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Philip Anthony Mitchell’s Healing Claim Examined
Sound Theology & Discernment with Justin PetersPublic claims of miraculous healing require careful examination. In this episode of Sound Theology & Discernment, Justin Peters examines Philip Anthony Mitchell’s report of a teenage girl being healed of deafness at the ACCESS gathering in Texas. Drawing from Acts 3–4, Justin compares modern healing claims with the apostolic miracles recorded in Scripture.Listen or Watch
God’s Sovereign Healing and Modern Healing Claims
Justin affirms that God can and does physically heal according to His sovereign will. He distinguishes that conviction from the claim that individuals today possess the apostolic gift of healing.With that distinction in view, Justin examines Mitchell’s public announcement and calls for medical documentation of the reported healing. He explains why Christians should evaluate testimonies carefully, even when those testimonies are shared with confidence and enthusiasm.What This Episode Covers
- Philip Anthony Mitchell’s reported healing at the ACCESS gathering.
- The importance of documentation when evaluating public healing claims.
- Justin’s assessment of expectation, emotional environments, and reported symptom relief.
- Historical examples involving John G. Lake, Benny Hinn, and other faith-healing ministries.
- The immediate and visible healing of the lame man in Acts 3.
- The acknowledgment of that miracle by opponents of the gospel in Acts 4.
The Biblical Pattern in Acts 3–4
In Acts 3:6–10, a man who had been lame from birth immediately stood, walked, and praised God after Peter commanded him to walk in the name of Jesus Christ. Those who knew him recognized the man and were filled with wonder at what had happened.Acts 4:13–17 records that even the opponents of Peter and John could not deny the sign. Justin draws attention to the public, recognizable nature of this miracle as he compares it with the healing claims discussed throughout the episode.Discernment and Compassion Belong Together
Christians should pray for the sick, care for those who suffer, and examine public claims truthfully. A moving testimony deserves careful consideration, and claims of physical healing should be supported by clear evidence.Justin calls for documentation of the reported healing at ACCESS and says he would rejoice if the young woman’s healing were established. Throughout the episode, he urges listeners to evaluate healing claims in light of Scripture.More Sound Theology & Discernment with Justin Peters
Grow in biblical understanding and discernment through more episodes of Sound Theology & Discernment with Justin Peters at Servants of Grace.You can also watch the Sound Theology & Discernment playlist on YouTube for more teaching on evaluating doctrine and spiritual claims by God’s Word.This video first appeared at Justin’s YouTube and is posted here with his permission.
Born and reared in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Justin earned his undergraduate at Mississippi State University (1995) and then a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology (2000, 2002) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Justin met his bride, Kathy, at an evangelism conference near Los Angeles, California, in 2009. They were married in August of 2010. From 2014 until 2019, they lived in Sandpoint, Idaho, and were members of Kootenai Community Church.
They now reside outside of Billings, Montana, along with their little dog, Mia. They are members of Laurel Bible Church, where Justin currently serves as an elder.
