Acts 14:23

Acts 14:23 – And when they (Paul and Barnabas) had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

📜 ORDAINED
cheirotoneō (khi-rot-on-eh'-o)
From a compound of G5495 and τείνω teinō (to stretch); to be a hand reacher or voter (by raising the hand), that is, (genitive) to select or appoint: - choose, ordain.

This passage highlights the appointment of elders, or local church leaders. Paul and Barnabas appointed them in various churches, ensuring that these new Christian communities had established leadership. This differs from the appointment of apostles, as elders were responsible for the governance and pastoral care of the church. They were appointed with prayer and fasting, demonstrating that the process was taken seriously and carried out in dependence on God’s guidance, to build stable, locally led church communities. This does not indicate a formalized or unbroken line of succession from the apostles to later church leaders, as claimed by apostolic succession.

I created a comprehensive guide covering every topic, with every verse you need, download here. If you would like to support my ministry you can do so by donating here or subscribing to my Patreon.

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

- The Christian King