Who was Aeneas in the Bible?

The name Aeneas is perhaps more familiar to readers of classical literature, especially in connection with the Trojan hero from Virgil’s Aeneid. However, there is a lesser-known Aeneas mentioned in the Bible. This biblical Aeneas appears briefly in the Book of Acts in the New Testament. Though the biblical account about him is short—only two verses—it contains significant spiritual insights and provides an important snapshot of the early Christian church’s growth, the power of the name of Jesus Christ, and the apostolic mission carried out by Peter.

This article explores who Aeneas was in the biblical context, what his healing by the Apostle Peter represents, and how his story fits into the broader narrative of the early church. Through a deep dive into Acts 9 and related themes, we will uncover how even a brief mention can carry a powerful message for believers and historians alike.

The Passage That Mentions Aeneas

The name Aeneas is found in Acts 9:32–34. The passage in the New King James Version reads:

“Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.’ Then he arose immediately.” (Acts 9:32–34, NKJV)

This short but powerful narrative raises several important questions. Who was this man named Aeneas? Why was his healing recorded? What does this miracle tell us about the ministry of Peter and the work of Christ? And how did this healing impact the surrounding community?

Who Was Aeneas?

Very little is directly said about Aeneas in the biblical text. However, by examining the historical context, location, and surrounding events, we can draw some important conclusions about him.

His Name

The name “Aeneas” is of Greek origin and is the same as the hero of classical mythology, known for his piety and for founding what would become the Roman people. This could indicate that the man in Acts 9 had a Hellenistic background or lived in a region heavily influenced by Greek culture. Many Jews and Gentiles in that era had Greek names due to the cultural dominance of Hellenism in the eastern Mediterranean following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

His Greek name suggests he may have been either a Hellenistic Jew or a Gentile living among the Jewish population in Lydda. The Book of Acts records many instances of Greek-named individuals who were part of the growing Christian movement or who became recipients of divine acts.

His Condition

Aeneas had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. The word “paralyzed” (Greek: paralelumenos) used here refers to being disabled or helpless in some bodily way. While the exact medical diagnosis is not given, the description suggests a complete or severe loss of mobility, possibly due to injury, stroke, or disease.

Being bedridden for such a long time meant that Aeneas would have been dependent on others for daily needs. In the ancient world, this often led to social marginalization and economic hardship. His situation was one of both physical and likely emotional suffering. Yet, his condition made the power of the healing all the more remarkable and undeniable.

His Location

Aeneas lived in Lydda, an ancient town also known as Lod. It was located on the coastal plain of Judea, about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem and near the road to Joppa. Lydda was a significant town in Jewish and early Christian history. After the Babylonian exile, many Jews returned to this region, and by the time of the New Testament, it had a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles.

According to Acts 9:32, Peter visited “the saints who dwelt in Lydda,” indicating that a community of believers had already been established there. Whether Aeneas was a believer before his healing or became one afterward is not explicitly stated. However, his encounter with Peter and the mention of “Jesus the Christ” in his healing suggest that the miracle played a key role in advancing the Christian message in that region.

The Healing of Aeneas

Peter’s Ministry

The Apostle Peter played a central role in the spread of the gospel during the early days of the church. Following the persecution that arose after Stephen’s martyrdom, many believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). Peter’s journey to Lydda was part of his mission to strengthen the existing Christian communities and to evangelize new ones.

The healing of Aeneas was a public miracle that demonstrated the continued presence and power of Jesus through His apostles. Peter makes it clear that the healing is not from his own power but from Jesus the Christ:

“Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.” (Acts 9:34, NKJV)

This declaration aligns with the pattern seen in Acts, where the apostles act not in their own authority but in the name and power of Jesus. The wording is similar to that used in the healing of the lame man at the temple gate in Acts 3:6:

“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6, NKJV)

Both healings serve to affirm the identity of Jesus as the Christ and to confirm the apostles as His chosen messengers.

The Immediate Result

The healing of Aeneas is described as immediate. Peter commands, “Arise and make your bed,” and Aeneas “arose immediately” (Acts 9:34). This type of instantaneous healing, without therapy or gradual recovery, is typical of biblical miracles and sets them apart from natural healing processes.

This quick restoration shows the completeness of the miracle. Not only did Aeneas regain strength, but he could stand, walk, and handle tasks (like making his bed) after eight years of immobility. Such a dramatic recovery would have been undeniable proof to all who witnessed it that something extraordinary had occurred.

The Impact of the Miracle

The importance of Aeneas’s healing goes beyond his personal restoration. Acts 9:35 states:

“So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 9:35, NKJV)

This verse shows that the miracle had a wide-reaching effect. The towns of Lydda and the surrounding area of Sharon witnessed the transformation and responded by turning to the Lord. The healing served as a sign that confirmed the truth of the gospel and led many to faith in Christ.

This aligns with the broader pattern in Acts, where miracles often serve to validate the message of the gospel and lead to mass conversions. In the case of Aeneas, the entire region was influenced by what God had done in his life.

The Connection to the Broader Narrative

Immediately following the account of Aeneas’s healing in Acts 9 is another miracle performed by Peter—the raising of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from the dead in Joppa (Acts 9:36–43). The proximity of these two miracles is not coincidental. Together, they showcase the continued ministry of Peter and the power of Jesus working through him.

Both stories demonstrate that Jesus’s ministry did not end with His ascension. Through the apostles, especially Peter, the kingdom of God continued to break into the world, bringing healing, life, and transformation. These stories are placed side-by-side to reveal a consistent message: the gospel is not just about words but also about power and renewal.

Lessons from the Life of Aeneas

Though Aeneas appears in only a brief passage, his story teaches several key spiritual lessons:

1. Jesus Heals Through His Servants

Aeneas’s healing was performed by Peter, but Peter made it clear that Jesus the Christ was the true healer. This reflects the continuing ministry of Jesus through the church. Even today, Christ still brings healing—spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes physically—through the prayers, actions, and faith of His followers.

2. No Condition Is Beyond God’s Reach

Eight years of paralysis did not make Aeneas unreachable. His story teaches that no situation is too far gone for God to intervene. In fact, the length and severity of his condition served to magnify the glory of God when healing came.

3. Personal Testimony Has Regional Impact

Aeneas’s healing became a testimony that influenced not just his family or neighborhood but the entire region of Sharon. One transformed life can have ripple effects beyond what we imagine. This is an encouragement to believers today: your personal story of transformation can influence many others.

4. The Gospel Is for Everyone

The inclusion of Aeneas, a man with a Greek name, reinforces the Book of Acts’ message that the gospel is for both Jews and Gentiles. Though we cannot say with certainty whether Aeneas was a Gentile, his healing fits the pattern of the gospel expanding beyond the borders of Jerusalem and embracing people from various backgrounds.

Conclusion

Aeneas may not be one of the prominent figures in the Bible, but his story is far from insignificant. His healing by Peter in the name of Jesus Christ represents the ongoing power of God in the early church, the compassion of Christ for the suffering, and the effectiveness of personal transformation in spreading the gospel.

Though we know little about his life before or after his healing, the biblical account of Aeneas serves as a vital testimony of divine intervention and apostolic authority. His name may only appear in a few verses, but the impact of his miracle extended far beyond his bed. The power that raised him up from eight years of paralysis is the same power at work today in the lives of believers who trust in Jesus Christ.