Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. "We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
strengthening the souls
The phrase "strengthening the souls" indicates a process of fortifying the inner being of believers. The Greek word for "strengthening" is "epistērizō," which means to support further or to make more firm. This suggests an ongoing process of spiritual encouragement and reinforcement. In the early church, as in today's church, believers faced numerous challenges and persecutions. The apostles understood the necessity of building a strong spiritual foundation to withstand trials. This strengthening is not merely emotional but deeply spiritual, involving teaching, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

of the disciples
The term "disciples" refers to followers or learners of Jesus Christ. In the Greek, "mathētēs" is used, which means a student or apprentice. This highlights the relational and educational aspect of the early Christian community. Discipleship in the early church was not a passive experience but an active, committed journey of learning and growing in the faith. The apostles were dedicated to nurturing these disciples, ensuring they were grounded in the teachings of Christ and equipped to carry on the mission of the church.

encouraging them to continue in the faith
"Encouraging" comes from the Greek word "parakaleō," which means to call to one's side, to comfort, or to exhort. This implies a personal and communal effort to uplift and motivate believers. The phrase "to continue in the faith" underscores the importance of perseverance. The early church faced significant opposition, and the apostles knew that steadfastness in faith was crucial. This encouragement was not just about maintaining belief but actively living out one's faith in daily life, despite challenges.

and saying, 'It is through many tribulations
The word "tribulations" is translated from the Greek "thlipsis," which refers to pressure, affliction, or distress. The apostles were realistic about the Christian journey, acknowledging that it involves hardships. This was a common theme in the New Testament, as Jesus Himself warned of persecution for His followers. The early Christians understood that suffering was not a sign of God's absence but a part of the refining process of faith.

that we must enter the kingdom of God.'
The phrase "enter the kingdom of God" speaks to the ultimate hope and goal of the Christian life. The "kingdom of God" is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing both a present reality and a future hope. The use of "must" indicates necessity and inevitability, suggesting that enduring tribulations is an integral part of the journey to God's kingdom. This perspective offers believers a sense of purpose and assurance, knowing that their trials are not in vain but are part of God's divine plan for their ultimate glorification and eternal life with Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul and Barnabas
Key figures in the early Christian church, known for their missionary journeys and efforts to spread the Gospel. In this context, they are returning to the cities where they had previously preached to strengthen and encourage the new believers.

2. Disciples
Refers to the early Christians in the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, who had accepted the message of Jesus Christ and were in need of encouragement and strengthening in their faith.

3. Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch
Cities in the region of Galatia where Paul and Barnabas had preached the Gospel and established churches. These locations were significant centers of early Christian activity.

4. Strengthening and Encouraging
The act of building up the faith and resolve of the disciples, ensuring they remain steadfast in their beliefs despite challenges.

5. Hardships
The trials and tribulations faced by believers as they live out their faith, which are seen as necessary for entering the kingdom of God.
Teaching Points
Endurance in Faith
Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith despite facing trials and tribulations. This endurance is a testament to their commitment to Christ and is necessary for spiritual growth.

The Role of Community
Just as Paul and Barnabas strengthened and encouraged the disciples, Christians today are called to support one another in their faith journeys, providing encouragement and strength.

Understanding Hardships
Hardships are not to be seen as a sign of God's absence but as a part of the Christian journey that refines and strengthens faith, preparing believers for the kingdom of God.

Kingdom Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps believers to endure present difficulties, knowing that these trials are temporary and lead to eternal glory.

Active Discipleship
The process of strengthening and encouraging others in the faith is an active part of discipleship, requiring intentionality and commitment to the spiritual well-being of others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we practically strengthen and encourage fellow believers in our community today, as Paul and Barnabas did for the early disciples?

2. What are some personal hardships you have faced, and how have they contributed to your spiritual growth and understanding of God's kingdom?

3. In what ways can we cultivate a community that supports and uplifts each other during times of trial, reflecting the early church's example?

4. How does maintaining a kingdom perspective help us to endure present challenges, and what scriptures can we meditate on to reinforce this perspective?

5. Reflect on a time when you were encouraged by another believer. How did that experience impact your faith, and how can you pass on that encouragement to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 1:2-4
This passage speaks about considering it pure joy when facing trials because the testing of faith produces perseverance, which is necessary for spiritual maturity.

2 Timothy 3:12
This verse highlights that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will face persecution, reinforcing the message of enduring hardships.

