John Calvin Commentary Acts 14:23

"And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed." — Acts 14:23 (ASV)

When they had ordained elders. By this it appears sufficiently that it is not enough if people have been once taught the doctrine of godliness, and hold the sum of faith, unless they go forward continually. Therefore, Christ not only sent His apostles to preach the gospel, but He also commanded that pastors should be appointed, so that the preaching of the gospel might be perpetual and in daily use.

Paul and Barnabas 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 silent. Furthermore, this passage teaches that the Church cannot lack an ordinary ministry, nor can any be counted Christians before God except those who, during their whole lives, are willing to learn.

I understand that those who are called elders in this passage are those who had the office of teaching entrusted to them; for it appears from Paul that some were only censors of conduct, and those who had authority to punish wrongdoings (1 Timothy 5:17). Now, since Luke says that they were appointed over every church, the difference between their office and the office of the apostles is gathered from this. For the apostles had no certain place of residence, but they went to and fro to establish new churches; but pastors were appointed, each to his own church, and were, so to speak, placed to watch over their congregations.

Had ordained by election. The Greek word χειροτονεῖν signifies to decree, or ordain something, by lifting up the hands, as was customary in the assemblies of the people. Nevertheless, ecclesiastical writers often use the word χειροτονία, in another sense; namely, for the solemn rite of ordaining, which is called in Scripture laying on of hands.

Furthermore, by this manner of speech the right way to ordain pastors is very excellently expressed. Paul and Barnabas are said to choose elders. Do they do this alone by their private office? No, rather they allow the matter to be decided by the consent of them all. Therefore, in ordaining pastors the people had their free election; but lest any tumult should arise, Paul and Barnabas preside as chief moderators. Thus, the decree of the Council of Laodicea must be understood, which forbids that the people be granted liberty to elect.

They having prayed with fasting. They had a twofold purpose and reason for their prayer. First, that God would direct them with the spirit of wisdom and discretion to choose the best and most suitable men, for they knew that they were not furnished with such great wisdom that they could not be deceived.

Nor did they trust so much in their own diligence, knowing that the principal point consisted in the blessing of God, as we see people's judgments err daily where heavenly government is absent, and all their labor is worthless where the hand of God is not present.

These are the true signs and tokens of the godly: to call upon the Spirit of God, that He may govern their counsels. And if this rule is to be observed in all affairs, especially when the government of the Church is concerned (which depends wholly upon His will and pleasure), we must take care that we attempt nothing unless we have Him for our guide and governor.

And the second purpose of their prayer was that God would furnish with necessary gifts those pastors who were chosen. For it is a more difficult matter to fulfill such a function faithfully, as one ought, than human strength is sufficient for it. Therefore, they also earnestly seek God’s help in this matter, with Paul and Barnabas as those who prompted it.

They also fast, so that this may help to stir up the fervency of their prayers, for we know how great our coldness is otherwise. This is not because it is always necessary that we should pray while fasting, since God invites even those who are full to give thanks. However, when we are urged by any necessity to pray more fervently than we commonly do, this is a very profitable stimulus.

We have already declared what a weighty matter the choosing of pastors is, in which the soundness of the Church is concerned. Therefore, it is no wonder that Luke writes that they used extraordinary prayers.

And it is profitable for us to note this use, and other uses, of fasting. This is important lest we imagine, like the Papists, that it is a meritorious work, or lest we place the worship of God in it. For fasting is of itself nothing, nor is it of any importance with God, except only as it is directed toward another end.

They committed themselves to the Lord. From this we gather, first, what great care Paul and Barnabas had for the salvation of those who, by their labor, were turned to the Lord. For they testify that in this infirmity of the flesh, people are subject to so many dangers that their faith cannot remain steadfast through its own strength.

Therefore, the only refuge and aid is for the Lord to continually keep those whom He has once received. And when Luke says that they were commended to God in whom they believed, no small confidence comes to us from this, because he assigns this office to God as properly His: to save and defend all those who by true faith have embraced His word.