
Text -- Acts 14:23-28 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Robertson: Act 14:23 - -- And when they had appointed for them elders in every church ( cheirotonēsantes de autois kat' ekklēsian presbuterous ).
They needed also some for...
And when they had appointed for them elders in every church (
They needed also some form of organization, though already churches. Note distributive use of

Robertson: Act 14:23 - -- Had prayed with fasting ( proseuxamenoi meta nēsteiōn ).
It was a serious matter, this formal setting apart of these "elders"in the churches. So ...
Had prayed with fasting (
It was a serious matter, this formal setting apart of these "elders"in the churches. So it was done in a public meeting with prayer and fasting as when Paul and Barnabas were sent forth from Antioch in Syria (Act 13:3) on this mission tour.

Robertson: Act 14:23 - -- They commended them to the Lord ( parethento autous tōi kuriōi ).
Second aorist middle indicative of paratithēmi . Old and solemn word, to entr...
They commended them to the Lord (
Second aorist middle indicative of

Robertson: Act 14:23 - -- On whom they had believed ( eis hon pepisteukeisan ).
Past perfect indicative (without augment) of pisteuō . They had "trusted"in Jesus (2Ti 1:12) ...
On whom they had believed (
Past perfect indicative (without augment) of

Robertson: Act 14:24 - -- When they had spoken the word in Perga ( lalēsantes en Pergēi ton logon ).
Now they stopped and preached in Perga which they had apparently not d...
When they had spoken the word in Perga (
Now they stopped and preached in Perga which they had apparently not done before (See note on Act 13:13.). After leaving Antioch they passed on through Pisidia, as if Antioch was not strictly in Pisidia (see note on Act 13:14) and into Pamphylia. They crossed from Perga to Attaleia, the port of Perga, sixteen miles down the Cestus, and capital of Pamphylia, to find a ship for Antioch in Syria. It is now called Adala and for long was the chief harbour of the south coast of Asia Minor. We do not know why they did not revisit Cyprus, perhaps because no permanent Gentile churches were founded there.

Robertson: Act 14:26 - -- They sailed away to Antioch ( apepleusan eis Antiocheian ).
Effective aorist active indicative of apopleō , to sail off. They had been gone some ei...
They sailed away to Antioch (
Effective aorist active indicative of

Robertson: Act 14:26 - -- They had been committed ( ēsan paradedomenoi ).
Periphrastic past perfect passive of paradidōmi , old and common verb. High and serious thoughts ...
They had been committed (
Periphrastic past perfect passive of

Robertson: Act 14:27 - -- Gathered the church together ( sunagagontes tēn ekklēsian ).
Second aorist active participle of sunagō . It "was the first missionary meeting i...
Gathered the church together (
Second aorist active participle of

Robertson: Act 14:27 - -- Rehearsed ( anēggellon ).
Imperfect active. It was a long story for they had many things to tell of God’ s dealings "with them"(met' autōn ...
Rehearsed (
Imperfect active. It was a long story for they had many things to tell of God’ s dealings "with them"(

Robertson: Act 14:27 - -- And how ( kai hoti ).
Or "and that"in particular, as the upshot of it all.
And how (
Or "and that"in particular, as the upshot of it all.

Robertson: Act 14:27 - -- He had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles ( ēnoixen tois ethnesin thuran pisteōs ).
Three times in Paul’ s Epistles (1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:1...
He had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles (
Three times in Paul’ s Epistles (1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col 4:3) he employed the metaphor of "door,"perhaps a reminiscence of the very language of Paul here. This work in Galatia gained a large place in Paul’ s heart (Gal 4:14.). The Gentiles now, it was plain, could enter the kingdom of God (Act 14:22) through the door of faith, not by law or by circumcision or by heathen philosophy or mythology.

Robertson: Act 14:28 - -- And they tarried no little time ( dietribon de chronon ouk oligon ).
Imperfect active of diatribō , old verb to rub hard, to consume, with accusati...
And they tarried no little time (
Imperfect active of
Vincent: Act 14:23 - -- Ordained ( χειροτονήσαντες )
Only here and 2Co 8:19. Rev., more correctly, appointed. The meaning ordain is later. See on Ac...

Vincent: Act 14:23 - -- Elders ( πρεσβυτέρους )
For the general superintendence of the church. The word is synonymous with ἐπίσκοποι , over s...
Elders (
For the general superintendence of the church. The word is synonymous with


With them (
In connection with them; assisting them.

Vincent: Act 14:27 - -- And how ( καὶ ὅτι )
Better, that. The and has an incressive and particularizing force: " and in particular, above all. "
And how (
Better, that. The and has an incressive and particularizing force: " and in particular, above all. "
Out of those who were themselves but newly converted.

An expression implying faith in Christ, as well as love to the brethren.

Perga and Attalia were cities of Pamphylia.

Wesley: Act 14:26 - -- Or favour, of God, for the work which they had fulfilled - This shows the nature and design of that laying on of hands, which was mentioned Act 13:3.
Or favour, of God, for the work which they had fulfilled - This shows the nature and design of that laying on of hands, which was mentioned Act 13:3.
JFB: Act 14:23-24 - -- 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, ...
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 2Co 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.