Matthew 5:10-12
Jesus' teaching on the Beatitudes, where He blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, promising them the kingdom of heaven.
Consolations on the Way to the KingdomBp. Hall.Acts 14:22
Continuance in the FaithC. J. Hoare, M. A.Acts 14:22
Difficulties in the WayH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Acts 14:22
Spiritual ConfirmationR.A. Redford Acts 14:22
The Condition of TribulationDean Alford.Acts 14:22
The Necessity of TribulationW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 14:22
The Necessity of TribulationT. Starr King.Acts 14:22
The Path of TribulationEssex Congregational RemembrancerActs 14:22
The Process of PurificationW. G. Barrett.Acts 14:22
The Way of TribulationK. Gerok.Acts 14:22
The Way to the KingdomA. Raleigh, D. D.Acts 14:22
Through Tribulation to GloryHomilistActs 14:22
Through Tribulation to the KingdomR. Tuck Acts 14:22
Tribulation and its UsesJ. H. Evans, M. A.Acts 14:22
Tribulation, its NecessityActs 14:22
Tribulation: its Necessity and IssueH. Melvill, B. D.Acts 14:22
We Grow Best Under WeightsJ. R. Miller, D. D.Acts 14:22
Apostles and Crusaders on the Same TrackJ. S. Howson, D. D.Acts 14:19-28
Dangers and SuccessesR.A. Redford Acts 14:19-28
End of Paul's First Missionary JourneySermons by the Monday ClubActs 14:19-28
Fickleness of the PopulaceActs 14:19-28
From Derbe to AntiochD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 14:19-28
Stoning the GodsT. Champness.Acts 14:19-28
The Best Gain of a Servant of God Returning HomeActs 14:19-28
The Close of the First Missionary JourneyJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 14:19-28
The End of the First Missionary JourneyM. C. Hazard.Acts 14:19-28
The Fickleness of the LystriansJ. S. Howson, D. D.Acts 14:19-28
The Minister's WorkActs 14:19-28
The Stoning of PaulS. S. TimesActs 14:19-28
The Christian Leader and the NovitiateW. Clarkson Acts 14:21-23
Return to Antioch: a Picture of Apostolic ActivityE. Johnson Acts 14:21-28
The Return HomeP.C. Barker Acts 14:21-28
People
Barnabas, Hermes, Jupiter, Mercurius, Paul
Places
Attalia, Derbe, Iconium, Lycaonia, Lystra, Pamphylia, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Syrian Antioch
Topics
TRUE, Afflictions, Behoveth, Confirming, Continue, Disciples, Encouraging, Enter, Establishing, Everywhere, Exhorting, Faith, Fast, Hardships, Hold, Kingdom, Making, Reign, Saying, Sorts, Souls, Strengthened, Strengthening, Strong, Tribulation, Tribulations, Troubles, Warned
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 14:22

     1175   God, will of
     1462   truth, in NT
     2377   kingdom of God, entry into
     5565   suffering, of believers
     5569   suffering, hardship
     6233   rejection, experience
     7024   church, nature of
     7120   Christians
     8026   faith, growth in
     8027   faith, testing of
     8116   discipleship, cost
     8413   edification
     8418   endurance
     8463   priority, of faith, hope and love
     8795   persecution, nature of
     9315   resurrection, of believers

Acts 14:1-23

     7924   fellowship, in service

Acts 14:21-22

     2425   gospel, requirements
     5569   suffering, hardship
     7756   preaching, content

Acts 14:21-23

     7741   missionaries, task

Acts 14:21-28

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 14:22-23

     8791   oppression, nature of

Library
Dream and Reality
'The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.' --ACTS xiv. 11. This was the spontaneous instinctive utterance of simple villagers when they saw a deed of power and kindness. Many an English traveller and settler among rude people has been similarly honoured. And in Lycaonia the Apostles were close upon places that were celebrated in Greek mythology as having witnessed the very two gods, here spoken of, wandering among the shepherds and entertained with modest hospitality in their huts. The
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'The Door of Faith'
'And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.'--ACTS xiv. 27. There are many instances of the occurrence of this metaphor in the New Testament, but none is exactly like this. We read, for example, of 'a great door and effectual' being opened to Paul for the free ministry of the word; and to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia, 'He that openeth and none shall shut' graciously
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Deified and Stoned
'And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Cripple at Lystra
There are two or three points in this narrative to which I shall call your attention to-night, making, however, the lame man the center of the picture. We shall notice, first of all, what preceded this lame man's faith; secondly, wherein lay his faith to be healed; and thirdly, what is the teaching of the miracle itself, and the blessing which the lame man obtained through faith. I. WHAT WAS IT WHICH PRECEDED HIS FAITH? That "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," is a great and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications.
But along with the genuine and trustworthy matter, the compiler has embodied much that is unattested and in many cases inherently improbable, and even some things that are demonstrably untrue. i. The Miraculous Details.--To the category of the improbable--the fiction of hagiology or the growth of myth--belong the miracles so freely ascribed to Ephraim and the miraculous events represented as attending on his career. It is noteworthy that Ephraim himself, though no doubt he believed that he was
Ephraim the Syrian—Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian

