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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/14-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/44_Act_14_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 14:23 - The Return to Syrian Antioch" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/14-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/14-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/14-22.htm" title="Acts 14:22">◄</a> Acts 14:23 <a href="/acts/14-24.htm" title="Acts 14:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/14.htm">New International Version</a> Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. <a href="/nlt/acts/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. <a href="/esv/acts/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/bsb/acts/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. <a href="/blb/acts/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now having chosen elders for them in every church, having prayed, with fasting they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. <a href="/kjv/acts/14.htm">King James Bible</a> And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. <a href="/nkjv/acts/14.htm">New King James Version</a> So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/nasb_/acts/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/nasb/acts/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/nasb77/acts/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/lsb/acts/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/amp/acts/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they believed [and joyfully accepted as the Messiah]. <a href="/csb/acts/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/hcsb/acts/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/asv/acts/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. <a href="/cev/acts/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Paul and Barnabas chose some leaders for each of the churches. Then they went without eating and prayed that the Lord would take good care of these leaders who had trusted in the Lord. <a href="/erv/acts/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. <a href="/gwt/acts/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They had the disciples in each church choose spiritual leaders, and with prayer and fasting they entrusted the leaders to the Lord in whom they believed. <a href="/gnt/acts/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> In each church they appointed elders, and with prayers and fasting they commended them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. <a href="/isv/acts/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/msb/acts/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. <a href="/net/acts/14.htm">NET Bible</a> When they had appointed elders for them in the various churches, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the protection of the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/nheb/acts/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When they had appointed elders for them in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. <a href="/wbt/acts/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when they had ordained for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. <a href="/wey/acts/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And in every Church, after prayer and fasting, they selected Elders by show of hands, and commended them to the Lord on whom their faith rested. <a href="/web/acts/14.htm">World English Bible</a> When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on whom they had believed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and having appointed to them elders in every assembly by vote, having prayed with fastings, they commended them to the LORD in whom they had believed. <a href="/blb/acts/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now having chosen elders for them in every church, having prayed, with fasting they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. <a href="/ylt/acts/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and having appointed to them by vote elders in every assembly, having prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/slt/acts/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And having chosen them elders in the church, having prayed with fasting, they set them before the Lord, in whom they had believed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when they had ordained to them priests in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed. <a href="/cpdv/acts/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 14:22>And when they had established priests for them in each church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed. <a href="/nabre/acts/14.htm">New American Bible</a> They appointed presbyters for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with them with fasting, they commended them to our LORD, on whom they believed. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they appointed them Elders in every church while they were fasting with them and praying, committing them to our Lord in whom they had believed.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. <a href="/godbey/acts/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And electing elders for them in every church, praying with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed. <a href="/haweis/acts/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then appointing them presbyters in every city, by prayer with fastings they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and after they had by prayers and fastings establish'd Pastors for them in every church, they recommended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. <a href="/wey/acts/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And in every Church, after prayer and fasting, they selected Elders by show of hands, and commended them to the Lord on whom their faith rested. <a href="/worrell/acts/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, having appointed elders for them in every assembly; and, having prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord on Whom they had believed. <a