Acts 14:9
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This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
who steadfastly beholding him--as he did Elymas the sorcerer when about to work a miracle on him. and perceiving that he had faith to be healed--Paul may have been led by the sight of this cripple to dwell on the Saviour's miracles of healing, and His present power; and perceiving from the eagerness with which the patient drank in his words, that he was prepared to put his own case into the Redeemer's hands, the Spirit of the glorified Physician came all upon Paul, and "with a loud voice" he bade him "stand upright upon his feet." The effect was instantaneous--he sprang to his feet "and walked."
Open source ↗We have, in this chapter, a further account of the progress of the gospel, by the ministry of Paul and Barnabas among the Gentiles; it goes on conquering and to conquer, yet meeting with opposition, as before, among the unbelieving Jews. Here is, I. Their successful preaching of the gospel for some time at Iconium, and their being driven thence by the violence of their persecutors, both Jews and Gentiles, and forced into the neighbouring countries (Act 14:1-7). II. Their healing a lame man at Lystra, and the profound veneration which the people conceived of them thereupon, which they had much ado to keep from running into an extreme (Act 14:8-18). III. The outrage of the people against Paul, at the instigation of the Jews, the effect of which was that they stoned him, as they thought, to death; but he was wonderfully restored to life (Act 14:19, Act 14:20). IV. The visit which Paul and Barnabas made to the churches which they had planted, to confirm them, and put them into order (Act 14:21-23). V. They return to Antioch, whence they were sent forth; the good they did by the way, and the report they made to the church of Antioch of their expedition, and, if I may so say, of the campaign they had made (Act 14:24-28).
Open source ↗14:9 Paul realized he had faith to be healed: Paul, full of the Holy Spirit (9:17), sensed the man’s spiritual openness and expectancy for divine help and intervention.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter.
When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was cured from that very hour.
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.