Acts 14:23

"Appointed elders" The qualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3:1 ff and Titus 1:5 ff. One of the ways that Christians can be better prepared to face persecution is to be in. congregation that is shepherded by qualified elders (Hebrews 13:17). Part of the strengthening process for Christians includes being cared for by elders. Qualified men are found so quickly in these new congregations because some of these converts have been faithful Jews, or Gentile converts to the Jewish faith, and thus they already had many of the qualifications, except being well versed in the truths of the gospel message. "It must be remembered that, although these disciples had been but. comparatively short time in the church, many of them were in character and knowledge of the Scriptures the ripest fruits of the Jewish synagogue; and they needed only the additional knowledge which the Gospel brought in order to be models of wisdom and piety in the churches" (McGarvey p. 521). In addition, Paul with the laying on of his hands could always pass on to these elders various spiritual gifts that would make their knowledge of the Gospel complete and full. "In every church" Each congregation had its own elders (Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28), because the only congregation that elders have authority over is the one of which they are members (1 Peter 5:2). "Having prayed with fasting" Indicating the serious and solemn nature of this appointment. "The churches are being turned over to local leadership. It was. solemn and fearsome moment, and so there was prayer and fasting. We can hear their prayers as they asked God to lead the new churches and their newly elected leaders, and also that He would guide and protect the apostles on their journey" (Reese p. 522). "They commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed" The word commend here is the word regularly used when. person entrusts his money or property to someone else's care. The apostles are confident that as long as these Christians continue to trust Christ, He will care for them (Matthew 28:20).

Carefully observe that when Paul went preaching he did not leave human organizations behind him. He did not establish missionary societies, hospitals, orphanages, or other human organizations. Rather, he left local congregations behind him where that had been none. In addition, these congregations were now self-sufficient and were not dependent upon Paul preaching for them every Sunday.