href="/worsley/acts/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when they had appointed them elders in every church, praying and fasting, they recommended them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. <a href="/parallel/acts/14-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=4782" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/14.htm">The Return to Syrian Antioch</a> …22strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5500.htm" title="5500: Cheirotonēsantes (V-APA-NMP) -- From a comparative of cheir and teino; to be a hand-reacher or voter, i.e. to select or appoint.">Paul and Barnabas appointed</a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyterous (Adj-AMP) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elders</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">for them</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">in each</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsian (N-AFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church,</a> <a href="/greek/4336.htm" title="4336: proseuxamenoi (V-APM-NMP) -- To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.">praying</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3521.htm" title="3521: nēsteiōn (N-GFP) -- Fasting, the day of atonement. From nesteuo; abstinence; specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement.">fasting</a> <a href="/greek/3908.htm" title="3908: parethento (V-AIM-3P) -- From para and tithemi; to place alongside, i.e. Present; by implication, to deposit.">as they entrusted</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord,</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pepisteukeisan (V-LIA-3P) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">they had believed.</a> 24After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5</a> The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1-7</a> This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ... <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">1 Peter 5:1-3</a> As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17-28</a> From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. / When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. / I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. ... <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">1 Timothy 5:17</a> Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. <a href="/james/5-14.htm">James 5:14</a> Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a> And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:12-13</a> But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. / In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a> And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. <a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">2 Timothy 2:2</a> And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Matthew 18:18</a> Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">2 Corinthians 8:19</a> More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the gracious offering we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help. <a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Exodus 18:25-26</a> So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.they had.<a href="/acts/1-22.htm">Acts 1:22</a> Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.<a href="/mark/3-14.htm">Mark 3:14</a> And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,<a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">1 Timothy 5:22</a> Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.elders.<a href="/acts/11-30.htm">Acts 11:30</a> Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.<a href="/acts/15-4.htm">Acts 15:4,6,23</a> And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them… <a href="/acts/20-17.htm">Acts 20:17</a> And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.and had.<a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1-3</a> Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul… they commended.<a href="/acts/14-26.htm">Acts 14:26</a> And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.<a href="/acts/20-32.htm">Acts 20:32</a> And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.<a href="/luke/23-46.htm">Luke 23:46</a> And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/13-48.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/14-20.htm">Barnabas</a> <a href="/acts/14-1.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/acts/10-41.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/luke/16-8.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/acts/11-30.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/acts/13-3.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Fastings</a> <a href="/acts/14-17.htm">Food</a> <a href="/acts/14-3.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/14-18.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/13-48.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/acts/14-19.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/13-3.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/acts/13-3.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/2-3.htm">Rested</a> <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/acts/6-5.htm">Selected</a> <a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/acts/12-17.htm">Show</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Barnabas</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Church</a> <a href="/acts/14-26.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/acts/14-26.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/acts/27-33.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">Fastings</a> <a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Food</a> <a href="/acts/17-24.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/16-9.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/acts/16-13.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-4.htm">Rested</a> <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/acts/15-22.htm">Selected</a> <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/acts/16-17.htm">Show</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 14</div>1. <a href="/acts/14-1.htm">Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium.</a> 8. <a href="/acts/14-8.htm">At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods.</a> 19. <a href="/acts/14-19.htm">Paul is stoned.</a> 21. <a href="/acts/14-21.htm">They pass through various churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience.</a> 26. <a href="/acts/14-26.htm">Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The term "elders" refers to mature, spiritually qualified leaders responsible for teaching, shepherding, and overseeing the church. This practice aligns with Jewish synagogue traditions where elders played a significant role. The appointment of elders by Paul and Barnabas indicates a structured approach to church governance, ensuring continuity and stability. This practice is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5</a> and <a href="/1_timothy/3.htm">1 Timothy 3:1-7</a>, which outline the qualifications and responsibilities of church leaders.praying and fasting Prayer and fasting were integral to the decision-making process in the early church, reflecting a dependence on divine guidance. This spiritual discipline is seen throughout Scripture, such as in the ministry of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/4-2.htm">Matthew 4:2</a>) and the early church's commissioning of missionaries (<a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2-3</a>). Fasting, often coupled with prayer, signifies earnestness and humility before God, seeking His will and blessing for the task at hand. This practice underscores the seriousness with which Paul and Barnabas approached the appointment of church leaders.as they entrusted them to the Lord Entrusting the newly appointed elders to the Lord signifies a recognition of God's ultimate authority and care over the church. This act of entrustment reflects a deep faith in God's sovereignty and provision. It parallels the biblical theme of committing one's work to the Lord, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Proverbs 16:3</a>. By entrusting the elders to God, Paul and Barnabas acknowledge that the success and growth of the church depend on divine guidance and protection.in whom they had believed This phrase emphasizes the faith of the early Christians in the Lord Jesus Christ. The foundation of their belief is the gospel message preached by Paul and Barnabas, which centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust in Christ as Savior and Lord. The phrase connects to the broader New Testament theme of faith as the means of salvation, as articulated in passages like <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a> and <a href="/romans/10-9.htm">Romans 10:9-10</a>. The faith of these early believers is the basis for their inclusion in the church and their participation in its mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> A key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and extensive contributions to the New Testament. In this passage, he is actively involved in establishing church leadership. 2. <a href="/topical/b/barnabas.htm">Barnabas</a> A fellow missionary and companion of Paul, known for his encouragement and support in the early church. He plays a significant role in the appointment of church elders. 3. <a href="/topical/e/elders.htm">Elders</a> Leaders appointed in the early church to oversee and shepherd the congregation. Their appointment signifies the establishment of church order and governance. 4. <a href="/topical/c/churches.htm">Churches</a> The local assemblies of believers in various cities where Paul and Barnabas ministered. These communities were foundational to the spread of Christianity. 5. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_and_fasting.htm">Prayer and Fasting</a> Spiritual disciplines practiced by Paul and Barnabas as they sought God's guidance and blessing in appointing church leaders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_church_leadership.htm">The Importance of Church Leadership</a> The appointment of elders underscores the necessity of strong, godly leadership in the church to guide and nurture the congregation. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment_through_prayer_and_fasting.htm">Spiritual Discernment through Prayer and Fasting</a> Paul and Barnabas's use of prayer and fasting highlights the need for spiritual discernment and reliance on God when making significant decisions. <a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_the_lord.htm">Commitment to the Lord</a> Committing the elders to the Lord reflects a trust in God's sovereignty and provision for the church's future. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> The establishment of elders in each church fosters a sense of community and accountability, ensuring that the church remains grounded in biblical teaching. <a href="/topical/c/continuity_of_apostolic_tradition.htm">Continuity of Apostolic Tradition</a> The practice of appointing elders connects the early church to the apostolic tradition, maintaining continuity in church governance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 14</a> <a href="/q/how_do_associate_and_assistant_pastors_differ.htm">What distinguishes an Associate Pastor from an Assistant Pastor?</a> <a href="/q/church_governance_types.htm">What are the different forms of church governance?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_become_a_pastor.htm">What steps are needed to become a pastor?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_catholic_cardinal.htm">What defines a Catholic cardinal?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) And when they had ordained them elders.