Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 14:22

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

It is not enough to Sow the Seed of the Word, but it must be Watered also, frequent endeavours must be used, that it may be fruitful. Thus the Apostles return to visit such as they had Preached unto. The persecution they had endured encreasing their resolution for God, and their strength from him.

Lest they should be offended at what they saw St. Paul had endured, or themselves might be called to endure, they Preach unto them the Doctrine of the Cross, not hiding from them the miseries which in this World the profession of Christ, and his Truths might bring upon them. God hath indeed dealt all along thus with his People. The troubles which the Israelites met with in the Wilderness, in their Journy towards an Earthly Canaan, did Typify the Calamities which God[illegible: 1 letter] People will meet with in this World, as they Journy towards the Heavenly Canaan, or Ierusalem, which is above.

Marginal references: Chap. 11.23.; Luk. 22.28, 29. Rom. 8.17. 2 Tim. 1.12.