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Acts 14

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

And there they preached the gospel.

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

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

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

What does Acts 14:10 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 14:10 is an account of the Apostle Paul healing a man with a disability in the city of Lystra.

The text narrates an extraordinary event where Paul, noticing the faith of a man who had been crippled since birth, calls out to him with a loud voice, commanding him to stand up on his feet.

Miraculously, the man does not just stand but "leaped and walked." This verse demonstrates a literal physical healing and serves as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and empowerment.

It underlines the theme of restoration and the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit's work through the apostles.

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Historical Context

Acts 14:10 is situated within the context of Paul's first missionary journey, which took place around AD 47-48.

Paul and Barnabas had traveled to Lystra, a city in what is now modern-day Turkey.

At that time, Lystra was a predominantly pagan city under Roman rule, with its own gods and religious customs.

The healing miracle took place in a public setting, leading the people of Lystra to mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods, calling them Hermes and Zeus.

The historical context of this verse is essential because it demonstrates the clash between early Christianity and the polytheistic beliefs of the Roman Empire.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may extract various meanings from this verse:

From a Christian standpoint, this healing is a manifestation of divine power validating the message of the Gospel that Paul preached.
From a Reformed perspective, the emphasis might be placed on the sovereignty of God in performing miracles according to His will through His chosen servants.
A Pentecostal interpretation may focus on the operation of the gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, as evidence of the Spirit's presence and power among believers.
A more skeptical theological viewpoint may question the literal interpretation of such miracle accounts, suggesting they may be didactic stories meant to convey spiritual truths rather than historical events.

Practical Applications

The teachings from Acts 14:10 can be applied to daily life in several ways:

Encouraging faith in God's ability to bring change and restoration in seemingly impossible situations.
Inspiring believers to be attentive to divine promptings to provide help or healing to others.
Emphasizing the importance of actions that support preaching, such that the words are accompanied by deeds.
Serving as a reminder of the spiritual empowerment one receives through faith, which can lead to personal transformation.

Cross-References

Acts 3:6-8: "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
Luke 7:14-15: "And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still.

And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise."

Matthew 9:6-7: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house."
John 5:8-9: "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."

Language Study

In Acts 14:10, analyzing the original Greek text provides valuable insight:

"Stand upright" is translated from the Greek word "anastēthi," which is an imperative form meaning to rise or stand up.
"On thy feet" is from "epi tous podas," which literally refers to standing on one's feet.
"Leaped" is translated from "hallomai," implying to jump or spring up.
"Walked" comes from "peripateō," commonly used in the New Testament to describe walking around or going about.

These terms emphasize the immediacy and completeness of the healing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient myths and religions:

Greek and Roman mythology often told of gods performing miraculous healings, which could be why the people of Lystra mistakenly thought Paul and Barnabas were gods.
Egyptian and Mesopotamian myths also include gods like Isis and Marduk performing miraculous acts, indicative of divine favor or power.
In Hinduism, avatars of deities, such as Krishna, are said to have carried out miracles, including healings.

These myths suggest that miraculous healings have been a common theme in religions to indicate divine presence or endorsement.

Scientific Perspectives

In the modern scientific view, spontaneous healing such as described in Acts 14:10 would be extraordinary and defy natural explanations.

While remission of certain diseases can sometimes occur without medical intervention, the instantaneous nature of the healing described in the verse does not align with current medical understanding.

Scientists would approach such an event with skepticism and search for possible natural explanations, or consider it a psychosomatic response if they cannot be found.

Commentaries

Commentators offer diverse insights into Acts 14:10:

John Calvin notes the faith of the crippled man and Paul's discernment of it, emphasizing the role of faith in receiving miracles.
The Pulpit Commentary suggests that Paul's command was an exercise of divine power in the man's healing, showing forth the apostle's apostolic authority.
Matthew Henry highlights the sovereign grace of God in miracles, drawing a parallel between physical healing and spiritual renewal.
Modern scholarly commentaries might explore the social and theological implications of the event, as well as the nature of the miracle narratives in Acts.

They may also delve into literary analysis, such as the role of this story in the broader narrative of Luke-Acts.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 14:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?