"መዳንም በሌላ በማንም የለም" Acts 4:12: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Understanding, Part II

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) holds a profound understanding of the Scriptures, emphasizing Jesus Christ's unique role in salvation (ድኅነት). A key verse that reflects this belief is Acts 4:12, "መዳንም በሌላ በማንም የለም።" This essay continues from Part I, exploring the Church's interpretation of this verse and clarifying common misunderstandings about "healing."

The misunderstanding of Acts 4:12, "መዳንም በሌላ በማንም የለም," arises in two main ways:

1. Some think that the meaning of Christ’s healing that is proclaimed in this verse is similar to the healing that saints do.

2. Others think that the salvation (healing) Christ performs is similar to that of the saints.

The healing mentioned in this verse refers to Christ’s salvation. St. Peter and St. John performed this healing to direct people to believe in Jesus Christ. People gathered to understand the source of the physical healing, St. Peter proclaimed that Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of humanity's salvation.

EOTC interprets this verse as when St. Peter declared, "መዳንም በሌላ በማንም የለም," he was testifying that Christ is the Son of God, the Savior, the Healer, and the Son of the Father. This declaration came in response to the authorities who sought to kill Christ accusing him that He made himself equal to God (John 5:18). St. Peter was emphasizing that through Jesus Christ, our sins have been erased, our curse has been canceled, and Adam and his descendants have been restored to their former glory. This healing cannot be compared to the healing performed by the saints.

God, the source of all grace, manifests His work through holy people and angels. These holy individuals and angels heal by the grace they receive from the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. They assist believers on their journey to eternal life, healing them from diseases and demonic imprisonment through miracles, protection, and intercession (ምልጃ). There is ample biblical evidence on how saints and the righteous heal, please refer to our recent essays on the intercession of living and departed saints.

Therefore, understanding this verse requires recognizing that Christ’s healing (salvation) and the saints' healing are distinct. The healing referred to in Acts 4:12 is unique to Christ and cannot be compared to or mixed with that of the saints.

In conclusion, by recognizing the distinction between Christ's unique healing power and the healing performed by saints, the EOTC strongly affirms that the mystery behind the healing performed by saints is the power and name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This affirmation underscores the Church's belief that there is no one other than Christ and the Trinity behind the saving power of the saints. The saints' healing is a reflection of Christ’s divine power and grace, manifesting through their intercession and miracles.