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.

ACTS 14:22KJV
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Acts 14:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 14:22 mean?

Acts 14:22 describes how Paul and Barnabas encouraged and strengthened the followers of Jesus, urging them to keep trusting in their faith, and reminding them that entering God’s kingdom often involves going through many hardships. The verse emphasizes that difficulties are a normal part of following Jesus and reaching God’s promised kingdom.

Paul and Barnabas are speaking to groups of new believers in several cities as they revisit them on their missionary journey. They are making sure these disciples are firm in their faith and understand that facing trouble is not a sign of failure, but something expected for those who follow Jesus. The verse highlights both the support given to early Christians and the realistic message that faith does not mean an easy life.

The Greek behind Acts 14:22

  • "Confirming" (ἐπιστηρίζοντες, epistērizontes): This word means to strengthen or support. Here, it shows that Paul and Barnabas were actively helping the disciples become more secure and steady in their beliefs, not just encouraging them with words but helping them stand firm.
  • "Souls" (ψυχὰς, psychas): This word refers to the inner life or whole person, not just emotions. The focus is on deeply supporting the disciples at the core of who they are.
  • "Tribulation" (θλῖψις, thlipsis): This word means pressure, trouble, or suffering. The Greek carries the sense of real, pressing difficulties, not just minor inconveniences. The verse makes clear that such challenges are part of the journey for believers.
  • "Enter" (εἰσελθεῖν, eiselthein): This word means to go into or become part of something. Here, it is about becoming part of God’s kingdom, showing that the path involves real effort and perseverance.

Why Acts 14:22 matters

  • Acts 14:22 corrects the idea that faith in Jesus guarantees an easy life, showing instead that hardship is part of the journey for believers.
  • The verse highlights the importance of strengthening and encouraging one another in faith, especially in the face of difficulties.
  • Acts 14:22 connects to the wider story of Paul and Barnabas, showing their care for the new churches and their honesty about what following Jesus really involves.

Where else these words appear

“continue” Greek G1696 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
  • Hebrews 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

“Confirming” Greek G1991 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
  • Acts 18:23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

“tribulation” Greek G2347 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
  • Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

“souls” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.