In Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet and had never walked, for he had been crippled from birth. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. And Paul, looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And the man sprang up and began to walk. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonia language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” … (Paul said) “We are mortals just like you, and we bring you Good News, that you should turn from these worthless things to the Living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Acts 14:10-11, 15

See those who have been taught to use Christ’s healing power! Paul demonstrates this. Although these folks in Lystra have been raised to worship idols and are not familiar with the true Living God, Paul’s upright words turn them toward truth in faith believing as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts to receive the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Paul points out that in past generations God allowed all the nations to follow their own ways, still faithfully loving each follower, and now the upright and righteous Messiah Savior has come and been Resurrected so that Christ’s Presence may live within hearts. Yet even with these words some in the crowds had a difficult time leaving their traditional idol worship and fully taking salvation.

Then the Jews from Antioch and Iconium come and insight the crowds to stone Paul and drag him out of the city of Lystra thinking him dead. The disciples surround Paul, praying and believing, and the next day upright Paul goes with Barnabas to Derbe. This shows us a segment of continuous miracles of healing. We see the tremendous risk to offer salvation’s Good News in towns, cities, and countrysides. Sincerely, this is our call to stand upright too.