Acts 14:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Confirming {G1991} the souls {G5590} of the disciples {G3101}, and exhorting them {G3870} to continue {G1696} in the faith {G4102}, and {G2532} that {G3754} we {G2248} must {G1163} through {G1223} much {G4183} tribulation {G2347} enter {G1525} into {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

strengthening the talmidim, encouraging them to remain true to the faith, and reminding them that it is through many hardships that we must enter the Kingdom of God.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:22 captures a crucial moment in the early church's development, as Paul and Barnabas, having faced intense persecution, revisited newly established communities of believers. Their pastoral message was twofold: to strengthen the disciples in their nascent faith and to candidly declare the unavoidable reality that entry into God's kingdom is often accompanied by significant tribulation. This verse underscores the necessity of perseverance and prepares believers for the challenges inherent in following Christ, while holding out the ultimate hope of God's sovereign reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:22 concludes a significant phase of Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey, detailed across [Acts chapters 13 and 14](/acts/13 "Paul and Barnabas's First Missionary Journey"). Immediately preceding this verse, Paul had been stoned and left for dead in Lystra ([Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Paul's Stoning in Lystra")), a vivid demonstration of the "much tribulation" he speaks of. Despite this harrowing experience, the apostles did not retreat. Instead, they courageously retraced their steps through Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (of Pisidia), the very cities where they had recently preached and established churches. Their deliberate return, despite the dangers, highlights their profound commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of these new converts, providing essential instruction and encouragement before their final return to Antioch in Syria. The verse thus serves as a summary of their crucial follow-up ministry, emphasizing the foundational truths necessary for enduring discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities addressed by Paul and Barnabas were nascent and vulnerable, composed of both Jewish converts and, significantly, a growing number of Gentiles. These believers lived in a Greco-Roman world dominated by pagan polytheism, emperor worship, and a strong emphasis on social conformity. Converting to Christianity often meant ostracism from family and community, economic hardship, and even violent persecution, as evidenced by Paul's own experience in Lystra. Unlike many contemporary philosophical schools that promised an easy path to wisdom or happiness, the apostles presented a faith that explicitly included suffering. This message was counter-cultural, preparing believers not for a life of ease but for a journey marked by opposition, yet ultimately leading to a glorious destination. The "kingdom of God" was not merely a future hope but a present reality that demanded allegiance and often incurred the wrath of the existing social and religious order.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 14:22 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Pastoral Nurturing and Discipleship**. Paul and Barnabas's actions demonstrate the vital role of spiritual leaders in "confirming the souls" of new believers, providing stability and grounding in the faith. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Perseverance in Faith**. The exhortation "to continue in the faith" underscores that conversion is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment requiring steadfastness, especially in the face of adversity. Thirdly, it addresses the **Reality and Purpose of Tribulation**. The declaration that "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" is a stark, honest assessment of the Christian journey, reframing suffering not as an anomaly but as an expected, even necessary, part of God’s redemptive plan. This theme resonates with Jesus' teachings about the cost of discipleship (e.g., [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")) and the apostles' consistent witness to suffering for Christ's sake. Finally, the verse points to the **Sovereignty and Consummation of the Kingdom of God**. The ultimate goal of enduring tribulation is "entrance into the kingdom of God," which encompasses both God's present spiritual reign in the lives of believers and the future, glorious manifestation of His eternal dominion. This hope provides the ultimate motivation for enduring hardship, as seen throughout the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 8:17-18](/romans/8-17-18 "Romans 8:17-18 - Suffering and Glory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confirming (Greek, _epistērízō'_):** This word (G1991) means "to support further, i.e. reestablish." It implies providing stability, strengthening, and establishing something firmly. In this context, Paul and Barnabas were not merely encouraging the disciples but actively reinforcing their spiritual foundations, ensuring their faith was deeply rooted against the inevitable storms of persecution and doubt. It suggests a proactive, intentional act of spiritual fortification.
* **Tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to press" or "to squeeze," _thlîpsis_ (G2347) denotes "pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." It vividly portrays the intense distress, hardship, and suffering experienced by the early believers, often in the form of persecution, but also encompassing various forms of affliction that "press" or "burden" the soul. It is not a light difficulty but a severe, crushing experience.
* **Must (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb (G1163) signifies that "it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding):--behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should." The use of _deî_ here is crucial; it indicates not a mere possibility or suggestion, but a divine necessity or obligation. It underscores that tribulation is not an accidental detour on the path to the kingdom but an integral and unavoidable part of God’s ordained process for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Confirming the souls of the disciples":** Paul and Barnabas actively engaged in strengthening the inner spiritual lives ("souls") of the new converts ("disciples"). This involved teaching, encouragement, pastoral care, and establishing them firmly in the truths of the Gospel. It speaks to the ongoing process of discipleship beyond initial conversion, ensuring spiritual resilience.
* **"and exhorting them to continue in the faith":** This clause emphasizes the call to steadfastness and perseverance. The apostles urged the disciples to remain unwavering in their trust in Christ and adherence to Christian doctrine, recognizing that faith is not a static belief but a dynamic, enduring commitment, especially vital when facing opposition.
* **"and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God":** This is the core declaration. The "we" includes the apostles themselves, demonstrating that suffering is a universal experience for believers. The word "must" (G1163, _deî_) highlights the divine necessity of this process. "Much tribulation" (G4183 _polýs_ + G2347 _thlîpsis_) indicates that significant hardship is the divinely appointed pathway through which believers "enter into the kingdom of God," referring to both the present spiritual reign of God and the future consummation of His eternal dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 14:22 employs several impactful literary devices. The primary device is **Didacticism**, as the verse serves as direct instruction and teaching from the apostles to the new believers. It is a clear, concise theological statement intended to inform and shape their understanding of the Christian journey. Closely related is **Realism**, as the apostles present an unvarnished truth about the nature of discipleship, explicitly stating that "much tribulation" is an unavoidable reality. This contrasts sharply with any potential false hopes of an easy path, preparing the disciples mentally and spiritually for hardship. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the present "much tribulation" and the ultimate goal of "the kingdom of God." This juxtaposition highlights the temporal nature of suffering against the eternal weight of glory, providing a powerful motivation for endurance. The verse also functions as a form of **Prophetic Warning and Encouragement**, simultaneously foretelling difficulty and providing the necessary spiritual fortitude to face it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:22 stands as a foundational statement on Christian discipleship, echoing a pervasive New Testament theme: suffering is not an anomaly but an expected and often necessary component of the believer's journey toward the kingdom of God. This truth challenges superficial understandings of faith, positioning tribulation not as a sign of divine disfavor but as a crucible for spiritual refinement and a pathway to deeper communion with Christ. The apostles' willingness to revisit and teach this difficult truth, even after their own severe persecution, underscores the integrity of their message and the transformative power of a faith that embraces hardship. It connects the experience of the early church directly to the pattern set by Christ Himself, who entered His glory through suffering, thereby establishing a paradigm for all who follow Him. The kingdom of God, in this context, is both a present spiritual reality into which believers are initiated and a future, glorious inheritance that motivates perseverance through present trials.

* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:22 offers timeless wisdom for every believer. In a world that often promises ease and comfort, this verse serves as a sober reminder that the path of genuine discipleship is frequently marked by tribulation. This understanding is not meant to discourage but to equip us with a realistic expectation, preventing disillusionment when difficulties inevitably arise. It calls us to cultivate spiritual resilience, recognizing that God uses trials to refine our character, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to Him. Just as Paul and Barnabas strengthened the early disciples, we are called to actively "confirm the souls" of fellow believers, offering encouragement, sound teaching, and practical support, especially when they face hardship. Our perseverance in faith, despite suffering, becomes a powerful testimony to the hope of the kingdom of God, a hope that transcends any earthly trial and anchors our souls in eternal realities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current understanding of the Christian life align with the reality of "much tribulation" as presented in this verse?**
* **In what ways have I experienced "tribulation" in my faith journey, and how has it (or how could it) contribute to my spiritual growth?**
* **How can I better "continue in the faith" when faced with discomfort or opposition, drawing strength from the promise of the "kingdom of God"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "confirm the souls" of other disciples in my community, especially those who are struggling?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that all Christians must suffer intensely to enter the kingdom of God?**

Answer: Acts 14:22 states that "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." The Greek word for "must" (G1163, _deî_) denotes a divine necessity or obligation. This does not mean that every believer will experience the same *intensity* or *type* of suffering as Paul and Barnabas, but it does establish suffering as an expected and integral part of the Christian journey. Tribulation, in its broader sense, encompasses various forms of pressure, hardship, and opposition—from social ostracism and misunderstanding to persecution and physical affliction. The New Testament consistently teaches that following Christ involves taking up one's cross ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")) and sharing in His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")). While God's grace always provides strength to endure ([1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "1 Corinthians 10:13 - God's Faithfulness in Temptation")), the verse emphasizes that the path to God's kingdom is rarely one of unmitigated ease.

**What does "the kingdom of God" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 14:22, "the kingdom of God" (G932, _basileía_ + G2316, _theós_) carries a dual meaning, encompassing both a present spiritual reality and a future eschatological hope. Presently, it refers to God's sovereign rule and reign in the hearts and lives of those who submit to Christ. Believers "enter" this kingdom through repentance and faith, experiencing its power and blessings now ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). However, the phrase also points to the future, consummated reign of God, when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom in its fullness ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). The tribulation mentioned in the verse is the pathway through which believers persevere to fully inherit this future glorious kingdom, emphasizing that our ultimate hope and reward lie beyond present sufferings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:22, with its stark declaration that "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who entered glory through suffering. The Gospels consistently portray Jesus as a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows")), enduring rejection, misunderstanding, and immense physical and spiritual agony on the cross. His journey to the kingdom, culminating in His resurrection and ascension, was precisely "through much tribulation." Moreover, Jesus Himself taught that His followers would share in His suffering, instructing them to "take up his cross daily and follow me" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")). Therefore, the tribulation experienced by believers is not arbitrary but is a participation in the sufferings of Christ ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), a conformity to His pattern, and a means by which God brings "many sons to glory" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")) through the "Captain of their salvation." It is Christ who confirms our souls, exhorts us to continue in the faith, and, having pioneered the way through tribulation, guarantees our entrance into His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

2 Timothy 3:12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

1 Thessalonians 3:4

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.