MH page 139

When Christ sent out the twelve disciples on their first missionary tour, He bade them, “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:7, 8 .

Christ commissioned His disciples to preach the kingdom of heaven and perform miraculous acts of healing as part of their ministry. This paragraph recounts the biblical commission given to the twelve disciples, focusing on preaching and miraculous healing without making empirical medical claims.

To the Seventy sent forth later He said: “Into whatsoever city ye enter, ... heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” Luke 10:8, 9 . The presence and power of Christ was with them, “and the Seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” Verse 17 .

The Seventy disciples were also sent out to heal the sick and proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God, experiencing success through Christ's power. The text describes the missionary journey and reported miraculous success of the Seventy, fitting a ministry and narrative classification.

After Christ's ascension the same work was continued. The scenes of His own ministry were repeated. “Out of the cities round about” there came a multitude “unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” Acts 5:16 .

The healing ministry of Christ continued after His ascension through the apostles and early believers. This passage narrates historical and biblical accounts of healings following Christ's ascension.

And the disciples “went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them.” “Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake.... For unclean spirits ... came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.” Mark 16:20 ; Acts 8:5-8 .

The early disciples preached everywhere with divine cooperation, resulting in healings and great joy. The text describes early Christian missionary travels and miraculous events associated with preaching.