JFB: Act 14:23-24 - -- Literally, "fastings," thus setting them solemnly apart. This last clause confirms our interpretation of the former. For if "ordination" was by prayer...
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.

JFB: Act 14:25 - -- Now doing what, for some reason, they had not done on their former visit, but probably with no visible fruit.
Now doing what, for some reason, they had not done on their former visit, but probably with no visible fruit.

JFB: Act 14:25 - -- A seaport on the Gulf of Pamphylia, drawing to itself the commerce of Egypt and Syria.
A seaport on the Gulf of Pamphylia, drawing to itself the commerce of Egypt and Syria.

JFB: Act 14:27 - -- As their call and mission had been solemn and formal, in the presence of and by the Church as well as the Holy Ghost, they dutifully, and no doubt wit...
As their call and mission had been solemn and formal, in the presence of and by the Church as well as the Holy Ghost, they dutifully, and no doubt with eager joy, convened the church and gave their report of "all that God had done with them," that is, by and for them.

JFB: Act 14:27 - -- To such even as before had not been proselytes. (See on Act 11:21; and on the language, see 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col 4:3). The ascribing directly to Go...

JFB: Act 14:28 - -- "no little time." From the commencement of the mission till they left Antioch to go up to attend the council at Jerusalem, some four or five years ela...
"no little time." From the commencement of the mission till they left Antioch to go up to attend the council at Jerusalem, some four or five years elapsed; and as the missionary journey would probably occupy less than two years, the rest of the time would be the period of their stay at Antioch. (But see Chronological Table.)
Clarke: Act 14:23 - -- 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 apos...
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

Clarke: Act 14:23 - -- And had prayed with fasting - This was to implore God’ s special assistance; as they well knew that, without his influence, even their appointm...
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.

Clarke: Act 14:24 - -- Passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia - See the note on Act 13:13.
Passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia - See the note on Act 13:13.

Clarke: Act 14:25 - -- They went down into Attalia - This was a sea-port town in Pamphylia. Thus we find the apostles traveled from Derbe to Lystra; from Lystra to Iconium...
They went down into Attalia - This was a sea-port town in Pamphylia. Thus we find the apostles traveled from Derbe to Lystra; from Lystra to Iconium; from Iconium to Antioch of Pisidia; from Antioch to Perga in Pamphylia; and from Perga to Attalia; and it appears that they traveled over three provinces of Asia Minor, Pamphylia, Lycaonia, and Pisidia. See Calmet, and see the map.

Clarke: Act 14:26 - -- And thence sailed to Antioch - This was Antioch in Syria; and to reach which, by sea, they were obliged to coast a part of the Mediterranean Sea, st...
And thence sailed to Antioch - This was Antioch in Syria; and to reach which, by sea, they were obliged to coast a part of the Mediterranean Sea, steering between Cyprus and Cilicia; though they might have gone the whole journey by land

Clarke: Act 14:26 - -- Whence they had been recommended - for the work which they fulfilled - The reader will recollect that it was from this Antioch they had been sent to...
Whence they had been recommended - for the work which they fulfilled - The reader will recollect that it was from this Antioch they had been sent to preach the Gospel to the heathen in Asia Minor: see Act 13:1, Act 13:2; and that they fulfilled that work: see in the same chapter, Act 13:48; and the circumstantial account of their travels and preaching given in this chapter.

Clarke: Act 14:27 - -- Had gathered the Church together - The Church by which they had been sent on this very important and successful mission
Had gathered the Church together - The Church by which they had been sent on this very important and successful mission

Clarke: Act 14:27 - -- They rehearsed all that God had done with them - Not what they had done themselves; but what God made them the instruments of working
They rehearsed all that God had done with them - Not what they had done themselves; but what God made them the instruments of working

Clarke: Act 14:27 - -- And how he had opened the door of faith - How God by his providence and grace had made a way for preaching Christ crucified among the heathen; and h...
And how he had opened the door of faith - How God by his providence and grace had made a way for preaching Christ crucified among the heathen; and how the heathen had received that Gospel which, through faith in Christ Jesus, was able to save their souls.

Clarke: Act 14:28 - -- And there they abode long time - How long the apostles tarried here we cannot tell; but we hear no more of them till the council of Jerusalem, menti...
And there they abode long time - How long the apostles tarried here we cannot tell; but we hear no more of them till the council of Jerusalem, mentioned in the following chapter, which is generally supposed to have been held in the year 51 of our Lord; and, if the transactions of this chapter took place in a.d. 46, as chronologers think, then there are five whole years of St. Paul’ s ministry, and that of other apostles, which St. Luke passes by in perfect silence. It is very likely that all this time Paul and Barnabas were employed in extending the work of God through the different provinces contiguous to Antioch; for St. Paul himself tells us that he preached the Gospel so far as Illyria, Rom 15:19, on the side of the Adriatic Gulf: see its situation on the map. Many of the tribulations and perils through which the Apostle Paul passed are not mentioned by St, Luke, particularly those of which he himself speaks, 2Co 11:23-27. He had been five times scourged by the Jews; thrice beaten by the Romans; thrice shipwrecked; a whole night and day in the deep, probably saving his life upon a plank; besides frequent journeyings, and perils from his countrymen, from the heathen, from robbers, in the city, in the wilderness, in the sea, among false brethren, etc., etc. Of none of these have we any circumstantial account. Probably most of these happened in the five years which elapsed between the apostles’ return to Antioch, and the council of Jerusalem
1. In reading the Acts of the Apostles we may have often occasion to remark that in preaching the Gospel they carefully considered the different circumstances of the Jews and the Gentiles, and suited their address accordingly. When speaking to the former, of the necessity of crediting the Gospel, because without it they could not be saved, they took care to support all their assertions by passages drawn from the Law and the Prophets, as every Jew considered those books to be of Divine authority, and from their decision there was no appeal. But, in addressing the Gentiles, who had no revelation, they drew the proof of their doctrine from the visible creation; and demonstrated, by plain reasoning, the absurdity of their idolatrous worship, and called them off from those vanities to the worship of the living and true God, who made and governs all things, and who gave them such proofs of his being, wisdom, and goodness, in the provision made for their comfort and support, that they had only to reflect on the subject in order to be convinced of its truth. And while, in consequence, they saw the absurdity of their own system, they would at once discover the reasonableness of that religion which was now offered to them, in the name and on the authority of that God who had fed and preserved them all their life long, and girded them when they knew him not. The Gentiles felt the force of these reasonings, yielded to the truth, and became steady followers of Christ crucified; while the Jews, with all their light and advantages, hardened their hearts against it, though they had no other arguments than what contradiction and blasphemy could provide! Publicans and harlots enter into the kingdom of heaven before them. Do not many, even in the present day, copy their example, revile the truth, take up with the shadow instead of the substance, and rest just as much in the letter of Christianity, as ever the Jews did in the letter of the law? This is a deplorable fact which cannot be successfully controverted
2. We have already had occasion to note five years of a chasm in the apostolic history. God himself does not choose to have all the labors and sufferings of his servants recorded. Their recompense is in heaven; and it is enough that God knows their work, who alone can reward it. And yet every faithful servant of God will feel that the reward is all of grace, and not of debt; for the amount of their good is just the sum of what God has condescended to do by them. How studious are men to record the smallest transactions of their lives, while much of the life and labors of Jesus Christ and his apostles are written in the sand, and no longer legible to man; or written before the throne, where they are seen only by God and his angels. In many cases, the silence of Scripture is not less instructive than its most pointed communications
3. We cannot consider the effect produced on the minds of the people of Lystra, without being surprised that a single miracle, wrought instrumentally by men, should excite so much attention and reverence, and that we should be unmoved by the myriads wrought by the immediate hand of God
4. How difficult it is to get men brought to worship God, though they have the highest reasons and most powerful motives for it; and yet how ready are they to offer an incense to man that is due only to God himself! We applaud the apostles for rejecting with horror the sacrifices offered to them: common sense must have taught them this lesson, even independently of their piety. Let us beware that we take not that praise to ourselves which belongs to our Maker. Gross flattery is generally rejected, because a man cannot receive it without being rendered ridiculous; but who rejects even inordinate praise, if it be delicately and artfully prepared!
Calvin: Act 14:23 - -- 23.When they had ordained elders By this it appeareth sufficiently, that it is not enough if men have been once taught the doctrine of godliness, and...
23.When they had ordained elders By this it appeareth sufficiently, that it is not enough if men have been once taught the doctrine of godliness, and to have [hold] the sum of faith, unless they go forward continually; therefore, Christ did not only send his apostles to preach the gospel, but he commanded also that there should be pastors appointed, that the preaching of the gospel might be perpetual and in daily use. Paul and Barnabas do mark that this order was set down by Christ, when they assigned pastors to every church, lest, after their departure, doctrine should cease and be whisht, (silent.) Furthermore, this place teacheth, that the Church cannot want an ordinary ministry, neither can any be counted Christians before God but those who, during their whole life, are willing to learn. I take it that those are called elders, in this place, who had the office of teaching enjoined them; for it appeareth by Paul that some were only censors of manners, and such as had authority to punish enormities, ( 1Ti 5:17.) Now, forasmuch as Luke saith, that they were set over every church, the difference between their office and the office of the apostles is gathered hence. For the apostles had no certain place of abode, but they went to and fro to found new churches; but pastors were set and appointed, every man to his own church, and were, as it were, placed to watch − 55 over their congregations. −
Had ordained by election The Greek word
They having prayed with fasting They had a double end and reason of their prayer; the first, that God would direct them with the spirit of wisdom and discretion to choose the best and most meet men, for they knew that they were not furnished with so great wisdom but they might be deceived; neither did they so much trust to their diligence, but that they knew that the principal point did consist in the blessing of God, as we see men’s judgments err daily where the heavenly government is not, and that all their labor is nothing worth where the hand of God is not. These be the true signs and tokens − 60 of the godly to call upon the Spirit of God, that he may govern their counsels. And if so be it this rule be to be observed in all businesses so often as the government of the Church is in hand, which dependeth wholly upon his will and pleasure, we must − 61 beware that we attempt nothing unless we have him for our guide and governor. And the second end of their prayer was, that God would furnish with necessary gifts those pastors which were chosen. For it is a harder matter to fulfill such a function faithfully as a man ought, than that man’s strength is sufficient for it. Therefore, they crave God’s help even in this part also, having Paul and Barnabas for their authors. −
They fast likewise, that even that may be a help − 62 to stir up the ferventness of their prayers; for we know how great our coldness is otherwise. Not because it is always necessary that we should pray fasting, seeing that God doth invite even those who are full to give thanks; but when we are urged by any necessity to pray more fervently than we used commonly to do, this is a very profitable provokement. And now we have already declared what a weighty matter the choosing of pastors is, wherein the soundness of the Church is handled. Wherefore, no marvel if Luke write that they used extraordinary prayers. And it is profitable for us to mark this use, and other [uses] of fasting, lest we imagine with the Papists that it is a meritorious work, or lest we place the worship of God in it, seeing it is of itself nothing, neither is it of any importance with God, save only inasmuch as it is referred unto another end. − 63 −
They committed themselves to the Lord We gather hereby, first, what great care Paul and Barnabas had for the salvation of those who, by their industry, − 64 were turned unto the Lord; for they testify, that in this infirmity of the flesh men be subject to more dangers, than that their faith can continue steadfast through his [its] own strength. Therefore, this is the only refuge and aid, if the Lord keep them continually whom he hath once received. And when Luke saith, that they were commended to God in whom they believed, there cometh no small confidence hence unto us; because he assigneth this office to God as proper to him, to save and defend all those who by true faith have embraced his word. −

