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Chapter 9—Teaching and Healing
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When Christ sent out the twelve disciples on their first missionary
tour, He said to them, “‘As you go, preach, saying, “The kingdom of
heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,
cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.’”
Matthew
10:7, 8
.
To the seventy sent forth later He said: “‘Whatever city you
enter, ... heal the sick there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God
has come near to you.”’”
Luke 10:8, 9
. The presence and power of
Christ was with them, and “the seventy returned with joy, saying,
‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’”
Verse 17
.
After Christ’s ascension, the same work was continued. The
scenes of His own ministry were repeated. “From the surrounding
cities” there came a multitude “to Jerusalem, bringing sick people
and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all
healed.”
Acts 5:16
.
The disciples “went out and preached everywhere, the Lord
working with them.” “Philip went down to the city of Samaria and
preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded
the things spoken by Philip. ... For unclean spirits ... came out of
many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame
were healed. And there was great joy in that city.”
Mark 16:20
;
Acts
8:5-8
.
Work of the Disciples
Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, was a medical
missionary. In the Scriptures he is called “the beloved physician.”
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Colossians 4:14
. The apostle Paul heard of his skill as a physician
and sought him out as one to whom the Lord had entrusted a special
work. He secured his cooperation, and for some time Luke accom-
panied him in his travels from place to place. After a time, Paul
left Luke at Philippi, in Macedonia. Here he continued to work for
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