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Romans 16:20). He also taught that “kingdom people” experienced trial, suffering, and
not always an “instant victory” (2 Thessalonians 1:5). Triumph and victory may
characterize the attitude of each citizen of the kingdom of God, and Holy Spirit-
empowered authority is given to be applied to realize results. Yet, God did not promise
life without struggle. The “dominion” being recovered through the presence of the King
within us and ministered by the Holy Spirit’s power through us is never taught by the
apostles as preempting all suffering.

This text reminds us that victory only comes through battle, and triumph only follows
trial. Only a weak view of the truth of the kingdom of God pretends otherwise. Another
weak view surrenders to negative circumstances on the proposition that we are
predestined to problems and therefore should merely tolerate them. The Bible teaches
that suffering, trial, and all order of human difficulty are unavoidable; but God’s Word
also teaches that they may all be overcome. The presence of the King and the power of
His kingdom in our lives make us neither invulnerable nor immune to life’s struggles. But
they do bring the promise of victory: provision in need, strength for the day, and
healing, comfort, and saving help.
ORDAINING ELDERS

Act 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 when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they
commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

The Greek word for ordained is cheirotoneo. It means to “elect by stretching out the hand.” In
each of these cities, Paul and Barnabas establish churches as they retrace their steps back
through the cities. The believers in each city continue in the Word and in grace, and groups are
established. All of the groups need leadership, and Paul and Barnabas make the selections by
the laying on of hands. Prayer and fasting accompany each selection to determine whether
they have any “checks” in their spirits about any potential leaders. After praying and fasting,
their consciences are clear, and they commend the selected leaders to the Lord. This
demonstrates Paul and Barnabas have done their part, and what remains to be done is
between the new elders and the Lord.
The Greek word for “commended” is paratithemi which means “to deposit.” This is a banking
term. A bank is generally considered a safe place to deposit money. The Lord is the bank, the
safe place to deposit the new elders. These elders (presbuteros) become the pastors of the
churches. The pastor is called an elder in many passages of scripture. A pastor can be called an
elder, a bishop, or a deacon. Although not all elders, bishops, and deacons are the pastors, a
pastor is each one of these offices as the head of the local church.