Acts 14:23 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →In every church they appoint elders and, with prayer and fasting, commend the believers to the Lord in whom they have trusted.
What Does Acts 14:23 Mean?
Before leaving each young congregation, the missionaries see that it has shepherds. Elders are appointed in every church, and the act is sealed the way this whole mission began — with prayer and fasting (Acts 13:2-3) — before the believers are entrusted to the Lord.
Two commitments stand side by side. The churches receive real, named leaders; then leaders and people together are handed over to God, 'commended... to the Lord, on whom they believed.' Order and dependence are not rivals — the structure serves the trust. Paul and Barnabas can walk away because these churches were never theirs to keep; every congregation belongs to the Lord in whom it believes.
Acts 14:23 in the Original Language
cheirotoneo (χειροτονέω), 'ordained' -- to appoint or designate, built from words for stretching out the hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 14:23
What does Acts 14:23 mean?
In every church they appoint elders and, with prayer and fasting, commend the believers to the Lord in whom they have trusted.