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Acts 14

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

And there they preached the gospel.

And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

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.

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

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.

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and 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 times 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.

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

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.

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

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.

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

What does Acts 14:22 mean?

Explanation

Acts 14:22 serves as a poignant reminder to early Christians about the nature of their faith journey.

The verse suggests that discipleship involves both an internal and external process: internally, in the strengthening of one's soul and perseverance in faith, and externally, through the unavoidable encounter with tribulation.

The phrase "Confirming the souls of the disciples" implies that the apostles were offering support and fortification to the believers’ inner lives, ensuring that they were spiritually robust.

The following exhortation, "to continue in the faith," is a call to steadfastness, adherence to Christian teachings, and unwavering belief in the face of adversity.

This verse indicates that entering "into the kingdom of God" is inherently linked with overcoming challenges, and that suffering and trials are to be expected as part of the Christian experience.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 14:22 falls within the account of Paul and Barnabas's missionary journeys in the book of Acts, authored by Luke.

The two apostles were traveling to spread the Gospel and establish Christian communities in the 1st century Greco-Roman world.

This particular verse is part of a larger narrative where Paul and Barnabas return to the cities where they had previously preached, with the purpose of strengthening the new converts.

The early church faced significant oppression from both Jewish religious leaders and Roman authorities, and converts to Christianity often experienced persecution.

The historical context of this verse is deeply interwoven with the early Christian experience of opposition and resilience.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates two key themes:

Perseverance of Saints - The exhortation to continue in the faith could be seen as an echo of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.

This doctrine suggests that true followers of Christ will persevere in their faith regardless of tribulations; their journey, though difficult, confirms their ultimate salvation.

Theodicy - This is the defense of God's goodness in the face of evil and suffering. By suggesting that tribulations are a necessary part of the journey to God's kingdom, the verse might be interpreted to mean that these trials have a purpose as part of God's divine plan.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied to modern life as a source of strength and encouragement. It implies that:

Challenges are expected as part of life's journey, particularly when living according to one's principles. 2.

Believers should seek and provide mutual support to reinforce their faith and resolve. 3.

Perseverance through difficulties is seen not just as an obstacle, but as a pathway to something greater.

Cross-References

Romans 5:3-4: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"
James 1:2-4: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

2 Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Language Study

The term "confirming" (ἐπιστηρίζοντες - episterizontes) in the Greek can mean to establish further or make more firm.

Thus, it's an act of support and reinforcement. Similarly, "tribulation" (θλίψεων - thlipseon) often suggests distress or affliction, with connotations of being squeezed or pressured.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparative to other ancient worldviews, suffering in the Christian context is distinct in its association with a meaningful and purpose-driven life. Other philosophies like Stoicism advocate for endurance, but Christianity adds a unique salvific purpose to enduring hardships.

Scientific Perspectives

Though not directly related to science, this verse may align with psychological understandings of resilience and growth through adversity. Modern psychological theories, like post-traumatic growth, resonate with the idea that individuals can emerge stronger from their struggles.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree that Acts 14:22 highlights the necessity of strengthening believers and preparing them for the hardships they will face.

John Calvin spoke of the necessity of trials in shaping and proving our faith, while Matthew Henry emphasized the encouragement needed by early Christians in the context of persecution.

Modern commentators often focus on the motivational aspects of this verse for Christian life today, underlining the certainty of challenges and the role of the community in helping individuals to overcome them.

Acts 14

Acts 14

What does Acts 14:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 14:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?