In Acts 14:22, Paul says that "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom..." What does this verse (and others) mean?
Poll Results
In Acts 14:22, Paul says that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom…” What does this verse (and others) mean?
The combined tribulations of life and unique ones because of our faith Votes: 8
Only the sufferings that occur because of our faith (persecution, discrimination, etc.) Votes: 1
Sufferings for faith that some but not all Christians experience Votes: 1
Other or undecided Votes: 1
There are many verses in the New Testament about suffering in general, and suffering for our faith in particular. Do all true Christians suffer for their faith? 2 Timothy 3:12 seems to imply this:
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
Unless, of course, saved people can live their entire lifetime without desiring to live a godly life, which I don’t think is likely.
Still, when we hurt ourselves, get in accidents, are diagnosed with a disease, are victims of crime, etc., are those “holy” tribulations, or are they not included in the sufferings of the “Christian?” Your comments and thoughts, please.
"The Midrash Detective"
I don’t know if it’s really a doctrinal statement as such or an observation for the people that it was being preached to.
Looking at the surrounding verses, we see where Paul had just been stoned by the Jews (v.19) of some of the communities that Paul gave this message to (v.21).
Seeing that Paul had just suffered what appeared to be death for the cause of Christ from some people that were living in the same towns as those Paul gave this message to, it seems more of a particular message for those living there that the price of following Christ can be hard.
Discussion