And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that the Greek word used for "appointed" likely signifies an election by the people, not just a decree from Paul and Barnabas. It implies they guided the community in choosing their leaders, rather than simply assigning them, highlighting the early church's participatory spirit.
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After establishing new churches with recently converted believers, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders within each community. Then, through prayer and fasting, they entrusted both the appointed elders and the congregations to God's care. This act of commendation solidified the new leadership and the churches' future before the apostles moved on.
How were leaders chosen in the early church? Was it a top-down appointment, or did the community have a say?
The word used here, 'appointed' (Greek: cheirotoneō), literally means 'to stretch out the hand.' This term was commonly used in the ancient world for election by show of hands.
Why did Paul and Barnabas combine prayer and fasting with appointing leaders? What does this teach us about spiritual leadership?
The passage explicitly links the appointment of elders with 'prayer and fasting.' This wasn't a casual afterthought but a vital part of the process.
Ask a follow-up
After appointing leaders, what was the ultimate security for the new churches and their elders?
The final act described is committing the newly appointed elders and the churches to the Lord.
Understand the original words
presbyteros · Greek Noun
A senior leader or overseer in the early church, responsible for the spiritual guidance, doctrine, and governance of the local congregation.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
A religious assembly or the gathering of the people of God; it refers to a local community of believers and, by extension, the universal body of Christ.
nēsteia · Greek Noun
The act of abstaining from food for spiritual purposes, often accompanied by prayer, to express dependence on God, seek His guidance, and humble oneself.
paratithēmi · Greek Verb
To entrust, place in the care of, or deliver someone or something into the protection or authority of another; often used of entrusting believers to God’s grace.
This verse captures a pivotal moment where the apostles, having spread the gospel and seen new believers come to faith, systematically established leadership within these fledgling communities. The practice of appointing elders, praying, and fasting highlights the intentionality and spiritual seriousness with which they nurtured the early church, laying down structures for its ongoing life and mission.
c. AD 45-49— this verse
Paul and Barnabas' First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This journey marks a significant expansion of the early Christian movement beyond its Jewish origins.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A crucial meeting where the early church leaders decide that Gentile believers do not need to follow all Jewish laws. This decision affirms the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan and greatly impacts the direction of the church.
c. AD 49-52
Paul and Barnabas' Second Missionary Journey
Following the Jerusalem Council, Paul and Barnabas undertake another journey, revisiting the churches they established. This time, Paul is accompanied by Silas, and they focus on strengthening these new communities.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul travels extensively through Asia Minor and Greece, further expanding Christianity. During this period, he writes several letters to the churches he has planted, including those established during his earlier journeys.
This passage lays out the qualifications for overseers (who were also called elders), providing a deeper look into the character and spiritual maturity expected of those appointed to lead the church in Acts 14:23.
Titus 1:5-9Similar to 1 Timothy, this passage details the appointment of elders and their responsibilities, reinforcing the importance of sound doctrine and leadership established by Paul and Barnabas.
Acts 20:17-38This later account shows Paul entrusting the church at Ephesus to its elders, demonstrating the enduring legacy of the leadership structure established earlier and the apostles' practice of commending them to God's care.
Philippians 1:1This verse immediately addresses 'the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with their overseers and deacons,' indicating the established pattern of leadership in Gentile churches that Paul and Barnabas had pioneered.
ellicottActs 14:23: "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."
(23) And when they had ordained them elders. —The word for “ordained” occurs in the New Testament here and in 2Corinthians 8:19 , where it is translated “chosen,” and certainly seems to imply popular election (election by show of hands), which is, indeed, the natural meaning of the word. In Acts 10:41 a compound form of the verb is translated…
barnesActs 14:23: "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."
And widen they had ordained - χειροτονήσαντες cheirotonēsantes. The word "ordain" we now use in an ecclesiastical sense, to denote "a setting apart to an office by the imposition of hands." But it is evident that the word here is not employed in that sense. That imposition of hands might have occurred in setting apart afterward to this off…
What's easy to miss is that the Greek word used for "appointed" likely signifies an election by the people, not just a decree from Paul and Barnabas. It implies they guided the community in choosing their leaders, rather than simply assigning them, highlighting the early church's participatory spirit.
After establishing new churches with recently converted believers, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders within each community. Then, through prayer and fasting, they entrusted both the appointed elders and the congregations to God's care. This act of commendation solidified the new leadership and the churches' future before the apostles moved on.
After establishing new churches with recently converted believers, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders within each community. Then, through prayer and fasting, they entrusted both the appointed elders and the congregations to God's care. This act of commendation solidified the new leadership and the churches' future before the apostles moved on.
"And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed." — What's easy to miss is that the Greek word used for "appointed" likely signifies an election by the people, not just a decree from Paul and Barnabas. It implies they guided the community in choosing…
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Last reviewed October 2026