The Pool of Bethesda
by DROOCHSLOOT, Joost Cornelisz., Oil on canvas, 70 x 97 cm
The miracle of Christ’s healing of the paralytic is described in the Bible (John 5:1-15). It took place at the pool of Bethesda. The place was a resort of the sick since the waters were believed to have miraculous curative powers. It was said that from time to time an angel, traditionally the archangel Raphael, came and disturbed the water and that the first person to enter it afterwards was healed.