“For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”
For with shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed - the miraculous activity is broadly therapeutic: demonic spirits are exorcised, the paralyzed walk, the lame are healed. The 'shrieks' (phonē megale, great voice) of the departing spirits suggest violent resistance; exorcism is a battle, not a gentle healing. Yet the outcome is liberation and restoration.
Church Fathers on Acts 8:7
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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