Although never medically defined in scripture per se, the term paralytic is generally understood to be a person who suffers any type of paralysis, whether from paraplegia, stroke, or palsy. On various occasions Christ heals paralytics who are brought to him; many of whom suffered from their afflictions for years. The most notable incidents are found in Matthew 9:2-8, Mark 2:3-12, and Luke 5:18-26.
Jesus’ ability to heal or “free” persons from their debilitating paralysis is often considered as a tangible demonstration of His authority to forgive sins and free us from their “crippling” effect.