Calvin: Act 14:24 - -- 24.Passing through Pisidia We have already said that Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch of Pisidia. Being now about to return to Antioch of Syria, whe...
24.Passing through Pisidia We have already said that Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch of Pisidia. Being now about to return to Antioch of Syria, whence they were sent away, they go through Pamphylia, which is the middle region toward the mount Taurus. And Perga and Attalia are cities lying near together. And whereas Luke saith, that they preach the Word in the one only, we may thereby guess that they had not opportunity offered them everywhere to teach, which they were wont to neglect or let pass nowhere. −

Calvin: Act 14:26 - -- 26.When they had been commended Luke might have said that they were ordained there to be the apostles of the Gentiles; but by a circuit of words − ...
26.When they had been commended Luke might have said that they were ordained there to be the apostles of the Gentiles; but by a circuit of words − 65 he doth more plainly express that they were neither sent away of men, neither did they attempt any thing trusting to their own strength, but that their whole journey, together with the success, was committed to God, the author thereof. Therefore, their preaching was no man’s work, but a work of the grace of God. And the word grace is referred as well unto the power and efficacy of the Spirit, as also unto all the rest of the signs of favor; because all those gifts be free which God bestoweth upon his servants. And the sentence may be thus resolved, that they prayed God that he would show forth his grace to further the labors of his servants. −

Calvin: Act 14:27 - -- 27.After they had called the Church together As those who return from an embassage used to give an account of their acts, so Paul and Barnabas declar...
27.After they had called the Church together As those who return from an embassage used to give an account of their acts, so Paul and Barnabas declared to the Church all the sum of their voyage, that it may thereby appear what good success they had, and how faithfully they behaved themselves in their office; and also that they may exhort the faithful to give thanks to God, as the thing itself gave them large matter; − 66 therefore Luke saith, Not that they did extol the things which they themselves had done, but whatsoever things the Lord had done by them. It is word for word with them; but according to the phrase of the Hebrew tongue, it is all one as if it had been said, in them, or by them, or towards them, or simply to them, in the dative case. Therefore Luke doth not say
Luke addeth immediately after, that the Lord had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles; for though they were sent unto the Gentiles, yet the strangeness [novelty] of the matter causeth them to wonder not a little; and not only the sudden change did make the Jews astonished, but also because it was to them as it were a monster, that unclean men, and such as were strangers − 67 from the kingdom of God, should be mixed with the holy seed of Abraham, that they might both together make one and ‘the same Church of God. They are now taught by the event itself, that it was not for nothing that there were apostles sent to them. Moreover, it is said that the door of faith was set open to the Gentiles, not only because the gospel was preached to them with the external voice, but because, being illuminated by the Spirit of God, they were called effectually unto the faith. The kingdom of heaven is indeed set open to us by the external preaching of the gospel; but no man entereth in save he to whom God reacheth out his hand; no man draweth near unless he be drawn inwardly by the Spirit. Therefore, Paul and Barnabas show and prove by the effect that their calling was approved and ratified by God, because the faith of the Gentiles was, as it were, a seal engraven by the hand of God to establish the same, as Paul saith, ( Rom 16:25; 2Co 3:7.)
Defender: Act 14:23 - -- This is not the usual word for "ordained." It means, "stretched out the hand," thus suggesting an election by show of hands."
This is not the usual word for "ordained." It means, "stretched out the hand," thus suggesting an election by show of hands."

Defender: Act 14:27 - -- This might be called the first missionary conference, with Paul and Barnabas, the church's "apostles" (literally "sent ones," essentially the same as ...
This might be called the first missionary conference, with Paul and Barnabas, the church's "apostles" (literally "sent ones," essentially the same as "missionaries") reporting the results of their journey to the church that had sent them. They reported on what "God had done with them." Note also 1Sa 30:24, on the importance of those who "tarrieth by the stuff.""

