Bible Strands
Acts 14:9
This man was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses a man crippled from birth in Lystra who has been listening to his message. At this precise moment, Paul fixes his gaze on the man before issuing the command to stand.
The words — The Greek term ἀτενίσας (atenisas) translates literally as "having looked intently," denoting Paul's sustained visual focus on the listener. This deliberate observation directly precedes his recognition that the man possesses faith for healing.
The thread — This sequence of focused attention followed by faith-activated healing recurs when Peter looks at the lame beggar in Acts 3:4 and when Jesus questions blind men in Matthew 9:28. It aligns with Matthew 15:28, where declared faith immediately precedes the requested miracle.
Why it lands — The text explicitly states that Paul saw the man's faith before acting, making observation a factual step in the narrative. Readers must accept that the healing response depends on the specific faith present in the individual, not on the speaker's authority alone.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Cross-references
- Matthew 15:28 “O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
- Acts 3:4 Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter.
- Matthew 9:28 After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered.
- Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
- Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take courage, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that very hour.
- Matthew 13:58 And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
- Mark 1:40 Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
- Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
- Mark 2:11 “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
- Mark 9:23 “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!”