Some people were healed by shadows or handkerchiefs in the early church to demonstrate the power of God working through His chosen apostles. These miraculous healings were not due to the objects themselves but were signs authenticating the gospel and establishing apostolic authority during a foundational period of the church.
In the book of Acts, we read:
“So that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.”
(Acts 5:15)
This was not superstition. God was working mightily through Peter, and people recognized that divine healing was present through the Spirit’s power. The shadow had no power in itself, but God honored the faith of those who believed.
Similarly, with Paul:
“So that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.”
(Acts 19:12)
These miracles were signs, not norms. They confirmed Paul’s ministry as truly from God. The handkerchiefs had no inherent power, but God used them as visible demonstrations of His authority over sickness and demons.
These events were never taught as a standard for healing. They were exceptional and specific to the apostolic age when the New Testament was not yet complete, and signs were used to confirm the spoken word.
Hebrews explains the role of signs in that era:
“God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”
(Hebrews 2:4)
Such miracles glorified Christ and validated the gospel message. They were not for spectacle or personal gain. Healing always pointed back to the risen Lord and called people to faith and repentance.
