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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 14:8 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 14:8 describes a scene during Paul’s missionary travels, specifically when he was in Lystra, a city in what is now modern-day Turkey.

It introduces a man who had a physical disability; he was unable to walk as he had been crippled since birth.

The text highlights the severity of his condition by stating that he had never been able to walk.

This sets the stage for an event where the man’s condition is addressed by the apostle Paul, revealing not only his physical circumstances but also creating an anticipation for an imminent miraculous act which is recounted in the subsequent verses.

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Historical Context

Acts 14 occurs within the context of Paul's first missionary journey, which took place around 47-48 AD. Lystra was a Roman colony in the region of Lycaonia.

It was a predominantly Greco-Roman city with a culture influenced by Hellenistic and Roman values and religion, but also included a mixture of local Lycaonian and even Jewish elements.

This historical context is relevant because the Lystrans reactions to Paul's miracles were influenced by their beliefs, as seen later when they mistake Paul and Barnabas for Greek gods.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse underscores several key themes:

Divine Compassion: It exemplifies the Christian doctrine of divine compassion, where God is concerned with the suffering of humanity.
Miracles: The verse sets the stage for what Christians believe to be a miraculous healing, emphasizing the power of God working through the apostles.
Human Suffering and Sin: Some Christian theologies may see the man's physical state not just as a condition needing healing, but as a representation of the spiritual paralysis due to sin, from which all humans need deliverance.
Faith and Healing: Later verses indicate the man's faith was instrumental in his healing, the idea being that faith is often a prerequisite for divine intervention.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be interpreted in terms of empathy and the potential for transformation. Believers might be encouraged to:

Show Compassion: Offer empathy and assistance to those with disabilities or who are marginalized.
Have Hope: Maintain hope and faith regardless of circumstances, as change or healing is possible.
Recognize Potential: See every individual as capable of transformation and growth, regardless of their present condition.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:2: "And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."
John 5:5-9: "And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. ...

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."

Acts 3:2: "And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, there are a few key words:

"Impotent": The Greek word "ἀδύνατος" (adynatos) implies lacking the power or strength.

It indicates a complete inability to walk.

"Cripple": "χωλός" (chōlos) often referred to someone with a limp or disability in one of their legs, highlighting the physical nature of the man's condition.
"Never had walked": This phrase emphasizes the permanence and longevity of his disability from birth, indicating an incurable condition in the context of that era.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Miraculous healings are not unique to the Christian tradition. In various ancient religions, gods and deities were often associated with healing powers:

Greek Mythology: Asclepius, the god of medicine, was famous for his healing abilities.
Egyptian Mythology: The god Imhotep was worshipped as a god of medicine and healing.

These cultural myths might have influenced how the people of Lystra interpreted the subsequent miracle performed by Paul.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science would approach the described "impotence" or inability to walk through medical diagnostics to understand the underlying cause which could include congenital conditions, genetic factors, or developmental disorders.

Today, various treatments and rehabilitative interventions may not lead to miraculous walking but can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with such disabilities.

Commentaries

Bible scholars and commentaries present a range of interpretations:

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Gill suggests the impotence of the man's feet symbolizes man's inability to walk or to perform works that are pleasing to God without divine influence.
Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry proposes that the healing of the man serves as a sign which authenticated the message of the gospel that Paul was preaching.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible: Albert Barnes focuses on the faith of the man, who "heard Paul speak” (in the following verse), implying that his faith came by hearing the word of God, which was instrumental in his cure.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:8 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 14:8 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?