This time was evidently about two years."
TSK: Act 14:23 - -- they had : Act 1:22; Mar 3:14; 1Ti 5:22; 2Ti 2:2; Tit 1:5
elders : Act 11:30, Act 15:4, Act 15:6, Act 15:23, Act 20:17; 1Ti 5:1, 1Ti 5:17-19; Jam 5:14...
they had : Act 1:22; Mar 3:14; 1Ti 5:22; 2Ti 2:2; Tit 1:5
elders : Act 11:30, Act 15:4, Act 15:6, Act 15:23, Act 20:17; 1Ti 5:1, 1Ti 5:17-19; Jam 5:14; 1Pe 5:1; 2Jo 1:1; 3Jo 1:1
and had : Act 13:1-3
they commended : Act 14:26, Act 20:32; Luk 23:46; 1Th 3:12, 1Th 3:13; 2Th 2:16, 2Th 2:17; 2Ti 1:12; 1Pe 5:10

TSK: Act 14:24 - -- Cir, am 4052, ad 48
Pisidia : Pisidia was a province of Asia Minor, situated between Phrygia on the north and west, Lycaonia on the east, and Pamphyli...

TSK: Act 14:25 - -- Perga : Perga was a considerable city of Pamphylia, towards the sea coast, and near the Caystrus, famous for the temple of Diana.
Attalia : Attalia, n...
Perga : Perga was a considerable city of Pamphylia, towards the sea coast, and near the Caystrus, famous for the temple of Diana.
Attalia : Attalia, now Antalia, or Satalie, was a maritime city of Pamphylia, the chief residence of the prefect. Act 14:25

TSK: Act 14:26 - -- to Antioch : Act 11:19, Act 11:26, Act 13:1, Act 15:22, Act 15:30; Gal 2:11
recommended : Act 14:23, Act 13:1-3, Act 15:40, Act 20:32; 2Co 1:12; 3Jo 1...

TSK: Act 14:27 - -- and had : Act 15:4-6, Act 21:20-22; 1Co 5:4, 1Co 11:18, 1Co 14:23
they rehearsed : Act 15:4, Act 15:12, Act 21:19; Rom 15:18; 1Co 3:5-9, 1Co 15:10
ope...

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Act 14:23 - -- And widen they had ordained - χειροτονήσαντες cheirotonēsantes . The word "ordain"we now use in an ecclesiastical sense...
And widen they had ordained -
Ordained them - Appointed for the disciples, or for the church. It is not meant that the elders were ordained for the apostles.
Elders - Greek: presbyters. Literally, this word refers to the aged. See the notes on Act 11:30. But it may also be a word relating to office, denoting those who were more experienced than others, and who were chosen to preside over and to instruct the rest. What was the nature of this office, and what was the design of the appointment, is not intimated in this word. All that seems to be implied is, that they were to take the charge of the churches during the absence of the apostles. The apostles were about to leave them. They were just organized into churches: they were inexperienced; they needed counsel and direction; they were exposed to dangers; and it was necessary, therefore, that persons should be designated to watch over the spiritual interests of the brethren. The probability is, that they performed all the functions that were required in the infant and feeble churches; in exhorting, instructing; governing, etc. The more experienced and able would be most likely to be active in exhorting and instructing the brethren; and all would be useful in counseling and guiding the flock. The same thing occurred in the church at Ephesus. See the notes on Act 20:17-28. It is not improbable that the business of instructing, or teaching, would be gradually confined to the more talented and able of the elders, and that the others would be concerned mainly in governing and directing the general affairs of the church.
In every church - It is implied here that there were elders in each church; that is, that in each church there was more than one. See Act 15:21, where a similar phraseology occurs, and where it is evident that there was more than one reader of the Law of Moses in each city. Compare Tit 1:5, "I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst ...ordain elders in every city"; Act 20:17, "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."It could not mean, therefore, that they appointed a single minister or pastor to each church, but they committed the whole affairs of the church to a bench of elders.
And had prayed with fasting - With the church. They were about to leave them. They had entrusted the interests of the church to a body of men chosen for this purpose; and they now commended the church and its elders together to God. Probably they had no prospect of seeing them again, and they parted as ministers and people should part, and as Christian friends should part, with humble prayer, commending themselves to the protecting care of God.
They commended them ... - They committed the infant church to the guardianship of the Lord. They were feeble, inexperienced, and exposed to dangers; but in his hands they were safe.
To the Lord ... - The Lord Jesus. The connection shows that he is particularly referred to. In his hands the redeemed are secure. When we part with Christian friends, we may, with confidence, leave them in his holy care and keeping.

Barnes: Act 14:24 - -- Throughout Pisidia - See the note at Act 13:14. They came to Pamphylia - See the notes on Act 13:13. These places they had visited before...

Barnes: Act 14:25 - -- In Perga - See the notes on Act 13:13. They went down into Attalia - "Attalia had something of the same relation to Perga which Cadiz has...
In Perga - See the notes on Act 13:13.
They went down into Attalia - "Attalia had something of the same relation to Perga which Cadiz has to Seville. In each case the latter city is approached by a river voyage, and the former is more conveniently placed on the open sea. Attalus Philadelphus, king of Pergamus, whose dominions extended from the northwestern corner of Asia Miner to the Sea of Pamphylia, had built this city in a convenient position for commanding the trade of Syria or Egypt. When Alexander the Great passed this way, no such city was in existence; but since the days of the kings of Pergamus, who inherited a fragment of his vast empire, Attalia has always existed and flourished, retaining the name of the monarch who built it. Its ancient site is not now certainly known"(Life and Epistles of Paul, vol. i. pp. 200, 201). It is probable that it is the modern Satalia.

