The answer is: Aeneas

Acts 9:33 - His name means healed.

In the intriguing narrative of Acts, Aeneas's healing by Peter echoes a broader theme found throughout the New Testament—one of restoration and new beginnings. Imagine Peter, once a simple fisherman, now imbued with power and purpose, responding to a situation that evokes compassion. While Aeneas lay bed-ridden for eight long years, his name itself, meaning "healed," seems almost prophetic! It's as if the universe had been preparing for his moment of healing, anticipated within the folds of faith and community.

This story invites us to reflect on how names in Hebrew and Greek often hold significant meaning. For instance, Aeneas's story reveals not just a man's physical healing but symbolizes the transformative spirit that embodies the Christian narrative—a tangible instance of hope for those who are marginalized and struggling.

Think too about the broader strokes of healing in Acts, such as how Peter healed Tabitha (Dorcas) a little later in the same book. Both accounts showcase not merely miracles, but a compelling blueprint for setting people free from the chains of despair—whatever form they may take.

And did you know that the term "paralysis" in ancient contexts would have carried a hefty social stigma? Aeneas's healing signifies not merely restoration to health but deliverance from societal exclusion, reminding us that the divine touch is about more than miracles; it’s about the upliftment of community and spirit. Such stories inspire us to seek and support healing—whether physical, emotional, or social—in our own circles today!