When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
The above passage is from the stories of Paul and his activities among the churches. He had a great passion to present others to Christ and to strengthen the believers after he lead them to Christ. When we lead people to Christ we also have an obligation to strengthen them in Christ. It is God who provides the strength, but is our responsibility in the community to encourage them and to strengthen them in their walk with Christ. Notice these other places in Acts where Paul spent time strengthening the believers:
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 15:32 (ESV)
And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.
Acts 15:41 (ESV)
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Paul and his missionary partners knew the importance of strong believers. The world during Paul’s time, like our own today, was not in favor of Christ and those of the “Way.” We are to strengthen our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. That is our role in their lives.
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