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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul and Barnabas speak to the disciples in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, having just returned from Derbe and before appointing elders (v. 23). They are reinforcing the community in the act of departure.

The words — ἐπιστηρῶ (epistērō) is not the generic "strengthen" but a physical term for bracing or propping up something that is collapsing; it implies the disciples are in a state of near-failure requiring structural support.

The thread — The same logic runs through John 16:33 (tribulation is the condition of the world), 2 Timothy 3:12 (persecution is the mark of godly living), and 1 Peter 5:10 (suffering precedes eternal glory).

Why it lands — It removes the expectation that hardship signals failure or marks a detour; endurance is presented as the very mechanism by which one enters the kingdom, not an obstacle to it.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Cross-references

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
1 Thessalonians 3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
Romans 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Luke 22:28 You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials.
Acts 18:23 After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.