The book of Acts illustrates the truths expressed by the apostles in their letters to the churches. One example is how Acts 14:8-10 illustrates the truth taught in Romans 10:17.

In Romans 10, Paul says Israel needs someone to preach the Gospel to them. He then says that “faith comes from hearing ... the word of Christ.” “Word of Christ” can mean either the word(s) spoken by Christ as repeated by a preacher or words spoken about Christ by a preacher. The effect is the same—anyone preaching about Christ will no doubt quote some of Christ’s words. And those words produce faith. That’s what happened when Paul was in Lystra. A man who was crippled from birth, who had never walked, was listening to Paul preach. Paul looked at the man and saw “that he had faith to be healed” and told him to stand up—and he did (Acts 14:8-10)! The words of/about Jesus created faith in this man.

Do you need faith or know someone else who needs faith? Meditate on “the word of Christ” and trust God that faith will come.

Faith rests on the naked Word of God. That Word believed gives full assurance.
H. A. Ironside