Acts 14:23

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.

Acts 14:23 (KJV)

Context

Acts 14:23 appears near the end of Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey. They had just been stoned in Lystra, yet they returned to strengthen the disciples in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. In each new congregation, they appointed elders, prayed with fasting, and commended these leaders to the Lord. The Greek word translated “ordained” is cheirotonesantes, which literally means “to elect or appoint by raising hands,” indicating a formal, deliberate act. This was done in every church, showing that the pattern was consistent for each congregation, not an exception.

Meaning

The verse highlights three essential actions: ordaining elders, praying with fasting, and commending them to the Lord. Ordaining elders meant appointing local leaders to shepherd and oversee the new believers. This was not a casual decision but a deliberate act of establishing church order. Prayer and fasting accompanied the appointment, demonstrating reliance on God’s guidance and wisdom in choosing leaders. The Greek word for “commended” is parethento, meaning “to place beside” or “entrust.” Paul and Barnabas entrusted the elders to the Lord, recognizing that ultimate authority and care for the church belong to God, not to human leaders.

Biblical connections

This verse establishes a foundational pattern for local church leadership. The practice of appointing elders was rooted in the synagogue model familiar to Jewish communities of the diaspora. The act of commending the elders to the Lord emphasizes that the church’s foundation is faith in Christ, not in human leaders. The elders were entrusted to the Lord “on whom they believed,” highlighting that their faith was in God, who is faithful to care for His people.

Application

Acts 14:23 reminds us that church leadership is a serious spiritual responsibility. Leaders should be appointed with prayer and fasting, seeking God’s direction. It also teaches us to entrust our leaders to the Lord, recognizing that He is the ultimate shepherd of the church. This verse encourages us to support and pray for those in leadership, knowing that their strength and wisdom come from God. It also calls us to trust in God’s providence for the health and growth of the church, even in the face of persecution and hardship.

Reflection

Consider how you view church leadership. Do you see it as a human institution or as a divine calling? Acts 14:23 challenges us to prioritize prayer and fasting when making important decisions, especially in the church. It also invites us to rest in the assurance that God cares for His church and its leaders. As we entrust our leaders to the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and our dependence on Him in all aspects of ministry.