TSK · Acts 14:22

Strengthen the hands that have gone limp, steady the knees that shake!

And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were astonished at these words. But again Jesus said to them,“Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

“You are the ones who have remained with me in my trials.

Jesus answered,“I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

The one who loves his life destroys it, and the one who hates his life in this world guards it for eternal life.

“Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love.

“I have told you all these things so that you will not fall away.

The word of God continued to spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,

Both Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a long speech.

After he spent some time there, Paul left and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith,

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.

Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Condemnation of the False Teachers Dear friends, although I have been eager to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel compelled instead to write to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

I, John, your brother and the one who shares with you in the persecution, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.

So I said to him,“My lord, you know the answer.” Then he said to me,“These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb!