Matthew 9:2
And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just see the faith of the friends bringing the man; he sees their faith, encompassing both the friends and the paralytic himself. This "their" highlights that faith can be corporate, a shared conviction that brings someone to Jesus, even when their own strength or personal faith is at its lowest.
Jesus has just returned to his hometown, Capernaum, and is teaching in a house where a large crowd has gathered. As Jesus is speaking, a group of friends arrives carrying a man completely paralyzed and unable to walk, desperate for Jesus to heal him.
Understand the original words
idou · Greek Interjection
A term often used in the Gospels to introduce an event of great importance or surprise, serving to draw the reader's attention to the significance of what is about to be narrated.
paralytikos · Greek Adjective/Noun
A person afflicted with paralysis or palsy; in the ancient world, often a state of utter helplessness, frequently associated in the popular mind of the time with judgment or divine curse, though Jesus challenges these assumptions.
pistis · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it is the responsive trust of the human heart in the person and power of God; it is not a work of merit but a reliance upon God's gracious provision.
hamartia · Greek Noun
This event unfolds in the context of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee, specifically in Capernaum, where his popularity drew large crowds and the attention of religious authorities. The paralytic's healing is presented as a testament to Jesus' authority, not just to heal but also to forgive sins, a claim that stirred controversy among the observers.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
During his public ministry, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. His growing reputation attracted large crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Crowds Gather in Capernaum
Jesus often returned to Capernaum, his 'own city,' where his ministry was well-known. A house in Capernaum became a frequent location for his teaching, drawing significant crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Pharisees and Teachers of the Law Observe Jesus
Religious leaders, including Pharisees and teachers of the Law from various regions, came to observe Jesus' ministry, some seeking to understand, others to criticize or trap him.
This passage provides a broader context, highlighting that the 'power of the Lord was present to heal them' as Jesus taught, showing that healing and spiritual restoration were intertwined in His ministry.
Mark 2:4This account details the extraordinary effort of the friends to bring the paralytic through the roof, emphasizing the great faith Jesus saw in their determination and perseverance.
John 9:2Jesus' response in Matthew 9:2, where He first addresses forgiveness of sins, connects to the common Jewish understanding (reflected here) that physical suffering was often linked to sin, prompting Jesus to address the root cause first.
Isaiah 43:25This verse, where God declares 'I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; I will not remember your sins,' echoes Jesus' divine prerogative to forgive sins, a claim that caused such consternation among the scribes.
1 Corinthians 1:27This verse speaks to God choosing the weak and foolish to shame the strong and wise, which resonates with Jesus choosing to heal and forgive a paralytic, demonstrating His power and compassion over human limitations and religious pride.
calvinMatthew 9:1-8: "And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city."
- And entering into a ship, he passed over, and came into his own city. 2. And, lo, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Take courage, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. 3. And, lo, some of the scribes said among themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4. And when Jesus saw their thoughts, he said, Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5. For…
pooleMatthew 9:2: "And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."
The history of this miracle is reported by Mark 2:3-12 ; by Luke, Luke 5:18-26 ; by both with more circumstances than Matthew doth report it. Mark saith, He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch tha…
Jesus doesn't just see the faith of the friends bringing the man; he sees their faith, encompassing both the friends and the paralytic himself. This "their" highlights that faith can be corporate, a shared conviction that brings someone to Jesus, even when their own strength or personal faith is at its lowest.
Jesus has just returned to his hometown, Capernaum, and is teaching in a house where a large crowd has gathered. As Jesus is speaking, a group of friends arrives carrying a man completely paralyzed and unable to walk, desperate for Jesus to heal him.
Jesus has just returned to his hometown, Capernaum, and is teaching in a house where a large crowd has gathered. As Jesus is speaking, a group of friends arrives carrying a man completely paralyzed and unable to walk, desperate for Jesus to heal him.
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A violation of God's law or a failure to conform to His moral standard, resulting in separation from God and requiring atonement. It represents a state of guilt that only God can remove.
aphiēmi · Greek Verb
The act of releasing a debt or transgression; in a theological sense, it refers to the removal of the legal and moral barrier between God and humanity, accomplished by divine grace.
"And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”" — Jesus doesn't just see the faith of the friends bringing the man; he sees their faith, encompassing both the friends and the paralytic himself. This "their" highlights that faith can be corporate,…
