Praying for the sick
James 5:14 says, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:”
Our passage deals with praying for believers who are sick. They are to “call for the elders of the church.” There is no mention of conducting healing crusades or calling anyone who has “the gifts of healing” (1 Cor 12:9). During the early church, “the signs of an apostle” (2 Cor 12:12), were shown with wonders and mighty deeds when “God wrought special miracles” (Acts 19:12), through them. There were many signs and wonders performed “by the hands of the apostles” (Acts 5:12). They were given the “power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” (Mk 3:15). Just like when Peter raised Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:41).
These sign gifts ceased when the apostles died. Therefore, we no longer have any modern-day apostles today! The Bible clearly states the qualifications of the apostles: they were personally chosen by our Lord Jesus (Acts 22:14); they have witnessed His resurrection (Acts 1:22); they received their message directly “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:12); they have the power to impart the gift of God by “putting on” (2 Tim 1:6), of their hands upon them; and their special signs were used to authenticate their message (Acts 2:43). The elders were to pray over the sick through “the prayer of faith” (v. 15), which shall save the sick.This is to be accompanied with anointing with oil.
Although, oil was used during Bible times as a medicine (Lk 10:34), it does not say that the oil itself was the remedy to save the sick. We believe that oil was a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s healing power (Heb 1:9). Thus, the prayer of faith by the elders is purely based upon their confidence from God and His word (Heb 11:6); that He shall heal the one for whom the prayer is offered, as long as it is “according to His will” (1 Jn 5:14)! God bless you!
-Pastor Melito Barrera
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