Barnes: Act 14:26 - -- And thence sailed to Antioch - See the note at Act 11:19. From whence they had been recommended ... - Where they had been appointed to th...
And thence sailed to Antioch - See the note at Act 11:19.
From whence they had been recommended ... - Where they had been appointed to this missionary tour by the church, Act 13:1-4.
To the grace of God - His favor and protection had been implored for them in their perilous undertaking.
For the work which they fulfilled - This shows conclusively:
(1) That they had accomplished fully the work which was originally contemplated. It was strictly a missionary tour among the Gentiles. It was an important and hazardous enterprise, and was the first in which the church formally engaged. Hence, so much importance is attached to it, and so faithful a record of it is preserved.
\caps1 (2) i\caps0 t shows that the act by which they were set apart to this Act 13:1-3 was not an ordination to the ministerial office. It was an appointment to a missionary tour.
\caps1 (3) i\caps0 t shows that the act was not an appointment to the apostleship. Paul was an apostle before by the express appointment of the Saviour; and Barnabas was never an apostle in the original and proper sense of the term. It was a designation to a temporary work, which was now fulfilled.
We may remark, also, in regard to this missionary tour:
(1) That the work of missions is one which early engaged the attention of Christians.
\caps1 (2) i\caps0 t entered into their plans, and was one in which the church was deeply interested.
\caps1 (3) t\caps0 he work of missions is attended with danger. People are now no less hostile to the gospel than they were in Lystra and Iconium.
(4) Missionaries should be sustained by the prayers of the church. And,
(5) In the conduct of Paul and Barnabas we have an example for missionaries in founding churches, and in regard to their own trials and persecutions. If they were persecuted, missionaries may be now; and if the grace of Christ was sufficient to sustain them, it is not the less sufficient to sustain those of our own times amidst all the dangers attending the preaching of the cross in pagan lands.

Barnes: Act 14:27 - -- They rehearsed ... - Act 11:4. They related what had happened; their dangers and their success. This they did because they had been sent out by...
They rehearsed ... - Act 11:4. They related what had happened; their dangers and their success. This they did because they had been sent out by the church, and it was proper that they should give an account of their work; and because it furnished a suitable occasion of gratitude to God for his mercy.
All that God had done ... - In protecting, guarding them, etc. All was traced to God.
Had opened the door of faith - Had furnished an opportunity of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12.

Barnes: Act 14:28 - -- And there they abode - At Antioch. Long time - How long is not intimated; but we hear no more of them until the council at Jerusalem, men...
And there they abode - At Antioch.
Long time - How long is not intimated; but we hear no more of them until the council at Jerusalem, mentioned in the next chapter. If the transactions recorded in this chapter occurred, as is supposed, about 45 a.d. or 46 a.d., and the council at Jerusalem assembled 51 a.d. or 53 a.d., as is supposed, then here is an interval of from five to eight years in which we have no account of them. Where they were, or what was their employment in this interval, the sacred historian has not informed us. It is certain, however, that Paul made several journeys of which we have no particular record in the New Testament, and it is possible that some of those journeys occurred during this interval. Thus, he preached the gospel as far as Illyricum, Rom 15:19. And in 2Co 11:23-27, there is an account of trials and persecutions, of many of which we have no distinct record, and which might have occurred during this interval. We may be certain that these holy men were not idle. From the example of Paul and Barnabas as recorded in this chapter, we may learn to bear all persecutions and trials without a complaint, and to acknowledge the good hand of God in our preservation in our travels; in our defense when we are persecuted; in all the opportunities which may be open before us to do good; and in all the success which may attend our efforts. Christians should remember that it is God who opens doors of usefulness; and they should regard it as a matter of thanksgiving that such doors are opened, and that they are permitted to spread the gospel, whatever toil it may cost, whatever persecution they may endure, whatever perils they may encounter.
Poole: Act 14:23 - -- Ordained the word properly signifies a stretching out of the hand, such as was used when they gave their suffrages in the election of their magistrat...
Ordained the word properly signifies a stretching out of the hand, such as was used when they gave their suffrages in the election of their magistrates, whereby was showed for whom they gave their voice; and afterwards it was commonly used for to constitute or appoint, or, as here, to ordain to any office or place; which might the rather be done by stretching out or laying on of the hands of the apostles, because by that means the Holy Ghost (or a power of working miracles) was frequently bestowed, Act 8:17,18 , which in those times was necessary to authorize their doctrine to the infidel world.
Elders such as might instruct and govern the church.
They commended them they commended the disciples as their jewels and chiefest treasure; as all sufferers are to commit their very souls to God, 1Pe 4:19 .
To the Lord to Christ, the best and faithful Keeper, that he should keep and further them in grace and goodness; to whose providence they wholly had committed themselves.

Poole: Act 14:25 - -- The word the gospel, the word of the Lord; or Christ, who is the word, and who is the sum of what the ministers of the gospel preach about.
Perga: ...
The word the gospel, the word of the Lord; or Christ, who is the word, and who is the sum of what the ministers of the gospel preach about.
Perga: mentioned Act 8:13 ; a city, or as some, a country, in Pamphylia, by the sea side. But the bounds of provinces were often altered by the Romans, and some made larger, and others lesser.

