What does Acts 14:10 mean?

While Paul preaches in Lystra, he notices a man crippled from birth who has placed his faith in Jesus. Paul realizes his faith is not just to salvation but to healing (Acts 14:8–9). Instead of telling the man he is healed, or declaring the healing has happened, he commands the man to live out that healing by standing.

Peter did something similar on the steps of the temple, telling a lame man to "rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). Jesus told a paralytic, "rise, pick up your bed, and go home" (Mark 2:11) and an invalid, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk" (John 5:8). The men responded by acting immediately.

In the Bible, God often gives His prophets and servants the ability to heal to authenticate their message. But sometimes, He allows the listener to experience healing as an affirmation they have placed their faith in Him. In response, they are called to immediately live as a healed person—often by getting up and walking. When the Holy Spirit heals us of an emotional or spiritual wound or even of a physical ailment, we need to remember that He does so for the purpose that we live healed lives. We forgive and live in freedom, or we work for His kingdom, even leading others to healing.

If we have faith in Jesus for salvation, we will receive some kind of healing, particularly spiritual. The proper response is to live like that is the case.