Many Christians firmly believe that they or someone they know, or know of, have been miraculously healed. Are healings for Christians today, or for non-Christians, or both?

“This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will”—Hebrews 2:3,4 NIV

In the first century, God gave the Apostles and some of their Christian associates the power to heal. But who did they heal? Were these healings performed on other Christians, or on non-Christians? Or were both healed? Let’s examine the Bible to find out.

But we also need to keep in mind Biblical warnings, such as the following, because Jesus foretold there would be many counterfeit Christian healers:

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. away from me, you evildoers'”—Matthew 7:22,23 NIV

The following are Biblical examples of healings, and non-healings:

Timothy was advised to drink wine for his stomach illness, not to be healed. (1 Timothy 5:23)

Paul endured a “thorn in the flesh,” but was not healed. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Epaphroditis was very sick and he almost died. (Philippians 2:25-27) But there is no mention of his healing. Why wasn’t he healed? He was a believer.

Paul was sick when he first preached to the Galatians. (Galatians 4:13, 14) He never healed other Christians or believers, and there is no mention of him praying for their healing, either.

A lame temple beggar was healed who was not yet a believer. (Acts 3:2-8)

Peter and John prayed for God’s healing power. An earthquake confirmed God’s approving answer. (Acts 4:29-31)

The Apostles performed many healings, but no Christians were healed. (Acts 5:12-16)

Crowds, who were not yet believers, were healed. (Acts 8:5-7)

Prior to baptism as a Christian, Saul was healed from blindness. (Acts 9:7-18)

Aeneas, a non-Christian, was healed. (Acts 9:32-35)

There were many miracles at Iconium, but no Christians were reported to be healed. (Acts 14:3)

A cripple was healed at Lystra, a non-Christian. He recovered instantly and completely. (Acts 14:8-10)

God gave Paul power – for healing non-Christians. (Acts 19:11-12)

So, as we can see from the scriptures, the healings in the first century were performed on non-Christians by the Apostles and their associates. There is no record in the New Testament of any healings being performed by Christians on other Christians. Why? Because healing was a confirmation for non-Christians that the Apostles and early Christians were directed by God through his holy spirit (Hebrews 2:3,4).