Acts 14:22
What does Acts 14:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 14:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 14:22 means
They strengthen the souls of the disciples, urging them to continue in the faith with realistic expectations: “through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.” The path to glory runs through hardship, as the apostles’ own sufferings attest. This is not pessimism but preparation, anchoring believers so they are not surprised by trials. The kingdom is certain, but the route includes afflictions that refine and prove faith. Pastoral ministry entails both encouragement and warning. The aim is perseverance—remaining steadfast in trust and obedience to the living God amid pressure, knowing that present trials are not the end but the way into His rule.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000confirming 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Confirming 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901confirming 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Making strong the souls of the disciples, saying to them that they were to keep the faith, and that we have to go through troubles of all sorts to come into the kingdom of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting to remain in the faith, and that through many tribulations it behoveth us to enter into the reign of God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890establishing the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to abide in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom ofGod.
Context
This verse explains what Paul and Barnabas did as they revisited Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (verse 21). It provides content to their strengthening ministry—exhortation toward perseverance and a theology of suffering. This realistic instruction matches the recent narrative experiences (stoning, opposition) and prepares churches to stand. The next verse (23) will show how they also organized church leadership by appointing elders with prayer and fasting, ensuring ongoing care after the missionaries depart. Together, these verses portray a comprehensive follow-up strategy: teaching, endurance, and structure.
v.21And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,
v.22This passage
v.23And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 12:25
He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
- Acts 11:23
who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord:
- John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me.
- Acts 18:23
And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
- Revelation 2:10
Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to 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 the crown of life.
- Acts 6:7
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
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