Acts 14:22 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

Spiritual confirmation.

"Confirming the souls of the disciples." Connect with the narrative, showing that spiritual aggressiveness at Antioch was the sign of a deep and true spiritual life. The haste and superficiality of the teaching from place to place. Confirmation not a ceremony, but a process.

I. CONFIRMATION OF FAITH . Continue in the faith—both objective and subjective; not a creed alone, if that was given at all, but the real root or spiritual life. Faith was discipleship.

II. CONFIRMATION IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH . "Ordained [or, 'appointed'] them elders in every Church." A settled ministry; an orderly maintenance of worship. Preparation for work in the neighborhood.

III. CONFIRMATION OF HOPE . The kingdom in view. Work towards the future. Tribulation prepares for higher life.—R.