Poole: Act 14:26 - -- Antioch that Antioch which was in Syria, as appears Act 13:1-3 , to which this relates; and is a sufficient proof that they had not sought God in vai...
Antioch that Antioch which was in Syria, as appears Act 13:1-3 , to which this relates; and is a sufficient proof that they had not sought God in vain, and that there is no better preparation or provision towards any business, than faithful prayer unto God concerning it; doing our duty, and leaving the event unto his disposing.

Poole: Act 14:27 - -- All that God had done with them God being with them, and they being labourors with God, 1Co 3:9 2Co 6:1 . They showed how much God had honoured them ...
All that God had done with them God being with them, and they being labourors with God, 1Co 3:9 2Co 6:1 . They showed how much God had honoured them in making them his instruments in the conversion of so many souls.
He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles he had given the Gentiles an opportunity of knowing and believing the gospel. The fleece alone had been wet before, and all the ground round about it dry; and now all the ground is wet, and that fleece was dry; to allude to Jud 6:37-40 , by which this mystery was presignified, and can only be resolved by that of our Saviour, Mat 11:25,26 : Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Poole: Act 14:28 - -- To confirm them, as Act 14:22 ; and also, as our Saviour withdrew himself from the multitudes, they chose there to refresh themselves a while, out o...
To confirm them, as Act 14:22 ; and also, as our Saviour withdrew himself from the multitudes, they chose there to refresh themselves a while, out of the heat of contention and persecution.
This Antioch was a sea-port in Pamphylia. (Bible de Vence)

Haydock: Act 14:25 - -- From whence they had been delivered, up to their ministry, and their apostolical mission by the grace of God; that is, where they had been first ch...
From whence they had been delivered, up to their ministry, and their apostolical mission by the grace of God; that is, where they had been first chosen by the direction of the Spirit of God, ordained priests and bishops, and had received power, and graces to discharge their offices of apostles. (Witham)

Haydock: Act 14:27 - -- No little time. It is not precisely known how long he remained there, nor what he did. St. Luke relates nothing of what happened from the 46th year...
No little time. It is not precisely known how long he remained there, nor what he did. St. Luke relates nothing of what happened from the 46th year of Christ to the 51st [from A.D. 46 to A.D. 51], in which the Council of Jerusalem was held. It is probable St. Paul spent that time carrying the gospel among the neighbouring provinces. (Calmet)
Gill: Act 14:23 - -- 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 an...
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.

Gill: Act 14:24 - -- And after they had passed throughout Pisidia,.... The country where Antioch, the last place mentioned, was; see Act 13:14 they came to Pamphylia; See ...

Gill: Act 14:25 - -- And when they had preached the word in Perga,.... A city in Pamphylia, Act 13:13. The Alexandrian copy, and others, and three manuscripts of Beza's, r...
And when they had preached the word in Perga,.... A city in Pamphylia, Act 13:13. The Alexandrian copy, and others, and three manuscripts of Beza's, read, "the word of the Lord"; as do the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions: they went down into "Attalia"; not Italia or Italy, as some Latin copies, and as the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read; but a city in Pamphylia, bordering on the sea, as Ptolomy writes b; as this place did, as appears by what follows. So Jerom says c, that Attalia is a city of Pamphylia, on the sea coast; it was formerly the metropolis of it: it is now in the hands of the Turks, and is called Sattalia; near it is a bay, called Golfo di Sattalia, where there is a considerable mart for the whole country: it is famous for tapestry, which is made in it: it had its name from Attalus, king of Pergamus, the first founder of it. Beza's ancient copy here adds, "preaching the Gospel to them"; to the inhabitants of Attalia, and doubtless with success, though no mention is made of it here, nor elsewhere, nor of any church in this place; nor do we read of any in ecclesiastical history until the "sixth" century, when Dionysius, bishop of Attalia, is said to be present in the fifth synod at Rome d; unless Attalia, called a city of Lycia, can be thought to be the same with this, of which another Dionysius was bishop in the fifth century; and assisted at the council of Chalcedon e.

Gill: Act 14:26 - -- And thence sailed to Antioch,.... In Syria,
from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God; by the prophets: from this place they first ...
And thence sailed to Antioch,.... In Syria,
from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God; by the prophets: from this place they first set out on their travels; here they were separated by the order of the Holy Ghost to the work of the ministry, and by them they were sent forth, after they had in prayer commended them to God, and to his grace to assist them, and succeed them, as well as to fit them
for the work which they fulfilled; that is, for the work of the ministry, for the preaching of the Gospel in several places; and which they had now gone through, and finished with great integrity and faithfulness, and with much success, though through many afflictions and persecutions.

