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Acts 14:23
Verse
Context
Strengthening the Disciples
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.23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
Sermons
Derek Prince
Michael L. Brown
Tim Conway
Stephen Kaung
Mack Tomlinson
Watchman NeeWatchman NeeSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When they had ordained them elders - Elder seems to be here the name of an office. These were all young or new converts, and yet among them the apostles constitute elders. They appointed persons the most experienced, and the most advanced in the Divine life, to watch over and instruct the rest. But what is the meaning of the word χειροτονησαντες, which we translate ordained? The word ordain we use in an ecclesiastical sense, and signify by it the appointment of a person to an office in the Church, by the imposition of the hands of those who are rulers in that Church. But χειροτονια a signifies the holding up or stretching out the hand, as approving of the choice of any person to a particular work: whereas χειροθεσια signifies the imposition of hands. "Zonaras gives he proper meaning of the word in the text, in his Scholia upon the first canon of the apostles, Νυν μεν χειροτονια καλειται, κ. τ. λ. 'Nowadays, a course of prayers and invocation on the Holy Spirit, when one is initiated into the priesthood, and receives consecration, is called χειροτονια, cheirotonia, so termed because the bishop extends his hand over him whom he blesses, when he is chosen into holy orders. Anciently, the choice or suffrage was called cheirotonia; for, when it was lawful for the multitude in their cities to choose their priests or bishops, they met together, and some chose one man, some another; but, that it might appear whose suffrage won, they say the electors did use εκτεινειν τας χειρας, to stretch forth their hands, and by their hands so stretched forth, or up, they were numbered who chose the one, and who the other; and him who was elected by the most suffrages they placed in the high priesthood. And from hence was the name cheirotonia taken, which the fathers of the councils are found to have used, calling their suffrage cheirotonia.' St. Paul, Co2 8:19, intimates that St. Luke was thus appointed to travel with him χειροτονηθεις ὑπο των εκκλησιων, who was chosen of the Churches. Ignatius, in his epistle to the Philadelphians, uses the same term, πρεπον εϚιν ὑμιν, ὡς εκκλησια Θεου, χειροτονησαι επισκοπον, ye ought, as a Church of God, to choose your bishop." Much more on this subject may be seen in Sir Norton Knatchbull, who contends that cheirotonia implies simply appointment or election, but not what he calls ordination by the imposition of hands. I believe the simple truth to be this, that in ancient times the people chose by the cheirotonia (lifting up of hands) their spiritual pastor; and the rulers of the Church, whether apostles or others, appointed that person to his office by the cheirothesia, or imposition of hands; and perhaps each of these was thought to be equally necessary: the Church agreeing in the election of the person; and the rulers of the Church appointing, by imposition of hands, the person thus elected. See the note on Act 6:6. And had prayed with fasting - This was to implore God's special assistance; as they well knew that, without his influence, even their appointment could avail nothing. Commended them to the Lord - To his especial care and protection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when they had ordained them elders--literally, "chosen by show of hands." But as that would imply that this was done by the apostles' own hands, many render the word, as in our version, "ordained." Still, as there is no evidence in the New Testament that the word had then lost its proper meaning, as this is beyond doubt its meaning in Co2 8:19, and as there is indisputable evidence that the concurrence of the people was required in all elections to sacred office in the earliest ages of the Church, it is perhaps better to understand the words to mean, "when they had made a choice of elders," that is, superintended such choice on the part of the disciples. and had prayed with fasting--literally, "fastings," thus setting them solemnly apart. This last clause confirms our interpretation of the former. For if "ordination" was by prayer and fasting (see Act 13:3), why should it be said they first "ordained elders," and after that "prayed with fasting?" Whereas if the first clause refer to the choice and the second to the ordination, all is natural. they commended--"committed" them--that is, all these churches. to the Lord--Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they had ordained them elders in every church,.... As soon as ever any number of disciples were made, or souls were converted to Christ in any place, they were at once formed, by the apostles, into a church state; and as the gifts, as well as the grace of the Holy Ghost, attended the ministry of the word, so among those that were converted, there were some that were honoured with ministerial gifts, qualifying them to preach the Gospel, and take upon them the care of the churches: these the apostles directed the churches to look out from among themselves, as in the case of deacons, an inferior office, who by joint suffrages declared their choice of them by the stretching out, or lifting up of their hands, as the word here used signifies, and not the imposition of them; and the apostles presiding in this affair, they were installed into the office of bishops, elders, or pastors over them; which expresses the great regard the apostles had to the order, as well as to the doctrine of the Gospel, and the concern they had for the welfare of souls converted under their ministry, by making a provision for them when they were gone. And had prayed with fasting; for the elders ordained, that they might have a larger measure of gifts, and might be kept faithful to the trust committed to them, and be succeeded in their ministry; and for the members of the church, that they might abide by the truths of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it, and walk worthy of it in their conversations, and behave aright in their church state, both to their elders, and to one another, and that they might persevere to the end: they commended them to the Lord; both the elders and the churches, to be blessed by him with fresh supplies of grace, to be kept by his power, and to be preserved by him safe to his kingdom and glory. The Lord Jesus Christ seems to be intended by "the Lord", to whom the apostles commended them; and who is every way qualified, and fully able to answer such a commendation; see Act 20:32 on whom they believed; meaning Christ, whom they received by faith, in whom they trusted, and on whom they believed with the heart for righteousness, life, and salvation: this was true, both of the apostles, who commended the elders and churches to the Lord, and was the reason why they commended them to him, because they believed on him themselves; and of the churches and elders commended, who could be commended to none better than to him, on whom they had believed.
