Ordination and Acts 14:23

[Notthemama1984]

I just read someone argue that "ordained" in Acts 14:23 etymologically means to "stretch out the hand, to constitute by voting. The argument is that everyone voted on the elders of the various churches.

My greek is weak. Can "ordained" really be used to mean a simple vote? Even if it can I still see that the passage is talking about Paul and Barnabus doing the ordination, not every disciple.

 

[Steve Curtis]

The subject of "ordained" is the same "they" that "preached the gospel" in 14:21. Thus, while χειροτονέω can certainly mean "vote" or "choose" (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:19), in this context it is not the congregation but Paul and Barnabas that are the agents.

 

[Notthemama1984]

I agree on who are doing the "ordaining." Should we view ordination as a mere voting? That seems to cheapen in my opinion.

 

[rbcbob]

This may apply to your question.

 

[Notthemama1984]

Thanks for the file. I appreciate it.