strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
22. And exhorting them. This was the principal way to confirm, in that they provoke the disciples who had before embraced the Gospel and did profess it, to go forward by exhorting them; for we are far from being so ready and stout “Prompti et strenui,” prompt and strenuous. as we ought. Therefore our laziness needeth pricks, and our coldness must be warmed.
The Jews from Antioch pursued Paul everywhere, restless to strangle the Gospel wherever it gained ground. They turned the fickle mob against him with accusations of sedition, and the people stoned him and dragged him out as dead; yet God raised him up again. See how easily carnal hearts swing from one extreme of evil to another, for want of sober consideration.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 14:19-28
Confirming the souls of the disciples,.... Not wicked men in their wickedness, nor self-righteous persons in an opinion of their own righteousness, as sufficient for justification, both being contrary to the nature and tendency of the ministry of the word; the Gospel being a doctrine according to godliness, and a revelation of the righteousness of Christ; but the disciples and followers of Jesus, whom they...