Acts 14:23
Strengthening the Disciples
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.23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Prayer and Fasting - When You Fast
By Derek Prince3.4K55:312CH 7:14JOL 2:14MAT 6:16LUK 14:11ACT 13:2ACT 14:23
This sermon emphasizes the importance of fasting as a key to effective praying, highlighting the need for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It draws from examples in the Bible where fasting led to significant outcomes, such as appointing leaders, averting disaster, and receiving God's guidance. The message underscores the power of fasting in bringing about spiritual breakthroughs, healing for the land, and the outpouring of God's Spirit on all flesh.
A Call to Prayer
By Michael L. Brown2.4K52:24PrayerPSA 109:1ACT 6:4ACT 12:12ACT 13:3ACT 14:23ACT 16:13ACT 16:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in experiencing God's blessings and seeing Him move in our lives. He shares stories of persecuted workers who rely on prayer and witness miraculous healings. The speaker encourages the congregation to prioritize prayer and deepen their individual and congregational prayer lives. He acknowledges that time constraints may make it challenging to spend long hours in prayer, but emphasizes that the same attitude of devotion can still yield powerful results. The speaker references Acts 6:4, which highlights the importance of prayer and the ministry of the word.
A Theology of Fasting
By Tim Conway93056:34EZR 4:24HAG 1:1ZEC 7:5MAT 6:16MRK 9:29ACT 13:2ACT 14:23
This sermon delves into the importance of fasting as an act of worship and seeking the Lord with a desperate heart. It emphasizes that fasting should be done with the right motives, not as a ritual or tradition, but out of a genuine desire for God. The sermon highlights the need to focus on the heart's condition and the true purpose of fasting, which is to draw near to God and seek Him diligently.
The Relationship Between the Work & the Church
By Stephen Kaung8911:34:06ACT 14:23EPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church and the work of ministry. He explains that God has given four types of people - apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors/teachers - to the church as ministers of the word. Their role is to perfect the saints and help them grow in their faith. The speaker also warns against the danger of completely cutting off the work from the church, using the example of someone who is successful in the world but disconnected from the church. He encourages workers to remain rooted in the church and maintain their position as members of the body of Christ.
Churches Strong in Prayer
By Mack Tomlinson28342:50PrayerMAT 9:38ACT 1:14ACT 2:1ACT 4:31ACT 6:4ACT 12:5ACT 13:2ACT 14:23ACT 20:36ACT 21:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to pray simply and sincerely, without feeling the need to be eloquent or fancy. The preacher also highlights the privilege believers have in approaching God in prayer, knowing that He desires to answer their prayers. He provides practical steps for believers to take in order to cultivate a consistent and effective prayer life, both individually and corporately.
The Elders Appointed by the Apostles
By Watchman Nee0Church GovernanceEldershipMAT 28:19ACT 14:23ACT 20:281CO 5:131CO 12:251TI 5:17TIT 1:51PE 5:22JN 1:1Watchman Nee discusses the biblical foundation and significance of appointing elders in the church, emphasizing that elders are chosen from among the local believers based on their spiritual maturity rather than being sent from outside. He highlights that the apostles established elders in every church to ensure local governance and care, allowing the church to function independently while still under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Nee stresses the importance of mutual responsibility among church members and the need for elders to lead by example rather than authority, ensuring that the church operates as a unified body. He also clarifies the distinction between the roles of apostles and elders, noting that while apostles are responsible for founding churches, elders oversee local church affairs. Ultimately, the appointment of elders is a spiritual matter, requiring divine guidance and a commitment to the local community.
