We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God
Acts 14:22 teaches: "Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’”
This statement highlights a central truth of the Christian journey: suffering is not accidental, but essential to spiritual maturity and kingdom entry. The apostles, having just endured severe persecution (Acts 14:19), urged new believers to remain steadfast, knowing that trials test and purify our faith (James 1:2–4).
Jesus Himself declared, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).
Jesus warned His followers in John 15:20, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” Suffering, then, is not an obstacle to God’s plan but part of it. Romans 8:17 affirms, “If indeed we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified with Him.”
Paul echoes this in 2 Timothy 3:12: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” But the suffering of the saints is never in vain. As 2 Corinthians 4:17 promises, “For our light affliction… is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
However, this path is not taken by half-hearted people.Only those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep the commandments of Jesus, and do the will of the Father can faithfully endure these trials. The overcomers in Revelation 2–3 are those who remain faithful even unto death (Revelation 2:10).
Therefore, Acts 14:22 reminds us that inheriting the kingdom of God does not depend on human comfort, but on committing ourselves to God.Tribulation will purify the faithful and distinguish ordinary believers from the disciples of Jesus.
Those who believe in Christ because of their love for God and obedience to God will withstand every test and inherit the eternal kingdom that God promised to the saints.
