What role does faith play in the healing described in Acts 14:10? Setting the Scene in Lystra • Paul is preaching when he notices a man “crippled in his feet, lame from birth, and had never walked” (Acts 14:8). • Verse 9 highlights a critical observation: “Paul… saw that he had faith to be healed.” • Immediately Paul commands, “Stand up on your feet!” (v. 10), and the man “jumped up and began to walk.” Faith Identified Before the Miracle • Scripture presents faith as something visible: “Paul… saw” it (v. 9). • Faith isn’t merely internal belief; it shows in receptive listening, open-hearted expectation, and readiness to act (cf. Luke 5:20; Mark 2:5, where Jesus “saw their faith”). • Paul’s discernment underscores that genuine faith can be recognized by those filled with the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10, gift of discernment). Faith as the Human Response God Honors • The lame man’s faith does not create healing power; it receives what God already wills to give (Ephesians 2:8). • Throughout Acts, faith is consistently portrayed as the channel through which God’s saving and healing grace flows (Acts 3:16; Acts 9:34). • Faith aligns the believer with God’s declared will, permitting the manifestation of His power without obstruction (Hebrews 11:6). Faith Coupled with the Spoken Word • Paul’s command, “Stand up,” provides a moment of decision. – Faith responds by obeying immediately, even when circumstances argue otherwise (James 2:17). – The man “jumped up,” showing that authentic faith acts on God’s word without delay. Divine Healing as Attestation • The healing validates the gospel message Paul is proclaiming (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4). • It demonstrates that Jesus, risen and exalted, continues to work through His servants (Acts 3:6, 12-16). Key Takeaways on Faith’s Role • Faith is seen, not hidden—it is discernible through attentive, expectant listening. • Faith does not earn healing; it receives and cooperates with God’s gracious initiative. • Faith acts on God’s spoken word, transforming belief into obedient movement. • Faith-linked healing authenticates the gospel and points onlookers to Christ, not to the human instrument. |
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