The Churches Founded by the Apostles
By Watchman Nee0Local vs. Universal ChurchUnity in the ChurchMAT 16:18MAT 18:17ACT 14:231CO 1:21CO 4:171CO 10:321CO 11:161CO 16:11TH 2:14REV 2:1Watchman Nee emphasizes the distinction between the universal Church and local churches, explaining that while the Church is one body, the apostles established separate churches based on locality. He clarifies that the term 'church' refers to the assembly of believers in a specific place, and that the division into local churches is divinely ordained to reflect the physical gathering of believers. Nee warns against the dangers of sectarianism and the importance of maintaining the local character of churches, asserting that each church should be independent yet spiritually connected to others. He concludes that the only scriptural basis for church division is geographical locality, and that true unity in Christ transcends physical boundaries.
Praying Unto God
By R.A. Torrey0United PrayerPower Of PrayerDAN 9:3MAT 18:19LUK 22:44ACT 12:5ACT 13:2ACT 14:23ROM 8:26HEB 5:7R.A. Torrey emphasizes the vital importance of praying 'unto God' with a conscious awareness of His presence, highlighting that true prayer must be directed towards God rather than merely reciting requests. He explains that effective prayer requires earnestness and intensity, urging believers to approach God with heartfelt desire, as demonstrated by Christ's own prayers. Torrey also stresses the significance of united prayer within the church, noting that collective prayer amplifies the power of individual petitions. He encourages reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower our prayers, suggesting that fasting can enhance our earnestness in seeking God. Ultimately, Torrey calls for a deeper, more intentional approach to prayer that acknowledges God's sovereignty and presence.
2. Church Government
By Chuck Smith0Governance in the ChurchChurch LeadershipEXO 18:13MAT 26:33LUK 22:31ACT 14:23ROM 7:181CO 15:10EPH 1:22EPH 3:81TI 3:1JUD 1:24Chuck Smith discusses the various forms of church government as presented in the New Testament, emphasizing the roles of bishops (episkopos) and elders (presbyteros) while critiquing congregational rule. He highlights the importance of having godly leaders who are in touch with God, drawing parallels between church leadership and the theocratic model established in Israel under Moses. Smith warns against the dangers of a pastor becoming a hireling under a board or congregational rule, advocating instead for a structure where the pastor is led by Christ and supported by a board of elders. He stresses the need for true repentance and reliance on God for church leaders, as well as the importance of prayerful decision-making within the church. Ultimately, he presents a vision of church governance that aligns with biblical principles and fosters spiritual growth.
Mortification of the Flesh a Scripture Duty
By J.H. Newman0DEU 9:91KI 19:8DAN 9:3MAT 6:17MAT 11:18LUK 2:37ACT 10:30ACT 14:231CO 9:27In this sermon by J.H. Newman, the importance of bodily privation and chastisement as a duty to serve God and prepare for His presence is highlighted through the examples of holy men in Scripture. The fasting practices of Moses, Elijah, and Daniel are discussed, showing how fasting was connected to divine contemplation, intercession for sinners, and seeking God through prayer and supplications. The sermon also addresses the misconception that fasting is only relevant to the Old Testament, emphasizing that moral acts, humiliation, prayer, and meditation are timeless disciplines. Furthermore, the New Testament illuminates the duty of fasting, with examples from St. John the Baptist, Jesus instructing His disciples to fast, and the austere character of Christian obedience.
Primitive Episcopacy
By J.H. Newman0ACT 14:23EPH 4:111TI 3:1TIT 1:51PE 5:1J.H. Newman preaches about the early stages of evangelizing heathen countries in primitive times, where the first step was to establish a central city with a Bishop surrounded by clergy, gradually expanding to form an organized Church. The dioceses extended over the heathen country, with the Bishop's mission reaching all who had not heard the Christian faith. The early Church's polity naturally evolved into a Provincial and Patriarchal system, with a tendency towards large dioceses in its infancy and multiple smaller ones as Christianity grew stronger in a region.
The Practice of Fasting
By Michael Durham02CH 20:2JON 3:5MAT 4:2MAT 6:17LUK 5:33ACT 13:2ACT 14:23HEB 11:6Michael Durham preaches on the significance of fasting as a spiritual discipline, emphasizing that fasting is a tool used by Jesus and His apostles to unplug from the world and connect with the power of God. He explains the wrong ideas about fasting, highlighting that fasting is not about legalism, manipulating God, or spiritual bribery, but rather about seeking God's pleasure above all else. Durham delves into the definition of fasting as the self-denial of routine pleasures to gain pleasure in God, emphasizing that fasting is a means to express hunger for God and humble the flesh. He explores different fasting methods, lengths, frequencies, and purposes, including seeking guidance, help in difficult times, and ministry endeavors like missions and evangelism, ultimately stressing that fasting is for God's sake and to create a hunger for Him.
