In brief
Aeneas is a man of Lydda, a town near Joppa, who has been bedridden and paralyzed for eight years. Peter meets him while visiting the saints of the region, at a time when the church enjoys peace and is growing. He tells him that Jesus Christ heals him and commands him to get up, and Aeneas rises immediately. All who live at Lydda and in Sharon see him and turn to the Lord. The healing points everyone to Jesus.
What does the name Aeneas mean?
Aeneas is a name of Greek origin. The Bible does not give its meaning and says of him only what is reported in Acts 9:33-35.
The story of Aeneas
Peter visits the saints
Acts 9:31-32After the conversion of Saul, the church has peace throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria. It is built up, walks in the fear of the Lord and multiplies in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Peter then travels through all those parts to visit the saints, and he comes down also to those who live at Lydda.
Eight years on a bed
Acts 9:33At Lydda, Peter finds a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years because he was paralyzed. The text says nothing more about his family or his past. Luke notes only the length of his illness, which stresses how hopeless his situation seemed by human standards after so many years of immobility.
“Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you”
Acts 9:34Peter speaks to him by name: “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” Peter does not claim the healing for himself: he announces that Jesus Christ is the one who acts. Aeneas rises immediately. The man who lay for eight years can now make the very bed on which he lay.
Lydda and Sharon turn to the Lord
Acts 9:35All who live at Lydda and in Sharon see Aeneas healed, and they turn to the Lord. The healing of one man becomes a sign that opens a whole region to the gospel. Right afterward, disciples from nearby Joppa send for Peter on behalf of Tabitha (Acts 9:36-38).
What Aeneas teaches us
- Jesus Christ remains the true healer: his servants only announce and carry out what he does.
- Long years of suffering are not beyond the power of the Lord.
- Visiting and encouraging believers is part of serving, as Peter does at Lydda.
- The works of God aim to lead people to turn to the Lord.
Key verses
Frequently asked questions
Who healed Aeneas, Peter or Jesus?
Peter is present, but he himself says the healing comes from Jesus Christ: “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” (Acts 9:34). The apostle acts as a witness and servant. The result confirms the meaning of the miracle: the people turn to the Lord.
What does the name Aeneas mean?
Aeneas is a name of Greek origin. The Bible does not explain its meaning and reports nothing about him apart from his healing. It is best to stay with what the text says: a man of Lydda, paralyzed and bedridden for eight years, healed in the name of Jesus Christ.
Where is the story of Aeneas in the Bible?
The story of Aeneas is found in the book of Acts, chapter 9, verses 32 to 35. It follows the conversion of Saul and comes immediately before the raising of Tabitha at Joppa, a town near Lydda (Acts 9:36-43).