Acts 14:23

Acts 14:23 marks a significant moment in the early church's development, highlighting the establishment of local leadership and the spiritual disciplines accompanying it. This verse concludes Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, as they revisit the newly formed churches.

Context

After experiencing both great success and severe persecution (including Paul being stoned and left for dead in Lystra), Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps through cities like Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia. Their purpose was not just to revisit, but to strengthen the new disciples and organize the fledgling congregations. This verse specifically describes a crucial step in church planting: establishing indigenous leadership. The mention of "every church" signifies the widespread nature of their evangelistic efforts and the rapid growth of the Christian community in Gentile areas.

Key Themes

• Establishment of Local Leadership: The "ordination" of elders indicates a deliberate effort to create stable, self-governing churches. These elders (Greek: presbyteroi) were mature, respected leaders responsible for teaching, guiding, and overseeing the spiritual welfare of the congregation. This practice laid the foundation for the future structure of the church, ensuring continuity and local accountability. For more on the qualifications of such leaders, see 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
• Spiritual Discipline in Leadership Selection: The phrase "prayed with fasting" underscores the profound spiritual seriousness with which Paul and Barnabas approached the selection and appointment of these leaders. Fasting, often coupled with intense prayer, was a common practice in the early church when making weighty decisions or seeking divine guidance, as seen when Paul and Barnabas themselves were sent out by the church in Antioch with prayer and fasting.
• Commending to the Lord: Having appointed leaders and prayed diligently, Paul and Barnabas "commended them to the Lord." This act signifies a profound trust in God's sovereignty and ongoing care for His church. It acknowledges that ultimate authority and success rest not on human effort but on divine provision and faithfulness. They were entrusting the future of these new churches and their leaders into God's hands.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "ordained" is cheirotoneō (χειροτονέω). While it can mean to "elect by a show of hands" (as in public voting), in this New Testament context, it more likely refers to the act of appointing or designating by Paul and Barnabas, perhaps with the affirmation of the community. It emphasizes the authoritative and deliberate nature of the appointment process, rather than a democratic election. The term "elders" (presbyteroi) refers to mature, experienced individuals, often carrying connotations of wisdom and authority within Jewish tradition, now applied to Christian leadership.

Practical Application

Acts 14:23 offers timeless principles for church life today. It reminds us of the importance of:

• Intentional Leadership Development: Healthy churches identify, train, and appoint qualified leaders to ensure spiritual stability and growth.
• Spiritual Reliance: Critical decisions, especially those involving leadership, should be bathed in prayer and fasting, demonstrating dependence on God's wisdom and guidance.
• Trusting God's Providence: Ultimately, the success and future of any ministry or church depend on God's faithfulness. Leaders are called to do their part diligently, but then to entrust the outcome to the Lord, knowing that He who began a good work will carry it on to completion.