At the conclusion of the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13–14), they revisited the cities in which they had planted churches. The instruction given to such new converts, which Luke records in a compact manner (Acts 14:22–23), is surely significant. Besides appointing elders and praying for them, we are told that they strengthened the new disciples by “encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).