September 8, 2025

Dynamic Power

Dunamai(1) is one of the basic words for possessing power in the New Testament. Strong’s says it means “to be able or possible.” Thayer’s gives the following definitions: “to be able, have power, to be capable, strong and powerful.” The English words dynamite, dynamo, dynamic, etc., come from this Greek word. Jesus used a form of this word in Acts 1:8 when He said, “You will receive power [dunamis] after the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

Dunamis is also translated as miracle/s, because they are the results of God’s power (Acts 2:22, 8:13, 19:11, etc.). In 1 Corinthians 12:10, this word is used in the phrase “the working of miracles,” one of the gifts Holy Spirit gives to believers. 

I find it interesting that the word is used referring to both God’s and satan’s power in the same verse, Acts 10:38: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power [dunamis]: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed [katadunasteuō] of the devil; for God was with Him.”

The dunamis-power of God worked through Jesus to produce healings and good works; satan’s power oppressed people. Kata,(2) among other things means basically means “down” or “against.” When used as a prefix for dunamis/dunasteuo, as it is here, it has the connotation of working against something or someone, pressing them down. You can easily see the word “press” in “oppressed.” God lifts people with His power; satan uses his to press them down. The Passion Translation uses the word “tyranny” to translate satan’s oppressive work in this verse.

Notice that the Lord equates healing with “good.” Sickness is evil, oppressive, and originates from the curse that came to humanity at the fall. This doesn’t mean that every sickness is caused directly by a person’s sin; it means sickness is in the world because of original sin. This is what allowed satan to bring his curses and diseases onto the earth, oppressing people. Jesus came to heal and restore us from spiritual tyranny. While here on earth, He went about doing “good” and healing all those oppressed by the devil.

One of my favorite stories of healing in the New Testament is of the woman with continual bleeding for 12 years (Matthew 9:20). Can you imagine the physical weakness she must have felt from this constant loss of blood for 12 years? Not to mention the emotional toll it had to have taken. According to Jewish law, she was considered “unclean,” and anyone who touched her was also considered unclean (Leviticus 15:19-33). This is why the woman was “sneaking” through the crowd, trying to inconspicuously reach out and touch Christ’s garment (Mark 5:25-34). 

The Passion Translation gives us added insight:

“Suddenly, a woman came from behind Jesus and touched the tassel of His prayer shawl for healing. She had been suffering from continual bleeding for twelve years, but had faith that Jesus could heal her. For she kept saying to herself, ‘If I could only touch His prayer shawl, I would be healed.’ Just then, Jesus turned around and looked at her and said, ‘My daughter, be encouraged. Your faith has healed you.’ And instantly she was healed!” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9:20-22; TPT)

The margin of The Passion says, “The blue tassel on the corner of the prayer shawl was said to symbolize all commandments and promises of God. (See Numbers 15:38-40.) The Hebrew word for ‘fringe’ or ‘border’ (of a garment) can also mean ‘wing.’ Some have interpreted Malachi 4:2 (‘healing in his wings’) as a reference to the tassels of the prayer shawl.” 

The verse in Malachi that TPT references says: “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall” (Malachi 4:2; NASB). Some teachers and scholars believe that this promise is what gave the woman faith to receive healing by touching the wings or tassels of Jesus’ prayer shawl. Wow!

One thing is certain: when she touched the tassel of His prayer shawl, her faith pulled healing “virtue” (dunamis) from Jesus. He wasn’t made unclean; she was made clean! I find it amazing that this woman initiated the miracle, not Jesus. He did not even know it happened until it was over. “Someone just pulled virtue/power out of me!” He said (Mark 5:30). Jesus supplied the power, she supplied the faith, and 12 years of misery and shame vanished. 

When I was a young boy, we used to sing a simple chorus that said:

“Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by. 

You’ll find He’s not too busy to hear your heart’s cry. 

He’s passing by this moment, your need to supply. 

Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.”(3)

We are doing another Healing Summit this upcoming October 17 at my brother Tim’s church, the Oasis, in Middletown, Ohio (LINK). As with past summits, many healing services will be taking place simultaneously throughout the nation. We believe the Lord will be present to do good and heal those oppressed by the devil. Prepare your heart to reach out in faith and grab the “healing in His wings.” Join us in person if you can, online if you cannot come. We are believing with you for tremendous miracles to take place.

Pray with me:

Father, thank You for Holy Spirit. Thank You for the power He brings us to witness of You, to work for You, and to overcome in life. Thank You for the example of Jesus, who went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. Today, we especially thank You for the story of the woman with the 12-year, constant flow of blood. Thank You for demonstrating through her that there is healing in Your wings, and Your willingness to respond to faith. 

As we have in the past, we ask You today for a fresh release of signs and wonders, and of the gifts of Your Spirit associated with this. Release to many believers the gift of faith, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, and the word of knowledge. Release Your compassion and Your power.

As we gather in Middletown on October 17, and in many places around the nation and nations, pour out the power of Holy Spirit. Heal and transform, deliver those oppressed by the devil. Free people from disease, depression, addictions, all manner of sickness and infirmity. Give us miracles. And use the coming release of signs and wonders to not only heal those in need, but to point people to Jesus and spark the revival that has begun. All of this we ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Our decree:

We declare that Jesus is still releasing His power to do good, heal the sick, and deliver those oppressed by the devil.

You can find out more about the upcoming Healing Summit in Middletown, Ohio, at OasisWired.org. 

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

---

1. James Strong, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990), ref. no. 1410.

2. Ibid., ref. no. 2596.

3. https://www.godsongs.net/2016/01/reach-out-and-touch-the-lord-as-he-goes-by.html