John Calvin Commentary Acts 14:22

"confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God." — Acts 14:22 (ASV)

And exhorting them. This was the principal way to confirm them, as they urged the disciples who had previously embraced the Gospel and professed it, to go forward by exhorting them. For we are far from being as ready and steadfast as we ought to be. Therefore, our laziness needs prodding, and our coldness must be warmed.

But because God wills His people to be exercised with various combats, Paul and Barnabas admonish the disciples to be ready to suffer tribulation. This is a very necessary admonition: that we must engage in warfare in this world, so that we may live well and godly. If the flesh did not molest us, if Satan attempted nothing, if the wicked did not trouble us with any stumbling blocks, it would not be such a troublesome thing to persevere, because that would be a sweet walk through a soft and pleasant way.

But because infinite assaults arise on every side and every moment, which tempt us to fall away, this is where the difficulty arises, and therefore the virtue of constancy is so rare. Therefore, so that we may persist even to the end, we must be prepared for war.

But Luke does not speak in this place only of the persecutions which the adversaries raise against us with drawn swords and flaming fires. He includes under the word tribulations all sorrows and miseries to which the life of the godly is subject. This is not because the faithful alone are miserable, for this is the common state of both the good and the bad.

From this also comes that famous proverb: It is best not to be born, and the next best to die very quickly. But while God often spares the wicked and fattens them with prosperity, He is more severe and hard toward His children. For besides common molestations, they are uniquely oppressed with many hardships, and the Lord humbles them with such exercises, keeping their flesh under correction lest it grow wanton. He awakens them, lest they lie sleeping upon earth.

To these are added the reproaches and slanders of the wicked, for the godly must be, as it were, the offscourings of the world. Their simplicity is laughed at, but the wicked use mocks and scoffs, principally against God. Last of all, the lust of the wicked breaks out into open violence, so that the godly need to strive with many tribulations. It cannot be otherwise than that all their life will be troubled and unquiet amidst so many enemies.

But this is the best comfort, and one which is sufficient to confirm their minds: that this way (though it is hard and sharp) leads to the kingdom of heaven. For we gather from this that the miseries of the godly are more blessed than all the foolish dainties and delights of the world.

Therefore, let us remember, first, that this condition is appointed for us: that we suffer many tribulations. Yet let us also remember to add this, to mitigate its bitterness: that by these tribulations we are brought to the kingdom of God.

Furthermore, the babbling of those who gather from this that patience is a work which deserves eternal salvation is frivolous. This is because the cause of salvation is not being discussed here, but rather how God usually deals with His people in this world. The comfort is added, not to extol the dignity and merit of works, but only to encourage the godly, so that they do not faint under the burden of the cross.

All mankind, as we have said before, everyone alike, is subject to many miseries. But the afflictions of the reprobate are nothing else to them but the very gateway to hell. These afflictions, however, turn into a blessed and joyful end for the saints, and for them they turn out well.

And so, consequently, these tribulations are helps toward salvation, because God's people are united with Christ. We must note that Paul and Barnabas, not being content with the plural number, plainly declare many tribulations, lest anyone, after he has suffered one or two, or a few, should finally sink down.

Therefore, let the faithful understand that they must pass through continual miseries. That being done, let them prepare themselves not for one kind of persecution only, but for various kinds. For though God deals with some people more courteously and gently, yet He pampers none of His own so daintily that they are free from all tribulations.