Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 14:23

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.

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 shewed 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, Chap. 8.17, 18. which in those times was necessary to Authorize their Doctrine to the Infidel World.

Such as might instruct and govern the Church.

They commended the Disciples as their Jewels and chiefest Treasure; as all sufferers are to commit their very Souls to God, 1 Pet. 4.19.

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.

Marginal references: Ti[illegible: 1 letter]. 1.5.