Acts 14:22

Authorized 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐπιστηρίζοντες

G1991

Confirming

to support further, i.e., reestablish

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχὰς

G5590

the souls

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῶν

G3101

of the disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

παρακαλοῦντες

G3870

and exhorting them

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἐμμένειν

G1696

to continue

to stay in the same place, i.e., (figuratively) persevere

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστει

G4102

in the faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#12

διὰ

G1223

through

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#13

πολλῶν

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#14

θλίψεων

G2347

tribulation

pressure (literally or figuratively)

#15

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#16

ἡμᾶς

G2248

#17

εἰσελθεῖν

G1525

enter

to enter (literally or figuratively)

#18

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#19

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

βασιλείαν

G932

the kingdom

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

#21

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?

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