The Impact of Divine Healing on Evangelism Based on Acts of the Apostles Chapter 3 and Its Significance for Believers

Divine healing sometimes sparks fervent debates among Bible-believing individuals about its central role in the Bible. The undeniable fact is that divine healing occurred in both the Old and New Testaments, indicating that it is not in conflict with the teachings of the Bible. When Jesus healed someone, as He frequently did, His motive was never self-glorification but rather to aid those in need. He is a compassionate Healer, a Savior, addressing both physical and spiritual ailments. In Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 3, a divine healing event is recounted, and it holds significance for evangelism. To ensure accurate and accountable data in this study, the author employed library research and exposition studies using inductive methods. The primary goals of this study were, first, to provide a clear and detailed explanation of divine healing based on Acts Chapter 3. Second, to elucidate the close relationship between faith and divine healing. Lastly, to explore the impact of divine healing on evangelism as reflected by its followers. In conclusion, divine healing is a manifestation of God's work for those who have faith in the name of Jesus. It serves the purpose of bringing individuals closer to God, nurturing love for God, inspiring a life dedicated to glorifying Him, and producing positive impacts on others.


INTRODUCTION
The debate among Christians regarding divine healing is a contentious issue.On one side, there are individuals who level unfounded accusations, while on the other, they make exaggerated claims.Consequently, some Christians fail to acknowledge the work of those who practice these gifts, dismissing it as mere fantasy or even as something associated with the devil (Donald Bridge & David Phypers, 1999).
In his book, Emanuel G. Singgih suggests that understanding the realm of prayer involves not only viewing prayer as a request but also recognizing it as a form of medicine.This perspective is reflected in advertisements in newspapers promoting "gifted individuals" who can facilitate healing through prayer.People may perceive prayer as Theological Journal Kerugma Vol 6, No. 2, October 2023 Copyright © 2023 e-ISSN 2622-1039, p-ISSN 2621-8038 91 a form of medicine, as long as they remain open to the benefits of modern medicine and the advancements in the medical field (Emanuel G. Singgih, 2000).Abineno, in his book, emphasizes that some proponents of "divine healing" subscribe to the belief that faith plays a functional role in the process of healing.Faith is regarded as a potent force within individuals, one that can be harnessed as a tool for healing, alongside other conventional healing methods (Ch. Abineno, 2004).
In the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments contain accounts of divine healing experienced by various individuals.For instance, Miriam was healed of leprosy after the confession of sins made by ).There are also instances of divine healing in the Old Testament, including the son of a woman from Shunem, who was prayed for by Elisha (2 Kings 4:33-37), the healing of a widow's son in Zarephath by the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:7-24), and King Hezekiah's healing from illness, accompanied by a 15-year extension of his life (2 Kings 20:1-10).
In the New Testament, miracles play a significant role in the ministry of the Lord Jesus and are closely connected to the evangelistic work He conducted.Jesus commanded His disciples to heal the sick (Matthew 10:8) and indicated that His disciples would perform the same works He did.Additionally, in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12), the Apostle Paul includes the gift of healing among several other spiritual gifts.James provides guidance on caring for the sick (James 5:13-16).All of these examples lead to the conclusion that divine healing has a role in the proclamation of the Gospel (Donald Bridge & David Phypers, 1999).
It is important to note that divine healing is not a means to seek personal profit in terms of material gain or recognition.Instead, divine healing is a gift from God that should be received with gratitude, with the ultimate purpose of bringing glory to His name.

RESEARCH METHOD
To ensure the collection of accurate and accountable data in this study, the author employed library research methods and conducted exposition studies using inductive approaches.The primary focus of the author's research is on Acts Chapter 3, and reference is also made to other relevant passages in the Bible that support this topic.
Research, as defined in the General Indonesian Dictionary, involves careful examination, investigation, and the systematic and objective collection, management, analysis, and testing of data to address a problem or test a hypothesis, ultimately leading to the development of general principles (Indonesian General Dictionary, 1995).
Juanda emphasized that through research, one can gain an understanding of, solve, and anticipate problems in human life (Juanda, 2007).The two exposition studies using the inductive method are rooted in the Bible, particularly focusing on Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 3, and related verses.The goal is to achieve optimal results and provide genuine benefits to readers.In his book, Saparman explained that the term "exposition" derives from the Latin word "expositio," meaning explanation (Saparman, 2007).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The Acts of the Apostles is a book in the New Testament that offers a comprehensive account of the Holy Spirit's role in the lives of early church believers.The Holy Spirit's work is evident in its ability to convict people of their sins, provide guidance, instill strength and courage for the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, both to Jews and non-Jews.
According to Browning in The Bible Dictionary, "Writing stories about the first generation of the Christian Church would have been impossible without Acts" (W.R.F.Browning, 2007).The central theme of Acts is Theological Journal Kerugma Vol 6, No. 2, October 2023 Copyright © 2023 e-ISSN 2622-1039, p-ISSN 2621-8038 92 "Witness for Christ," with Acts 1:8 serving as the key verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."This verse underscores that those sent as Christ's witnesses are equipped with spiritual power and have a specific area of ministry.
The estimated date of writing is around 62-63 AD, as the narrative ends with a report on Paul's imprisonment in Rome (Elim Simamora).This is consistent with the explanation provided by Pfeiffer and Harrison in The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, suggesting that "probably at some date not long after the end of the narrative, then this book was written in AD 62" (Charles F. Pfeiffer & Evertt F. Harrison).

