Acts 14:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they had ordained {G5500} them {G846} elders {G4245} in every {G2596} church {G1577}, and had prayed {G4336} with {G3326} fasting {G3521}, they commended {G3908} them {G846} to the Lord {G2962}, on {G1519} whom {G3739} they believed {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After appointing elders for them in every congregation, Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord in whom they had put their trust.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:23 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, detailing Paul and Barnabas's strategic establishment of indigenous leadership within the newly formed Christian communities across Asia Minor. This verse highlights the apostles' commitment to consolidating the work of evangelism by ordaining elders in every church, a process underscored by fervent prayer and fasting, culminating in the profound act of commending these nascent congregations and their leaders to the sovereign care of the Lord in whom they had placed their faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 14:23 marks a significant turning point in Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Having preached the Gospel, witnessed conversions, and endured severe persecution—including Paul being stoned and left for dead in Lystra (see [Acts 14:19-20](/acts/14-19-20 "Paul Stoned in Lystra"))—they did not simply move on. Instead, they "returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch" ([Acts 14:21](/acts/14-21 "Paul and Barnabas Return to Cities")) to strengthen the disciples, encourage them to persevere in the faith, and warn them that "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" ([Acts 14:22](/acts/14-22 "Entering the Kingdom Through Hardship")). This verse, therefore, is the culmination of their consolidation efforts, demonstrating a deliberate and organized approach to church planting that went beyond initial evangelism to establish stable, self-sustaining communities. The "ordination" of elders was a crucial step in ensuring the long-term spiritual health and governance of these fledgling churches.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian movement was rapidly expanding beyond its Jewish origins into the Gentile world. As new converts were made in diverse cities, the need for stable leadership became paramount. The concept of "elders" (Greek: _presbyteroi_) was not new; it was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where elders served as respected leaders in synagogues and communities, providing guidance, teaching, and judicial oversight. The early church adapted this established model, appointing mature and wise individuals to shepherd the Christian congregations. The practice of "praying with fasting" was also a common and serious spiritual discipline in both Jewish and early Christian contexts, signifying deep dependence on God for guidance, particularly in weighty decisions such as the appointment of leaders. This practice underscored the belief that human efforts, however well-intentioned, required divine anointing and direction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **establishment of church structure and leadership**, emphasizing the importance of local, indigenous leadership for the health and continuity of the Christian community. The appointment of elders ensured that these new churches would not be dependent solely on itinerant apostles but would have their own spiritual guides. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **spiritual discipline and divine dependence** in ministry. The act of "prayed with fasting" demonstrates that the selection and commissioning of leaders was not a mere administrative task but a profoundly spiritual undertaking, requiring intense seeking of God's will. This mirrors the church in Antioch's sending of Paul and Barnabas, which also involved [prayer and fasting](/acts/13-3 "Paul and Barnabas Sent Out"). Finally, the theme of **divine sovereignty and human entrustment** is prominent. By "commending them to the Lord," Paul and Barnabas acknowledged that ultimate authority and the future success of these churches rested not on their own apostolic authority or the elders' capabilities, but on God's faithful providence and sustaining power. This mirrors the apostles' own reliance on God's power, as seen in their declaration that God had [opened a door of faith to the Gentiles](/acts/14-27 "God Opens a Door of Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ordained (Greek, _cheirotonéō'_):** From G5500, this word literally means "to stretch out the hand," often in the context of voting or appointing by a show of hands. However, in the New Testament, particularly in this context, it signifies selection or appointment by those in authority, rather than a democratic election by the congregation. Here, it conveys the authoritative and deliberate act of Paul and Barnabas in designating leaders for the churches, likely with the affirmation or recognition of the local believers. It emphasizes a divine appointment mediated through apostolic authority.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** From G4245, meaning "older" or "senior." As a noun, it refers to a senior individual, and specifically in the New Testament, an overseer or leader in the Christian church. These were mature, experienced, and respected individuals entrusted with the spiritual oversight, teaching, and pastoral care of the congregation. The term carries connotations of wisdom, dignity, and authority, drawing on the established role of elders in Jewish communal life.
* **commended (Greek, _paratíthēmi'_):** From G3908, meaning "to place alongside," "to present," or "to deposit as a trust or for protection." This word powerfully conveys the act of entrusting something precious into the care of another. In this verse, it signifies Paul and Barnabas entrusting the newly appointed elders and the entire congregations to the Lord's protective care, guidance, and provision. It highlights a profound act of faith and relinquishment, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty over His church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had ordained them elders in every church":** This clause describes the deliberate and systematic establishment of local leadership. Paul and Barnabas, having evangelized and gathered believers, recognized the necessity of stable, internal governance for the nascent Christian communities. The term "ordained" (G5500 _cheirotonéō_) implies a formal appointment, likely by the apostles themselves, possibly with communal affirmation. The phrase "every church" underscores the widespread nature of their mission and their commitment to ensuring that each new congregation had its own mature, qualified leaders (G4245 _presbýteros_) to provide spiritual guidance, teaching, and oversight.
* **"and had prayed with fasting":** This phrase reveals the profound spiritual seriousness and dependence on God that accompanied the process of leadership selection. The pairing of "prayed" (G4336 _proseúchomai_) and "fasting" (G3521 _nēsteía_) indicates a period of intense spiritual seeking, self-denial, and focused supplication. It signifies that the apostles did not make these crucial appointments lightly or based solely on human wisdom, but sought divine wisdom and anointing for those chosen to lead, recognizing the immense spiritual responsibility involved.
* **"they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.":** This final clause highlights the ultimate act of entrustment and faith. After appointing leaders and seeking God's guidance, Paul and Barnabas "commended" (G3908 _paratíthēmi_) the elders and the churches to the sovereign care of "the Lord" (G2962 _kýrios_). This act acknowledges that the true success and preservation of the church depend not on human effort or organizational structure alone, but on God's faithfulness. The phrase "on whom they believed" reinforces the foundation of their entire ministry: a deep, abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting Him to sustain and grow the work they had initiated.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 14:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through the coupling of "prayed with fasting." This pairing is not merely descriptive but serves to underscore the gravity and spiritual intensity of the leadership appointment process. It highlights the early church's profound dependence on divine guidance for critical decisions, elevating the act beyond a mere administrative task to a sacred spiritual undertaking. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "every church." Here, "church" (G1577 _ekklēsía_) refers not just to the physical gathering places but to the entire body of believers, the Christian community itself. This emphasizes the widespread and organized nature of the apostolic mission to establish Christian communities with their own leadership. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche** by referring to "elders" as representing the entire leadership structure and spiritual authority within these new congregations, where a part (the elders) stands for the whole (the established spiritual governance).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:23 is a foundational text for understanding the early church's ecclesiology and missional strategy. It demonstrates the apostles' commitment not only to evangelism but also to discipleship and the establishment of stable, self-governing Christian communities. Theologically, it underscores the principle that the church is a divine institution, ultimately sustained by the Lord, yet requiring human responsibility in establishing godly leadership. The act of "ordaining elders" reflects the New Testament pattern of qualified, mature leaders being appointed to shepherd God's flock, ensuring sound doctrine, pastoral care, and orderly governance. The spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting highlight the essential reliance on the Holy Spirit for all aspects of ministry, particularly in weighty decisions concerning leadership. Ultimately, the "commending" of the churches to the Lord is an act of profound faith, recognizing God's sovereignty as the true builder and sustainer of His church.