--The word for "ordained" occurs in the New Testament here and in <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm" title="And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:">2Corinthians 8:19</a>, where it is translated "chosen," and certainly seems to imply popular election (election by show of hands), which is, indeed, the natural meaning of the word. In <a href="/acts/10-41.htm" title="Not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.">Acts 10:41</a> a compound form of the verb is translated "chosen of God," and clearly excludes any action but that of the divine will. Used, as it is here, of the act of the two Apostles, not of the Church, the latter meaning seems most in harmony with the context. There may have been, as in <a href="/acts/6-3.htm" title="Why, brothers, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.">Acts 6:3</a>, a previous election; or the names of those who were to be appointed may have been submitted to the approval of the Church; but the word cannot in itself be held to imply either. On the institution of elders, see Note on <a href="/acts/11-30.htm" title="Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.">Acts 11:30</a>. It is interesting here to note (1) that Paul and Barnabas, by virtue of the authority which as Apostles they had received, primarily from Christ (<a href="/galatians/1-1.htm" title="Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)">Galatians 1:1</a>) and mediately from the Church of Antioch (<a href="/acts/13-3.htm" title="And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.">Acts 13:3</a>), exercised the right of appointing, or, in later phrase, ordaining elders. (2) They plant among the Churches of the Gentiles the organisation which we have found in that of Jerusalem, and which was itself based on that of the Synagogue, not on that of the Temple. (3) As this appears as the first appointment, it would seem to follow that the disciples had in the meantime met, and taught, and baptised, and broken bread without them. Organisation of this kind was, i.e., important for the permanence of the life of the Church as such, but not essential to its being, or to the spiritual growth of individual members. (4) It will be remembered that the "elders" so appointed were the same as those who, in the Apostolic Church, were known as "bishops" or "overseers (episcopi), what we call distinctive episcopal functions being reserved for the Apostles, or for their personal representatives (<a href="/1_timothy/4-16.htm" title="Take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that hear you.">1Timothy 4:16</a>; <a href="/titus/1-5.htm" title="For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you:">Titus 1:5</a>; see Note on <a href="/acts/20-28.htm" title="Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.">Acts 20:28</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Appointed for them for ordained them, A.V. (χειροτονήσαντες) ; had believed for believed, A.V. The original meaning of χειροτονέω is "to stretch out the hand," and the substantive χειροτονία is used in the LXX. of <a href="/isaiah/58-9.htm">Isaiah 58:9</a> for "the putting forth of the finger" of the A.V. But the common meaning of the verb is "to vote by stretching out the hand" and hence "to elect" by a show of hands (<a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">2 Corinthians 8:19</a>), or simply "to appoint," without any reference to voting. In the choice of an apostle the election was by lot (<a href="/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26</a>), in the appointment of deacons the choice was by the people, how indicated we are not told (<a href="/acts/6-5.htm">Acts 6:5</a>); the question here, on which commentators disagree, is whether the use of the word χειροτονέω indicates voting by the people, selection by the apostles, or simple creation or appointment. As χειροτονήσαντες is predicated of Paul and Barnabas, it cannot possibly refer to voting by the people, who are included in the able, as those on whose behalf the χειροτονία was made. It seems simplest and most in accordance with the classical use of the word and its use in <a href="/acts/10-41.htm">Acts 10:41</a> (προκεχειροτονημένοις), to take it in the sense of creation or appointment (see Steph., 'Thesaur.'). There is no reference to the laying on of hands. Elders (see <a href="/acts/11-30.htm">Acts 11:30</a>, note; Acts 20:17; and especially <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5, 7</a>, where we see that πρεσβύτερος was synony- mous with ἐπίσκοπος). From πρεσβύτερος is formed prestos, priest, in French prestre, pretre. Comp. <a href="/acts/13-3.htm">Acts 13:3</a>, for fasting and prayer as accompaniments of ordination. Hence in the Church ordinations are preceded by the Ember days. They commended them to the Lord (comp. <a href="/acts/20-32.htm">Acts 20:32</a>). In ver. 26 the word used is παραδεδομένοι. <a href="/commentaries/acts/14-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Paul and Barnabas] appointed Χειροτονήσαντες (Cheirotonēsantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5500.htm">Strong's 5500: </a> From a comparative of cheir and teino; to be a hand-reacher or voter, i.e. to select or appoint. elders πρεσβυτέρους (presbyterous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. for them αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. in each κατ’ (kat’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). church, ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. praying προσευξάμενοι (proseuxamenoi) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4336.htm">Strong's 4336: </a> To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship. [and] μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. fasting νηστειῶν (nēsteiōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3521.htm">Strong's 3521: </a> Fasting, the day of atonement. From nesteuo; abstinence; specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement. as they entrusted παρέθεντο (parethento) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3908.htm">Strong's 3908: </a> From para and tithemi; to place alongside, i.e. Present; by implication, to deposit. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord, Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. whom ὃν (hon) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. they had believed. πεπιστεύκεισαν (pepisteukeisan) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 14:23 When they had appointed elders for them (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/14-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 14:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 14:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/14-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 14:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 14:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>