Acts 14:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὰς
the souls
G5590
ψυχὰς
the souls
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
3 of 22
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
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρακαλοῦντες
and exhorting them
G3870
παρακαλοῦντες
and exhorting them
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
6 of 22
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἐμμένειν
to continue
G1696
ἐμμένειν
to continue
Strong's:
G1696
Word #:
7 of 22
to stay in the same place, i.e., (figuratively) persevere
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστει
in the faith
G4102
πίστει
in the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
9 of 22
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πολλῶν
much
G4183
πολλῶν
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
15 of 22
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
1 Peter 5:10But 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 3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.John 16:33These 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.Revelation 2:10Fear 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.Romans 8:17And 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.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;Acts 18:23And 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.Revelation 7:14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.2 Peter 1:11For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Paul delivered this message while revisiting churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (AD 49)—cities where he'd recently faced persecution and stoning. His teaching from fresh experience authenticated that tribulation strengthens rather than invalidates faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the necessity of tribulation reshape contemporary comfort-focused Christianity?
- What comfort does this teaching offer believers currently facing persecution or hardship?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's message 'we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God' presents suffering as normative Christian experience, not exceptional. The Greek 'dei' (must) indicates divine necessity, not optional hardship. This realistic discipleship contrasts modern prosperity gospel, emphasizing that kingdom glory comes through present tribulation.