* [1 Timothy 3:1-7](/1_timothy/3-1-7 "Qualifications for Overseers")
* [Titus 1:5-9](/titus/1-5-9 "Qualifications for Elders")
* [Acts 6:1-6](/acts/6-1-6 "Appointment of the Seven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:23 offers timeless principles for the life and health of the church in every generation. It calls us to recognize the vital importance of intentional, prayerful leadership development. Healthy churches do not emerge by accident; they are cultivated through a deliberate process of identifying, equipping, and commissioning qualified individuals who are called to shepherd God's people. This verse challenges us to approach all significant decisions, especially those concerning spiritual leadership, with profound spiritual seriousness, bathing them in fervent prayer and, where appropriate, fasting, demonstrating our absolute dependence on God's wisdom and guidance. Furthermore, it reminds us that while we are called to be faithful stewards and diligent workers in God's kingdom, the ultimate success and flourishing of the church rest not on our abilities or strategies, but on the unfailing faithfulness and sovereign power of the Lord. We are called to do our part with diligence and then, in an act of deep trust, commend the work, the leaders, and the entire community to Him, knowing that He is fully capable of sustaining and growing His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my church identify and develop new leaders, and how can we better integrate spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting into this process?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I trying to rely solely on human effort, rather than truly commending the outcome to the Lord?**
* **What does "believing in the Lord" practically mean for how I approach challenges and decisions within my local church community?**

