Lexical Summary epistérizó: To strengthen, to support, to establish Original Word: ἐπιστηρίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance confirm, strengthen. From epi and sterizo; to support further, i.e. Reestablish -- confirm, strengthen. see GREEK epi see GREEK sterizo HELPS Word-studies 1991 epistērízō (from 1909 /epí, "suitably on, fitting" and 4741 /stērízō, "make firm") – properly, "prop up, uphold, support, confirm" (Souter), i.e. support (establish) in an apt, fitting way; to confirm as it builds on the Lord's previous work of faith (note the force of the prefix epi, "upon"). This process strengthens by extending the understanding that precedes, as it supports what must follow. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and stérizó Definition to make stronger NASB Translation strengthened (1), strengthening (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1991: ἐπιστηρίζωἐπιστηρίζω; 1 aorist ἐπεστηριξα; a later word; to establish besides, strengthen more; to render more firm, confirm: τινα, one's Christian faith, Acts 14:22; Acts 15:32, 41; Acts 18:23 R G. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept Strong’s Greek 1991 expresses the deliberate action of reinforcing believers so that their faith, resolve, and doctrinal footing are made firmer. It conveys more than a passing word of comfort; it pictures intentional follow-up that stabilizes new disciples and protects congregations from wavering. Occurrences in Acts Acts 14:22 records Paul and Barnabas “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. ‘We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said”. This first occurrence establishes the pattern: strengthening comes through exhortation that joins comfort with realistic expectation of tribulation. Acts 15:32 shows Judas and Silas doing the same after the Jerusalem Council: “Both Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers”. The context links strengthening with prophetic ministry that applies freshly clarified doctrine. Acts 15:41 follows Paul and Silas as they revisit the churches in Syria and Cilicia, “strengthening the churches.” The revisiting itself is the method—personal presence, teaching, and accountability. Acts 18:23 closes Paul’s second missionary journey: “After spending some time there, Paul set out again and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples”. By this stage the young churches faced Judaizing pressure and lingering pagan influences; strengthening became essential for doctrinal purity and moral perseverance. Apostolic Strategy of Strengthening 1. Re-visitation: Apostles refused to regard converts as finished products. They physically returned, valuing embodiment and face-to-face fellowship. Confirmation of Doctrine and Discernment The word appears around moments when the gospel’s purity is tested—Gentile inclusion (Acts 14–15) and Judaizing controversy (Acts 18). Strengthening therefore guards against error. It is inseparable from Scripture’s sufficiency: believers are secured by truth, not by ingenuity. Pastoral Implications: Encouragement amid Trial The hardships the early believers faced—persecution, cultural ostracism, internal doubt—mirror trials faced by Christians in every era. Strengthening provides: Continuing Relevance for the Church Today Modern ministry that mirrors Acts will integrate evangelism with systematic follow-up. Churches strengthen disciples when they: The four uses of Strong’s 1991 form a cohesive narrative: the gospel plants churches, and intentional strengthening preserves them. The Spirit who empowered the apostles continues to fortify Christ’s body through Word-centered, relational ministry. Forms and Transliterations επεστήρικτο επεστηριξαν επεστήριξαν ἐπεστήριξαν επεστήριξας επεστηρίχθη επεστηρίχθην επιστηριζομένη επιστηριζοντες επιστηρίζοντες ἐπιστηρίζοντες επιστηριζων επιστηρίζων ἐπιστηρίζων επιστηρισθή επιστηριχθή επιστηριώ επιστοιβάσουσιν epesterixan epestērixan epestḗrixan episterizon episterízon epistērizōn epistērízōn episterizontes episterízontes epistērizontes epistērízontesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 14:22 V-PPA-NMPGRK: ἐπιστηρίζοντες τὰς ψυχὰς NAS: strengthening the souls KJV: Confirming the souls of the disciples, INT: strengthening the souls Acts 15:32 V-AIA-3P Acts 15:41 V-PPA-NMS Acts 18:23 V-PPA-NMS Strong's Greek 1991 |
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