Acts 14:22

Confirming (episthrizonte). Late verb (in LXX), in N.T. only in Acts 14:22 ; Acts 15:32 Acts 15:41 , to make more firm, to give additional (epi) strength. Each time in Acts the word is used concerning these churches. To continue in the faith (emmenein th pistei). To remain in with locative, old verb. It is possible that pisti here has the notion of creed as Paul uses it later ( Colossians 1:23 with epimenw; 1 Timothy 5:8 ). It seems to be here more than trust or belief. These recent converts from heathenism were ill-informed, were persecuted, had broken family and social ties, greatly needed encouragement if they were to hold out. We must (dei hma). It does not follow from this use of "we" that Luke was present, since it is a general proposition applying to all Christians at all times ( 2 Timothy 3:12 ). Luke, of course, approved this principle. Knowling asks why Timothy may not have told Luke about Paul's work. It all sounds like quotation of Paul's very language. Note the change of construction here after parakalounte (infinitive of indirect command, emmenein, but oti dei, indirect assertion). They needed the right understanding of persecution as we all do. Paul frankly warned these new converts in this heathen environment of the many tribulations through which they must enter the Kingdom of God (the culmination at last) as he did at Ephesus ( Acts 20:20 ) and as Jesus had done ( John 16:33 ). These saints were already converted.