The New-Testament Church
By Zac Poonen0MAT 18:20MAT 28:19JHN 13:35ACT 14:231CO 14:3TIT 1:51PE 2:9Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of seeking a New Testament church that aligns closely with God's Word, even if it means leaving a current church for spiritual growth. A true church should not be bound by denominational labels but gathered in the Name of Jesus Christ, with the promise of His presence. Believers should be wary of cultistic groups that prioritize human leaders over the authority of the Bible, as true freedom is found in God's Word. In God's church, all believers are priests, and leadership should be in the hands of elders, not a special class of pastors. The focus of a New Testament church should be on preaching God's Word, making disciples, and fostering mutual love among members.
On Fasting
By Timothy Tow0EST 4:16PSA 69:10ISA 58:6DAN 9:3MAT 6:16ACT 14:23ROM 14:51CO 8:8EPH 2:8Timothy Tow preaches about the dangers of seeking salvation through works, highlighting the different forms of salvation by works in various religions and denominations, including fasting, charity giving, and penance. He emphasizes the importance of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, and warns against trying to earn salvation through Church rules and good deeds. Tow also discusses the biblical perspective on fasting, showing that it is a means to draw closer to God through prayer and submission to the Spirit, as seen in examples like David, Daniel, Esther, and Paul and Barnabas.
Daily Church Growth
By Cyril H. Brooks0ACT 2:47ACT 14:23ACT 16:5ACT 20:201PE 2:2Cyril H. Brooks emphasizes the importance of church growth and planting, drawing from the New Testament where Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in new churches and Paul's missionary journeys led to the strengthening and growth of these young churches. The focus is on the daily spiritual growth of individual believers, which is essential for real church growth. Brooks highlights the need for believers to be strengthened in the faith through systematic Bible teaching and application of truth to daily life, likening spiritual malnutrition to a lack of appetite for God's Word, which hinders growth.
Looking Forward in Trust
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 56:3PRO 3:5MAT 6:34ACT 14:231PE 5:7Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of trusting in God when faced with fear and uncertainty, emphasizing the need to continually offer troubling thoughts and future concerns to God, seeking His grace to focus on present duties. She warns against constant anticipation of potential troubles that may never come, as it can cloud the soul and hinder one's energy. Tileston encourages entrusting loved ones to God's care, as His upholding grace surpasses human fretting and worries about the future.
The Olivet Discourse Part 2c – Christendom: the Talents
By C.H. Mackintosh0MAT 25:14LUK 19:12ACT 1:24ACT 6:1ACT 14:23ROM 12:31CO 12:18EPH 4:71TI 1:122TI 4:1C.H. Mackintosh preaches on the importance of divine appointment and ability in ministry, emphasizing that only Christ can call and equip individuals for His work. He highlights the need for ministry to be carried out with the awareness of the Lord's return, as seen in the parables of the talents and the ten servants. Mackintosh stresses that ministry, whether inside the house of God or in the world, must be rooted in divine appointment and divine ability, as shown throughout the Scriptures.
That Great Day
By Ross Ulrich0MAT 7:7JHN 14:16JHN 17:9ACT 12:20ACT 14:231TH 5:122TH 3:61JN 5:16John MacArthur explains that 'erotao' means to plead or beg, emphasizing a gentle correction rather than an authoritative command, reflecting a friend appealing to a friend. The term signifies a level of familiarity between the requester and the one being asked. In the context of prayer, 'erotao' conveys a delicate and tender expression, such as Jesus asking the Father for His disciples in the Gospel of John. The importance of recognizing and appreciating spiritual leaders is highlighted, urging believers to know and esteem those who labor among them, showing respect and love for their work's sake.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When they had ordained them elders - Elder seems to be here the name of an office. These were all young or new converts, and yet among them the apostles constitute elders. They appointed persons the most experienced, and the most advanced in the Divine life, to watch over and instruct the rest. But what is the meaning of the word χειροτονησαντες, which we translate ordained? The word ordain we use in an ecclesiastical sense, and signify by it the appointment of a person to an office in the Church, by the imposition of the hands of those who are rulers in that Church. But χειροτονια a signifies the holding up or stretching out the hand, as approving of the choice of any person to a particular work: whereas χειροθεσια signifies the imposition of hands. "Zonaras gives he proper meaning of the word in the text, in his Scholia upon the first canon of the apostles, Νυν μεν χειροτονια καλειται, κ. τ. λ. 