Book of Acts - Chapter 14 - Verse 9

Paul was known for his powerful preaching and healing abilities, as mentioned in this verse. The phrase "who stedfastly beholding him" suggests that Paul looked intently at the individual, perhaps studying their demeanor or expression. This careful observation led him to "perceive that he had faith to be healed." This indicates that Paul was able to discern the man's strong belief in the possibility of healing. In the context of this verse, faith is shown to play a crucial role in receiving healing. By recognizing the man's faith, Paul was able to facilitate the healing process. This verse highlights the importance of faith in both the recipient of healing and the healer. It also illustrates Paul's ability to connect with individuals on a deep spiritual level, enabling him to perform miracles through the power of faith.

The phrase "steadfastly beholding him" in this verse from Acts 14:9 is a key part of Paul's healing ministry. The Greek word for "steadfastly beholding" is "atenizo," which means to look intently or to fix one's gaze upon something. In this context, it signifies Paul's focused attention on the man in need of healing, implying a deep connection and empathy with the individual. This action of intense observation indicates Paul's deliberate and intentional approach to understanding the man's condition and needs before proceeding with the healing. Additionally, the word "perceiving" in this verse is translated from the Greek word "horao," which suggests a spiritual insight or discernment beyond mere physical observation. It indicates that Paul was able to perceive or discern the man's level of faith, leading him to confidently declare that the man had the faith to be healed. This combination of steadfastly beholding and perceiving shows the importance of attentiveness, empathy, and spiritual discernment in carrying out acts of healing and ministry, exemplifying a holistic approach to meeting human needs.