### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Αἰνέας (Ainéas), transliterated as Aeneas, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the New Testament. Its etymological derivation is noted as uncertain, meaning its original linguistic root and potential inherent meaning are not definitively known. As a proper name, it does not possess a semantic range in the typical sense of a common noun or verb; rather, its meaning is entirely tied to the specific individual it designates. In the biblical context, Aeneas refers to a particular Israelite man encountered by the Apostle Peter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Aeneas appears in the New Testament solely within the book of Acts, specifically in [[Acts 9:33]] and [[Acts 9:34]]. The narrative introduces Aeneas as a man who had been bedridden for eight years, paralyzed, and residing in Lydda. This detail underscores the severity and longevity of his affliction, highlighting the profound nature of his suffering.
The context is crucial: Peter, while traveling through the region, comes to Lydda, a town in the plain of Sharon. Upon encountering Aeneas, Peter declares, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed." This direct attribution of healing power to Jesus Christ, rather than to Peter himself, is significant. Immediately, Aeneas rises, indicating a complete and instantaneous restoration of his health.
The impact of this miracle was immediate and widespread. The text reports that "all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord" [[Acts 9:35]]. This demonstrates that the healing of Aeneas served as a powerful sign, validating the message preached by Peter and leading to numerous conversions in the region. The miracle not only alleviated personal suffering but also acted as a catalyst for the expansion of the early Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
While Aeneas is a proper name and thus has no direct lexical synonyms, its biblical context connects it to several crucial theological and practical concepts:
* **Healing and Miracles:** The primary concept linked to Aeneas is divine healing. This miracle, like many others performed by the apostles, demonstrates the supernatural power of God at work through His chosen servants. It aligns with the broader theme of Christ's power to overcome sickness and death.
* **Apostolic Authority:** Peter's command to Aeneas, spoken in the name of Jesus Christ, underscores the authority vested in the apostles by the resurrected Lord. This authority was a key aspect of the early church's ministry and served to authenticate their message.
* **Faith and Conversion:** The immediate result of Aeneas's healing was the conversion of many in Lydda and Sharon. This highlights the role of miraculous signs in prompting faith and drawing people to the Lord, serving as tangible evidence of God's presence and power.
* **Paralysis:** The specific affliction of Aeneas, paralysis, is a common ailment addressed by Jesus and His apostles, symbolizing human helplessness and the need for divine intervention.
* **Geographical Context:** Lydda (modern Lod) and Sharon were significant Jewish areas, demonstrating the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem to surrounding Jewish communities, preceding the more extensive outreach to Gentiles.
### Theological Significance
The healing of Aeneas holds profound theological significance within the narrative of the early church and the broader biblical metanarrative:
* **Christ's Continued Ministry:** The declaration "Jesus Christ heals you" emphasizes that the power to heal originates from Christ Himself, not from Peter. This demonstrates the ongoing work of the ascended Christ through His Spirit-empowered apostles. It signifies the continuity of Jesus' earthly ministry of compassion and power through His body, the Church.
* **Validation of the Gospel:** Miracles served as crucial signs validating the truth claims of the apostles and the Gospel they proclaimed. Aeneas's instantaneous healing provided undeniable proof of God's power and endorsement of Peter's message, leading to widespread belief. This aligns with the biblical principle that God confirms His word with accompanying signs [[Mark 16:20]].
* **Divine Compassion and Sovereignty:** The miracle illustrates God's compassionate nature towards human suffering. It also underscores His sovereignty over physical infirmity, demonstrating His ability to restore and renew life.
* **Preparation for Gentile Inclusion:** While Aeneas himself was an Israelite, this miracle in Lydda, along with the subsequent raising of Tabitha in Joppa, immediately precedes Peter's pivotal encounter with Cornelius in Caesarea [[Acts 10:1-48]]. These events in the coastal region prepare Peter, and by extension the early church, for the radical inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ, demonstrating God's universal plan of salvation.
### Summary
Aeneas (Αἰνέας, `{{G132}}`) is a proper name identifying a paralyzed man in Lydda, who had been bedridden for eight years. His singular appearance in [[Acts 9:33-35]] details his miraculous healing by the Apostle Peter, who explicitly attributed the power to Jesus Christ. This event served as a powerful demonstration of Christ's continued healing ministry through His apostles, validating the Gospel message and leading directly to numerous conversions in Lydda and Sharon. The theological significance of Aeneas's healing lies in its role as a sign of apostolic authority, a testament to God's compassion and sovereignty, and a preparatory step in the broader expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish confines.
TRV