Confirming the Souls

2024-11-08

The word “confirm” is used four times in a certain sense.

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. (Acts 14:21-22)

After much persecution, Paul and Barnabas go back to churches they started, “Confirming the souls of the disciples.” The phrase here is further defined by exhortation to continue in the faith and assuring them that all life is filled with tribulation until the kingdom comes.

So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. (Acts 15:30-32)

The prophets Judas and Silas came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Because of their reputation, they were chosen to deliver the letter from the Jerusalem Council. They also encouraged the people, and by their encouragement, “confirmed them.”

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. (Acts 15:41)

Paul and Silas went back through the churches Paul had started to encourage the believers.

And 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. (Acts 18:23)

The word “strengthening” is the same word as “confirming.” The confirming and exhortation of Christians strengthens them.