Aeneas, so too does Christ, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, offer immediate and complete spiritual wholeness to all who believe. The declaration "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole" points directly to the Son of God as the sole source of true healing—healing from the sickness of sin, the paralysis of spiritual death, and the brokenness of a fallen world. This miracle anticipates the new creation in Christ, where believers are raised from spiritual death to new life ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Made Alive in Christ")), empowered to walk in obedience and bear fruit ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life")). Ultimately, Aeneas's physical restoration points to the glorious hope of resurrection and the complete renewal of body and soul that will be fully realized in Christ's return ([1 Corinthians 15:51-57](/1_corinthians/15-51-57 "Victory Over Death")).

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

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Matthew 9:6

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Acts 3:12

¶ And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Acts 16:18

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Matthew 9:28

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Matthew 9:30

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See [that] no man know [it].

Acts 3:16

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.