The Spiritual Gift of Healing
Sign Gift — 1 Corinthians 12:28
ἰάματων (ee’-am-ah-ton) — plural noun — curing, restoring, making well, healings, completing. Paul uses the plural gifts of healings — suggesting diverse expressions rather than a single uniform ability.
Healing as Defined
- Curing — MAR 6:56
- Restoring — LUK 6:18
- Making Well — LUK 7:3
- Healings — 1CO 12:9
- Completing — ACS 4:22
Healing as Named
The Centurion’s servant healed at a distance by a word (MAT 8:5-13). The synagogue woman freed from eighteen years of infirmity (LUK 13:10-13). The woman with the issue of blood made whole by faith (MAR 5:25-29). Ten lepers cleansed as they went (LUK 17:11-19). A lame man at the Beautiful Gate raised by Peter (ACS 3:1-11).
Healing as Ministry
The gift authenticates the Gospel and demonstrates God’s compassion for the whole person — spirit, soul, and body. It operates as a sign that points unbelievers to Christ, not to the one through whom the gift flows.
Serving in Healing
Avoid claiming the gift as a personal power. Avoid using the gift for financial gain. Avoid condemning those who are not healed as lacking faith. God heals — the believer is only the vessel.