Elders. Shepherds.

Pete Kersker - Aug 06, 2026

Then they returnyed to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said (Acts 14:21b-22 NIV).

Paul was attacked and left for dead in Lystra. The perpetrators were from Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. After recovering from the attack, Paul traveled to each of these towns to strengthen and encourage the new believers there.

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust (Acts 14:23 NIV).

It would have been encouraging to have someone who was put to death for the faith return to your city because he was holding on to the faith. This encouragement would have faded over time, though, because Paul and Barnabas were not staying forever. That's why they appointed, prayed for, and committed elders to the Lord.

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:9 NIV).

Elders were older people who knew the Scriptures (our Old Testament), who knew the truth about (and teachings from) Jesus (our New Testament), and who lived their lives with Jesus as their Lord. They were pointed-to as examples for the rest of the people in the town. They would stay and strengthen the faith of the people in that town long after Paul and Barnabas left.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:28-30 NIV).

It was not important that an elder be physically older (1 Timothy 4:12). It was important that they knew, believed, and lived out the word of the Lord. They were living examples of how we can walk together with God. They would then watch over and teach (feed) the rest of the church (flock) as a shepherd watches over and feeds a flock of sheep that are entrusted into their care. Elder-shepherds still do this today.

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV).

How would elders have been encouraging and strengthening in these early churches?
Why do you think Paul and Barnabas made sure elders were appointed in each city?

Have you ever thought about what it means to be an elder in Christ's church?
Have you experienced good shepherd(s) in your life?
How did they encourage and strengthen your faith?