King James Bible
"And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them."
Jesus' reputation as a healer spread beyond Galilee to the larger Roman province of Syria, which included Damascus and regions north of Israel. This geographic expansion shows the early reach of his ministry beyond Jewish territories. People actively sought Jesus by bringing those suffering from various physical ailments and chronic pain. The phrase "divers diseases" emphasizes the wide range of medical conditions, while "torments" suggests severe, ongoing suffering. Matthew lists specific categories: demon possession (spiritual affliction), lunacy (likely epilepsy or mental illness, named for supposed lunar influence), and palsy (paralysis). This comprehensive list demonstrates Jesus' authority over spiritual, mental, and physical realms. The simple declaration confirms Jesus' complete success in healing all who came, regardless of their condition. This universal healing power establishes his messianic credentials and divine authority early in Matthew's Gospel.