Gill: Act 14:27 - -- And when they were come,.... To Antioch:
and had gathered the church together: which was in that place, and who came together at their request; for...
And when they were come,.... To Antioch:
and had gathered the church together: which was in that place, and who came together at their request; for as they were sent out by them, they judged it proper to call them together; and give them an account of the issue of their work they were recommended by them to the grace of God to fulfil: and being come together at their usual place of meeting,
they rehearsed all that God had done with them; and by them, as instruments; what grace and strength he had given them to preach the Gospel; what numbers of souls were everywhere converted by it; what miracles were wrought by them for the confirmation of it; and what persecutions and sufferings they had endured for the sake of it; and what deliverances were vouchsafed unto them:
and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles; the phrase, "the door of faith", seems to be Jewish; it is to be met with in Jewish writings: it is said f,
"there are two women found in the world, that express the praise of God, so as all the men of the world have not; and who are they? Deborah and Hannah: Hannah, according to 1Sa 2:2 "there is none holy as the Lord, for there is none beside thee" and all proclaim that she
The sense here seems to be, that God had given an opportunity to the apostles to preach the doctrine of faith unto the Gentiles, and the Gentiles had had an opportunity of hearing and embracing it; God had opened the mouths of his ministers to preach to them, and he had opened their hearts to attend unto it, and receive it; for it may be understood of his giving of them the grace of faith, by which they received Christ, and his Gospel, into their hearts: so a like phrase is used by the Targumist on Jer 33:6 who paraphrases the words thus;
"behold, I will bring unto them healing and redemption, and I will heal them, and I will reveal, or "open to them",
that is, I will give them repentance: so here, when God is said to open the door of faith to the Gentiles, the sense is, that he had given the grace of faith to them, which came by hearing the word of the Gospel, which he sent them; and gave them encouragement to believe in Christ; so the phrase a door of hope is used in Hos 2:15.

Gill: Act 14:28 - -- And there they abode long time with the disciples. That is, Paul and Barnabas continued a considerable time at Antioch with the believers there, befor...
And there they abode long time with the disciples. That is, Paul and Barnabas continued a considerable time at Antioch with the believers there, before they set out on another journey; and what might detain them the longer, might be the disputes they had with some "judaizing" Christians, concerning the observation of the law; of which, and the issue of them, an account is given in the next chapter.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes: Act 14:23 BDAG 772 s.v. παρατίθημι 3.b has “entrust someone to the care or protection of someone” ...


NET Notes: Act 14:25 Attalia was a seaport in the province of Pamphylia on the southern coast of Asia Minor, about 12 mi (20 km) southwest of Perga.

NET Notes: Act 14:26 BDAG 829 s.v. πληρόω 5 has “to bring to completion an activity in which one has been involved from its beginning, ...


Geneva Bible: Act 14:23 ( 9 ) 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.
( ...

Geneva Bible: Act 14:24 ( 10 ) And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
( 10 ) Paul and Barnabas, having completed their journey, and having ret...

Geneva Bible: Act 14:25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into ( h ) Attalia:
( h ) Attalia was a sea city of Pamphylia, near to Lycia.

Geneva Bible: Act 14:26 And thence sailed to ( i ) Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
( i ) Antioch of Syr...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Act 14:1-28
TSK Synopsis: Act 14:1-28 - --1 Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium.8 At Lystra Paul heals a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods.19 Paul is stoned.21 They pass th...
Combined Bible: Act 14:23 - --They were left as "sheep in the midst of wolves;" but they were committed to the care of the great Shepherd of the sheep, and were supplied with under...

Combined Bible: Act 14:24 - --Leaving Antioch of Pisidia, the apostles returned as far as the sea-coast by the same route through which they had gone up into Pisidia. (24) " And pa...



Combined Bible: Act 14:27 - --28. The apostles had now completed their missionary tour, and there could but be great anxiety in the congregation who had sent them forth, to know th...

Maclaren -> Act 14:27
Maclaren: Act 14:27 - --The Door Of Faith'
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had open...
MHCC -> Act 14:19-28
MHCC: Act 14:19-28 - --See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Christ. The people stoned Paul, in a popular tumult. So strong is the bent of the corr...
Matthew Henry -> Act 14:19-28
Matthew Henry: Act 14:19-28 - -- We have here a further account of the services and sufferings of Paul and Barnabas. I. How Paul was stoned and left for dead, but miraculously came ...
Barclay -> Act 14:21-28
Barclay: Act 14:21-28 - --In this passage there are three notable lights on the mind of Paul.
(i) There is his utter honesty to the people who had chosen to become Christians. ...
Constable: Act 9:32--Rom 1:1 - --III. THE WITNESS TO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH 9:32--28:31
Luke next recorded the church's expansion beyond...

Constable: Act 12:25--16:6 - --B. The extension of the church to Cyprus and Asia Minor 12:25-16:5
Luke recorded that Jesus came to brin...

Constable: Act 13:13--14:26 - --3. The mission to Asia Minor 13:13-14:25
Having evangelized Barnabas' homeland the missionaries ...

Constable: Act 14:21-28 - --The return trip to Syrian Antioch 14:21b-28
14:21b-22 The missionaries confined their labors to the Galatian province on this trip. They did not move ...
College -> Act 14:1-28
College: Act 14:1-28 - --ACTS 14
8. The Visit to Iconium (14:1-7)
1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively tha...
McGarvey: Act 14:23 - --23. They were left as "sheep in the midst of wolves;" but they were committed to the care of the great Shepherd of the sheep, and were supplied with u...

McGarvey: Act 14:24-26 - --24-26. Leaving Antioch of Pisidia, the apostles returned as far as the sea-coast by the same route through which they had gone up into Pisidia. (24) "...