'Nowadays, a course of prayers and invocation on the Holy Spirit, when one is initiated into the priesthood, and receives consecration, is called χειροτονια, cheirotonia, so termed because the bishop extends his hand over him whom he blesses, when he is chosen into holy orders. Anciently, the choice or suffrage was called cheirotonia; for, when it was lawful for the multitude in their cities to choose their priests or bishops, they met together, and some chose one man, some another; but, that it might appear whose suffrage won, they say the electors did use εκτεινειν τας χειρας, to stretch forth their hands, and by their hands so stretched forth, or up, they were numbered who chose the one, and who the other; and him who was elected by the most suffrages they placed in the high priesthood. And from hence was the name cheirotonia taken, which the fathers of the councils are found to have used, calling their suffrage cheirotonia.' St. Paul, Co2 8:19, intimates that St. Luke was thus appointed to travel with him χειροτονηθεις ὑπο των εκκλησιων, who was chosen of the Churches. Ignatius, in his epistle to the Philadelphians, uses the same term, πρεπον εϚιν ὑμιν, ὡς εκκλησια Θεου, χειροτονησαι επισκοπον, ye ought, as a Church of God, to choose your bishop." Much more on this subject may be seen in Sir Norton Knatchbull, who contends that cheirotonia implies simply appointment or election, but not what he calls ordination by the imposition of hands. I believe the simple truth to be this, that in ancient times the people chose by the cheirotonia (lifting up of hands) their spiritual pastor; and the rulers of the Church, whether apostles or others, appointed that person to his office by the cheirothesia, or imposition of hands; and perhaps each of these was thought to be equally necessary: the Church agreeing in the election of the person; and the rulers of the Church appointing, by imposition of hands, the person thus elected. See the note on Act 6:6. And had prayed with fasting - This was to implore God's special assistance; as they well knew that, without his influence, even their appointment could avail nothing. Commended them to the Lord - To his especial care and protection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when they had ordained them elders--literally, "chosen by show of hands." But as that would imply that this was done by the apostles' own hands, many render the word, as in our version, "ordained." Still, as there is no evidence in the New Testament that the word had then lost its proper meaning, as this is beyond doubt its meaning in Co2 8:19, and as there is indisputable evidence that the concurrence of the people was required in all elections to sacred office in the earliest ages of the Church, it is perhaps better to understand the words to mean, "when they had made a choice of elders," that is, superintended such choice on the part of the disciples. and had prayed with fasting--literally, "fastings," thus setting them solemnly apart. This last clause confirms our interpretation of the former. For if "ordination" was by prayer and fasting (see Act 13:3), why should it be said they first "ordained elders," and after that "prayed with fasting?" Whereas if the first clause refer to the choice and the second to the ordination, all is natural. they commended--"committed" them--that is, all these churches. to the Lord--Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they had ordained them elders in every church,.... As soon as ever any number of disciples were made, or souls were converted to Christ in any place, they were at once formed, by the apostles, into a church state; and as the gifts, as well as the grace of the Holy Ghost, attended the ministry of the word, so among those that were converted, there were some that were honoured with ministerial gifts, qualifying them to preach the Gospel, and take upon them the care of the churches: these the apostles directed the churches to look out from among themselves, as in the case of deacons, an inferior office, who by joint suffrages declared their choice of them by the stretching out, or lifting up of their hands, as the word here used signifies, and not the imposition of them; and the apostles presiding in this affair, they were installed into the office of bishops, elders, or pastors over them; which expresses the great regard the apostles had to the order, as well as to the doctrine of the Gospel, and the concern they had for the welfare of souls converted under their ministry, by making a provision for them when they were gone. And had prayed with fasting; for the elders ordained, that they might have a larger measure of gifts, and might be kept faithful to the trust committed to them, and be succeeded in their ministry; and for the members of the church, that they might abide by the truths of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it, and walk worthy of it in their conversations, and behave aright in their church state, both to their elders, and to one another, and that they might persevere to the end: they commended them to the Lord; both the elders and the churches, to be blessed by him with fresh supplies of grace, to be kept by his power, and to be preserved by him safe to his kingdom and glory. The Lord Jesus Christ seems to be intended by "the Lord", to whom the apostles commended them; and who is every way qualified, and fully able to answer such a commendation; see Act 20:32 on whom they believed; meaning Christ, whom they received by faith, in whom they trusted, and on whom they believed with the heart for righteousness, life, and salvation: this was true, both of the apostles, who commended the elders and churches to the Lord, and was the reason why they commended them to him, because they believed on him themselves; and of the churches and elders commended, who could be commended to none better than to him, on whom they had believed.