The Impact of Divine Healing on Evangelism: Based on the Story of the Apostles Chapter 3
The third chapter of the Acts of the Apostles holds a significant place in church history as it recounts a well-known event.It marks the occurrence of the first divine healing in the early church.Prior to this, the power of God had been evident during the ascension of Jesus and on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended.
Additionally, 3,000 people were converted upon hearing Peter's sermon.It is essential to consider miraculous healings in the context of the broader teachings in the Bible concerning suffering, illness, and mortality.The Bible clearly articulates that suffering, sickness, and death are inherent aspects of the human condition, stemming from the fall into sin, and will only be eradicated when God creates a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:4) (Donald Bridge & David Phypers, 1999).
The term "healing," denoting the process of being restored to health, is derived from the root word "cured," which signifies regaining health after an illness.On the other hand, the word "divine" pertains to having attributes associated with God.H.L. Smack, in the book "Miraculous Healing," defines divine healing as a miracle from God accessible to every believer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.It is a form of healing bestowed by God to those who believe and live in accordance with His revealed will in the Bible.This method of healing is described as the quickest, safest, and most perfect, without any cost.It encompasses healing for the body, soul, and spirit, resulting in total healing and a life filled with happiness and God's blessings (Jonarifgultom, 2008).Jesus and the apostles performed numerous healings, as documented in the four Gospels and the Book of Acts.Jesus had promised His followers that such healings would occur.It is essential for both the healer and the one being healed to express faith in God, except in cases where individuals are unaware.However, the absence of divine healing for some should not be interpreted as a lack of faith, as even the apostle Paul, a devout believer, experienced illness that was not divinely healed.
Divine healing has been present since the time of the apostles and continues to this day, despite enduring skepticism from some quarters.It is perhaps inevitable that there will be doubters, as there have been instances of dishonest individuals claiming to be servants of God while engaging in faith healing practices.Notably, Luke, referred to as the "beloved physician," was a friend of the Apostle Paul, suggesting that the early church had a place for medical healing alongside miraculous healing (J. Stephen Lang, 2002).
In his book, Charles C. Ryrie defines divine healing as the capacity to exhibit special signs, including physical healing (Charles C. Ryrie, 1991).Paul demonstrated this gift in Ephesus .However, there were cases where he either did not or could not use this gift for healing, such as with Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:27), Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23), and Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20).
The power of divine healing remains present today, and it should not be denied.It is unfortunate if there are ministers of faith who do not believe in it.Nevertheless, it is crucial to scrutinize whether the Gospel teaches Theological Journal Kerugma Vol 6, No. 2, October 2023 Copyright © 2023 e-ISSN 2622-1039, p-ISSN 2621-8038 93 that perfect healing can be obtained in this world.Does the atonement of Christ automatically guarantee freedom from illness for believers?The outward interpretation of perfectionism, which is prominent in the teachings of figures like Paul Yonggi Cho and other successful evangelists, warrants examination.Such views can lead to overly simplistic assumptions that equate faith with perfect health (blessing) and illness with a lack of faith (cursing) (Herlianto, 2006).Andry Hartono, in his book, expresses a similar sentiment, highlighting the belief among some Christians that healing is attainable through unwavering faith in Jesus.This perspective is rooted in Jesus' words about faith the size of a mustard seed moving mountains and making all things possible (Andry Hartono, 2006).As a result, Christian healers pray, and at times fast, laying their hands and anointing the heads of the sick with oil in an effort to cure various diseases attributed to the influence of the devil.
Divine healing is the work of the Holy Spirit, bringing healing to anyone who earnestly believes in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the cross.This form of divine healing is a miraculous act of God, rooted entirely in His grace, affirming the truth of His Word concerning complete salvation in Christ, encompassing the salvation of the body, soul, and spirit.It's important to note, as Warren W. Wiersbe explained in his book, that not all believers, whether men or women, experience miraculous deliverance (Warren W. Wiersbe, 2008).
In his book, Wiersbe also shared his personal experience of God miraculously touching his body when others believed he would not survive.He acknowledges that God can heal but recognizes that God doesn't always need to heal to prove someone's faith.The author of  highlights that many unnamed believers were not delivered from their tribulations, yet God still honored their faith.Often, what is required is not just faith to be released from a situation but more faith to endure it, just as the three Hebrew youths, Daniel's friends, needed to trust and obey God even when He did not intervene in their circumstances (Daniel 3:16-18) (Warren W. Wiersbe, 2008).
One way God demonstrates His love is by bestowing the gift of healing upon believers, enabling them to serve others for God's glory.As Leon Morris elucidates in his book, God, in His love, has provided everything His people needed in the past, including sending the Holy Spirit to guide and lead them in the path of love.God's love is a potent and majestic reality that kindles love in the hearts of His people.Nothing surpasses the power of love (1 Corinthians 13:13) (Leon Morris, 2006).Divine healing, granted by God, not only serves to strengthen the fellowship of believers as the body of Christ but also leaves a lasting impact on both the recipients and those who witness it.Divine healing is a means through which God can convey the Gospel personally to individuals and to a broader audience.
The term "Evangelism," as defined in the Big Indonesian Dictionary, refers to the "process, action, or method of proclaiming the Gospel."The word originates from the root "gospel," which signifies "good tidings" (Suharso and Ana Retnoningsih, 2005).Therefore, evangelism encompasses the process or method of delivering the Gospel or conveying the good news.
In his book, Richardson asserts that "evangelism means conveying or proclaiming the good news.It is a biblical practice and an essential element of the church's existence and God's purposes" (Rick Richardson, 2010).
Similarly, Browning, in the Bible Dictionary, describes the Gospel as news about "joyful" events or "joyful news" (Browning, 2007).
Divine Healing in the Name of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:6)