And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: (9) The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, (10) Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
We have here a most interesting account of a miracle wrought by Paul, in confirmation of the doctrines of grace. So Christ had promised, and here we behold the accomplishment. See Mark 16:17 to the end. It is worthy remark, that Peter and John opened their commission in the Jewish Church, with healing a cripple at the gate of the temple, Acts 3:2, etc. And here Paul and Barnabas commenced their public ministry to the Gentile Church, with healing a cripple also in the streets of Lystra. And both these cases were similar, being cripples from the womb, and never had walked, Striking emblems of the crippled state of the souls of God's people, by reason of sin; lame from the womb of nature, and such as not only never had walked, but as never could have walked, unless restored by Jesus Christ.
I beg the Reader to observe, what is said, concerning this man, bearing Paul speak. There is certainly somewhat more intended from the expression, than merely that hearing which is promiscuous, and what is general. And I confess, that I am the more inclined to this opinion, from what is said of the Apostle in remarking it. For it is added, that he, stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed; said with a loud voice, stand upright on thy feet. We know that the Apostles possessed the faculty of discerning spirits: for this was among the spiritual gifts given to them. See 1 Corinthians 12:10-11. And hence, by virtue of it, the Apostle perceived the faith this man had. Is it not probable, (I ask the question, but do not decide upon it), that the Lord, who placed this Cripple in the Apostle's way, did by him as he did by Lydia; opened his heart, to attend to the things which were spoken by Paul, Acts 16:14. Now, we are told, that faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Romans 10:17. And therefore, is it not as probable in the one instance, as in the other; that the Lord wrought a miracle of grace in the soul of this poor cripple, by regeneration, before that Paul, as the Lord's servant, wrought a work of mercy on the body, by healing him of his disease: and both, becoming blessed confirmations of the truth of the Gospel? However, be it as it may, one thing is certain: The poor cripple, at the Apostle's command, arose and stood on his feet, and leaped, and walked. And, Reader! do not overlook, that these were the promised effects which were to take place in the earth in the days of the Gospel, when the lame man should leap as an hart; and the tongue of the dumb sing, Isaiah 35:6
And, if the Reader will allow me to detain him a moment longer, over this sweet miracle of sovereign grace shewn, as we have reason to hope, both to body and soul, I would desire him to remark with me, the properties of grace, so beautifully illustrated as they are, in the example of this cripple. Here was no provision, no preparation, made on the part of the happy receiver. Yea, it is probable, that at the time, and perhaps after, he had no immediate consciousness, how much greater mercy he had been shewn to his soul, than to his body. Such, depend upon it, is the case, in the numberless instances that are going on continually in life. What David said, all God's children more or less find, and may with equal truth, say the same: The God of my mercy shall prevent me, Psalms 109:10. The Lord prevents, that is, goes before his people, in all their mercies. He is found of them that seek him not, Isaiah 65:1. Our whole Adam - nature, the Church, as well as the world, are all alike born crippled in all our faculties; yea, not merely crippled, but dead in trespasses and sins. There is no apprehension of this ruined state, in any one of the Adam race of our misery, much less a cry for deliverance from it. Therefore, when at any time the Lord healeth our souls, it is his preventing grace, not our application. The poor sinner is healed he knoweth not how; and faith is wrought in his heart in a way he hath no consciousness of. So wonderful, and powerful, are the works of grace. And oh! how infinitely more wonderful must He be in himself, and in the tendencies of his love towards his people, by whom the whole is wrought; and who is blessedly called, the God of all grace!