St. Barnabas' Day. We Preach unto You that Ye Should Turn from These Vanities unto the Living God which Made Heaven
St. Barnabas' Day. We preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: who in time past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7,7 Sollt ich meinem Gott nicht singen [130]Paul Gerhardt. 1659. trans. by Catherine
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should be Transfigured?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was not fitting that Christ should be transfigured. For it is not fitting for a true body to be changed into various shapes [figuras], but only for an imaginary body. Now Christ's body was not imaginary, but real, as stated above ([4222]Q[5], A[1]). Therefore it seems that it should not have been transfigured. Objection 2: Further, figure is in the fourth species of quality, whereas clarity is in the third, since it is a sensible quality. Therefore Christ's assuming
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
1. What the cross is. By whom, and on whom, and for what cause imposed. Its necessity and dignity. 2. The cross necessary. 1. To humble our pride. 2. To make us apply to God for aid. Example of David. 3. To give us experience of God's presence. 3. Manifold uses of the cross. 1. Produces patience, hope, and firm confidence in God, gives us victory and perseverance. Faith invincible. 4. 2. Frames us to obedience. Example of Abraham. This training how useful. 5. The cross necessary to subdue the wantonness
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
'And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so hath the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Paul at Athens
'Then Paul stood In the midst of Mars-hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To the Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24. God, that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25. Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Publisher to the Reader.
There are no sermons I know of any divine or pastor in this kingdom, that have been more frequently printed, or more universally read and esteemed, than the elegant and judicious discourses of Mr. Binning, which were published after his death, at different times, in four small volumes. As there was a great demand for these valuable writings, about twenty six years ago; so these printed copies of them were compared with his own manuscript copy now in my hand, carefully revised, and then printed, in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Apostles To-Day?
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are ye not my work in the Lord?"--1 Cor. ix. 1. We may not take leave of the apostolate without a last look at the circle of its members. It is a closed circle; and every effort to reopen it tends to efface a characteristic of the New Covenant. And yet the effort is being made again and again. We see it in Rome's apostolic succession; in the Ethical view gradually effacing the boundary-line between the apostles and believers;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Letter xi (Circa A. D. 1120) the Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims
The Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims He consoles this abbot for the departure of the Monk Drogo and his transfer to another monastery, and exhorts him to patience. 1. How much I sympathize with your trouble only He knows who bore the griefs of all in His own body. How willingly would I advise you if I knew what to say, or help you if I were able, as efficaciously as I would wish that He who knows and can do all things should advise and assist me in all my necessities. If brother Drogo had consulted
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Holy violence
"But," says one, "do you wish us to understand, that if a man is to be saved he must use violence and vehement earnestness in order to obtain salvation?" I do, most assuredly; that is the doctrine of the text. "But," says one, "I thought it was all the work of God." So it is, from first to last. But when God has begun the work in the soul, the constant effect of God's work in us is to set us working; and where God's Spirit is really striving with us, we shall begin to strive too. This is just a test
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
[19] "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons."--Phil. 1:1. THIS opening verse of St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians is a very remarkable text of Scripture. I suspect it receives far less attention from Bible- readers than it deserves. Like the gold of California, men have walked over it for centuries, and have not observed what was under their feet. In fact, if some Anglican divines had stood at the
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves Incumbent on all Rational Beings,
even antecedent to the consideration of their being the positive will and command of God, yet that which most strongly confirms, and in practice most effectually and indispensably enforces them upon us, is this; that both from the perfections of God, and the nature of things, and from several other collateral considerations, it appears, that as God is himself necessarily just and good in the exercise of his infinite power in the government of the whole world, so he cannot but likewise positively
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
A.D. 45-70 Section 1. The First Mission to the Gentiles. [Sidenote: A.D. 45.] [Sidenote: St. Paul and St. Barnabas sent to preach to the heathen.] It would seem that in the special Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. Luke[1], the Church in Antioch was seeking guidance of her Divine Head as to her duties with respect to the gentile world in the midst of which she was placed; and that the command of the Holy Ghost to consecrate St. Paul and St. Barnabas as Apostles to the
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop .
To Anastasius, Bishop [1602] . Gregory to Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14), because that great river which once had left the rocks of Antioch dry has returned at length to its proper channel, and waters the subject valleys that are near, so as also to bring forth fruit, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some an hundred-fold. For now there is no doubt that many flowers of souls are growing up in its valleys, and that
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

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