Strengthening, encouraging, and saying.

When it comes to the saying, it is a good thing that the strengthening and encouraging came first, because it is also a dire word of, not warning, not caution, but simple truth that entering the kingdom is not for cowards.

"… 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 14:22 ESV)