Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 5:8

"Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk." — John 5:8 (ASV)

The healing was not a response to a request, nor did it presuppose an expression of faith on the part of the man. Jesus asked him to do the impossible —to stand on his feet, pick up his bedroll, and go his way. Renewed by the miraculous influx of new power, the man responded at once and did so. Jesus supplied even the will to be cured!