Acts 14:9

The same heard Paul speake: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiuing that he had faith to be healed, Acts 14:9 (KJV)

In Acts 14:9 (KJV) we read of a man who was crippled from birth and who was listening to Paul as he spoke in the city of Lystra. This episode occurs during Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey, a time when they were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and performing miracles to confirm the message they proclaimed. As Paul observed the man intently, he perceived, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, that the man possessed faith to be healed. The text records that Paul “steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed.”

Moved with compassion, Paul addressed the man, saying, “Rise, and sit down.” He then commanded, “Stand upright on thy feet,” and the man immediately leaped and walked. This swift healing demonstrates how God’s power worked through Paul to bring physical restoration, and it underscores the pivotal role of genuine faith in receiving divine healing.

The passage encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to perform miracles and to cultivate a sincere, steadfast faith in their relationship with Him. As Paul’s example shows, the recognition of faith can become the catalyst for God’s blessing. The narrative of Acts 14:8‑10 therefore highlights both the compassion of the apostle and the essential nature of faith in the life of a believer, inviting all who hear the Gospel to respond with trust that God can work wonders in their own circumstances.