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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 14:9 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:9 describes an event during the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul, specifically his encounter with a man who had been crippled from birth.

The verse captures the moment Paul notices the faith of the man and decides to heal him.

In a literal sense, the verse tells us that Paul, having spoken in the gathering, looks intently at the man and discerns that he has the faith to be healed.

The deeper meaning of this passage lies in the demonstration of faith preceding the miracle.

It highlights the importance of belief and expectancy in the Christian faith, suggesting that faith is a prerequisite for divine intervention and miracles.

The verse underscores the role of an apostle as an instrument through which God's power is manifested.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 14:9 is situated within the narrative of Paul's first missionary journey which took place around AD 46-48.

Paul and Barnabas were in the city of Lystra in what is now modern-day Turkey.

This was a region heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture and pagan religion.

The populace of Lystra would have been unfamiliar with the Judeo-Christian God that Paul preached.

Miracles, like the healing described in this verse, played a significant role in validating the message of the Gospel to a skeptical audience.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse brings to the fore several points of view:

Faith and Healing: It emphasizes the connection between faith and the power of God to heal and perform miracles.

Some traditions, particularly those that stress the Charismatic perspective, argue that this passage affirms the need for personal faith in receiving healing.

Sovereignty of God: Others may argue that while faith was present, it is ultimately God's sovereignty that determines when and whom to heal.

The focus is therefore on God's power rather than human belief.

Signs and Wonders: The healing serves as a sign and wonder to authenticate the message of Christ.

This view suggests that miracles were particularly important during the Apostolic Age to establish the credibility of the apostles' teachings.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can inspire believers to:

Look for and cultivate faith in their own lives, trusting in God's power to work miracles.
Understand and accept that spiritual discernment is important when addressing the needs of others.
Reflect on the purpose of miracles in their faith community: are they sought as proof, or as a byproduct of belief?

Cross-References

Matthew 9:28-29: "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."
Acts 3:4,16: "And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us...

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."

Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in Greek are:

"Stedfastly" (atenizo): to fix one's eyes on, to gaze.
"Beholding" (idein): to see, to observe.
"Perceiving" (eido): to know, to perceive, to understand.
"Faith" (pistis): faith, belief, trust.
"Healed" (sozo): to save, preserve from harm, heal, make whole.

These words emphasize the intensity of Paul's observation of the man and his discernment of the man's faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The healing miracles of Jesus and the apostles stand in contrast to the healing stories found in other ancient belief systems where gods would often interact capriciously with humanity.

In the Greco-Roman context, the power of God in Christian healing was not attributed to capricious deities but to a single, loving God working through individuals who demonstrated faith.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, accounts of healing in the Bible can be challenging.

While faith and belief are recognized to have significant effects on people's psychological wellbeing, the scientific community typically requires empirical evidence to validate claims of miraculous healing.

There remains a tension between scientific inquiry and faith-based beliefs regarding divine intervention.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered their insights into Acts 14:9:

John Calvin highlights the idea that God sometimes requires our faith to trigger His miracles, as Paul noticed the man's faith before healing him.
The Pulpit Commentary notes the critical role of discernment in this miracle, suggesting that Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to see the faith within the man.
Matthew Henry emphasizes that Paul healed the man not by his own power or holiness but through faith in the name of Christ.

Henry also suggests that this example is a call for preachers to be observant of their audience and to act accordingly.

These commentaries reflect on the importance of faith, the agency of God versus apostles, and the practical aspects of discerning and responding to faith.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:9 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 14:9 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?