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Originally Posted by aron
I like the word in verse 22, preceding the 'appointment' of elders; that they 'confirmed' the souls of the believers. They affirmed what God had done; they did not push something that was not already there.
Is there any connection in the 'confirmed' in verse 22 to 'appointed' in verse 23? If these words in the original greek seem in apposition to each other, then we would have to lean more towards 'selected' as the reading for the appointment of elders.
There is some confirming going on there in Acts. When Peter goes to Cornelius, the Jews in Jerusalem have to confirm that God has moved among the Gentiles. When Ananias lays hands on Saul and baptises him, the brethren at first shrink back from this converted murderer and blasphemer; Ananias exhorts them to receive Saul/Paul as a brother, which they do.
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There is more confirming going on. A good deal of confirmation, actually, now that you mention it.
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Act 15:30 So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.
Act 15:31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Act 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Act 15:39 And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus;
Act 15:40 but Paul choose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
Act 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
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But I don't see any clear connection with the choosing or selection of elders in this regard, I'm afraid.
Again, however, this does seem to be in contrast to a view requiring an express acknowledgement of superordinate authority, doesn't it?
One does get the sense that there was something happening in the assemblies, at least outside of Jerusalem, that nobody was really in control of...