And they were preaching the gospel there. And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" And he leaped and walked. Acts 14:7-10
Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Lystra (v.7). Though the Lord did miracles through these men, their primary activity and goal was to preach the gospel—not to perform miracles.
This man whose feet and legs did not work heard the preaching of the gospel (v.8-9) Even before the man received a gift of physical healing, he heard and apparently received the Lord as a result of the preaching. Why might we think this? Because Paul saw that the man “had faith to be healed” (v.9).
What kind of faith was that and how did Paul observe it? The man apparently received the Lord, professing saving faith in Christ. Granted, saving faith does not guarantee physical healing, but Paul was given supernatural insight that in addition to saving this man, God also wanted to heal him physically (v.9).
The Lord, through Paul, granted this newly saved man, physical healing of his feet and legs. The man not only stood, “he leaped and walked!” (v.10)
The kindness of the Lord! Oh! The kindness of the Lord!