### FAQ

**What does "ordained" mean in the context of Acts 14:23, and how does it relate to modern church practices?**

Answer: In Acts 14:23, the Greek word translated "ordained" is _cheirotonéō_ (G5500), which literally means "to stretch out the hand," often implying election by a show of hands. However, in this New Testament context, it is best understood as Paul and Barnabas authoritatively selecting or appointing individuals to the office of elder, likely with the affirmation of the local congregation. It signifies a formal, deliberate commissioning for spiritual leadership. In modern church practices, "ordination" generally refers to the official recognition and commissioning of individuals for ministry, often involving a public ceremony, prayer, and the laying on of hands by existing spiritual leaders. While the specific methods may vary (some denominations emphasize congregational election, others hierarchical appointment), the underlying principle remains: the formal setting apart of qualified individuals for spiritual oversight and service, recognizing a divine call and human responsibility. This practice ensures accountability, continuity, and the orderly functioning of the church, reflecting the New Testament pattern of established leadership seen throughout [the Pastoral Epistles](/1_timothy "The First Letter to Timothy") and [Titus](/titus/1 "The Letter to Titus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 14:23, though describing apostolic practice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The establishment of elders in every church points to Christ as the ultimate [Head of the Church](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ as Head of the Church"), the one who builds His church and against whom the gates of Hades will not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "The Gates of Hades Will Not Prevail")). The elders, as shepherds, are undershepherds serving under the [Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ](/1_peter/5-4 "Christ, the Chief Shepherd"). Their appointment is a continuation of Christ's own commissioning of His disciples to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission"), ensuring that His flock is cared for and guided in His absence. The act of "praying with fasting" before appointing leaders reflects Christ's own life of profound dependence on the Father, as seen in His [frequent withdrawals for prayer](/luke/5-16 "Jesus Withdraws to Pray") and His [fasting in the wilderness](/matthew/4-1-2 "Jesus' Fasting in the Wilderness"). He modeled complete reliance on divine power for His ministry. Finally, Paul and Barnabas "commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed," echoing Christ's ultimate act of entrustment. Before His crucifixion, Jesus [commended His spirit to the Father](/luke/23-46 "Jesus Commends His Spirit"), demonstrating perfect trust. Similarly, He entrusted His entire mission and the future of His church to the Father's sovereign care, knowing that He would [send the Holy Spirit](/john/16-7 "Jesus Sends the Holy Spirit") to empower His followers. Thus, Acts 14:23 is not merely an organizational blueprint but a testament to the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit, establishing and sustaining His church by entrusting it to faithful leaders who, in turn, entrust themselves and their congregations to Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 1:5

¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Acts 11:30

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 20:32

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.

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

James 5:14

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Acts 20:17

¶ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.