Acts 14:9

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

The same {G3778} heard {G191} Paul {G3972} speak {G2980}: who {G3739} stedfastly beholding {G816} him {G846}, and {G2532} perceiving {G1492} that {G3754} he had {G2192} faith {G4102} to be healed {G4982},

This man listened to Sha’ul speaking. Sha’ul, looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,

This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed.

The same heard Paul speaking: who, fastening his eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,

Acts 14:9 describes a pivotal moment during Paul's ministry in Lystra, where a man, crippled from birth, was about to experience a profound miracle. This verse highlights Paul's spiritual insight and the man's receptive faith, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of God's healing power.

Context

This verse is set during Paul's first missionary journey, specifically in the city of Lystra. Paul and Barnabas had been preaching the Gospel, and among their listeners was a man who had been lame from birth, unable to walk. The atmosphere was one of spiritual hunger, as people were hearing the message of Christ for the first time, often against a backdrop of local pagan worship.

Key Themes

  • Faith as a Catalyst for Healing: The most prominent theme is the man's faith. Paul didn't just heal him; he "perceived that he had faith to be healed." This underscores that while God's power is absolute, human faith often serves as the conduit through which divine power is received. This principle is seen elsewhere, as when Jesus told the woman with the issue of blood, "Thy faith hath made thee whole."
  • Divine Discernment: Paul's ability to "stedfastly behold" the man and supernaturally discern his faith demonstrates a spiritual gift. This was not mere observation but a divine insight, enabling Paul to act with precision and power. It points to the Holy Spirit's work in equipping believers, including spiritual gifts of healing and faith.
  • The Power of the Spoken Word: The man "heard Paul speak," indicating that the preaching of the Gospel often precedes and accompanies miraculous signs, confirming the truth of the message (see Mark 16:20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stedfastly beholding" comes from the Greek word atenizō (ἀτενίζω), meaning "to gaze intently" or "to fix one's eyes upon." This implies a focused, penetrating look, often used in the New Testament to describe intense observation or spiritual discernment (e.g., Peter and John looking at the lame man in Acts 3:4). Paul's gaze here was not casual but filled with purpose, likely guided by the Holy Spirit. The word "perceiving" (from eidon, εἶδον) suggests a deeper understanding or spiritual recognition beyond mere physical sight.

Practical Application

This verse encourages us to consider the role of faith in our own lives, particularly when we seek divine intervention or healing. It reminds us that God often works through His servants, empowering them with discernment and the ability to release His power. For listeners, it highlights the importance of truly hearing and receiving God's word, as that receptivity can open the door for miraculous transformation. It also serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace is available to all who believe, regardless of their past condition or circumstances, leading to a miraculous healing in the very next verse.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 3:4

    And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

  • Matthew 15:28

    Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

  • Matthew 9:28

    And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

  • Matthew 9:29

    Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

  • Mark 2:5

    When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

  • Mark 1:40

    ¶ And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

  • Mark 1:41

    And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth [his] hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

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