Thematic Bible: Ordination of


Thematic Bible



This arrangement pleased the whole group, so they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus, a proselyte [i.e., convert to the Jewish religion] from Antioch. [Then] they presented these men to the apostles, who prayed for them while placing their hands on them [to signify their appointment].

Do not neglect [using] the gift [i.e., of serving as an evangelist. See II Tim. 4:5], which was given to you in response to a prophetic message [or, prediction], along with the laying on of the elders' hands [i.e., signifying your appointment]. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of TalentsGiftsCeremoniesBodyHandsNeglectOrdinationNeglecting God's ThingsRemindersStewardshipLaying On Of HandsBishops, DutiesUnusedLaying On Hands To CommissionProphesying In The Churchthe Gifts of GodSpiritual GiftsGifts And TalentsThe Elderlyelders

Then, as these prophets and teachers fasted and prayed [for the two men], they placed their hands on them [signifying their appointment for this ministry] and sent them away. Verse ConceptsFasting, Practice OfMissionaries, Support ForOrdinationPrayer, As Asking GodLaying On Of HandsLaying On Hands To CommissionPeople Sending PeopleMissionariesFastingFasting And Prayer

So, they drew lots [i.e., devices used for making random choices] and the lot [i.e., the choice] favored Matthias, so he was added to the other eleven apostles. Verse ConceptsApostles, DescriptionGuidance, Receiving God'sCasting LotsElevenDispensations

[Then] they presented these men to the apostles, who prayed for them while placing their hands on them [to signify their appointment]. Verse ConceptsHandsOrdinationPrayer, In The ChurchLaying On Of HandsLaying On Hands To CommissionThe Apostles In Action

Do not neglect [using] the gift [i.e., of serving as an evangelist. See II Tim. 4:5], which was given to you in response to a prophetic message [or, prediction], along with the laying on of the elders' hands [i.e., signifying your appointment]. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of TalentsGiftsCeremoniesBodyHandsNeglectOrdinationNeglecting God's ThingsRemindersStewardshipLaying On Of HandsBishops, DutiesUnusedLaying On Hands To CommissionProphesying In The Churchthe Gifts of GodSpiritual GiftsGifts And TalentsThe Elderlyelders

Do not be in a hurry to lay hands on anyone [i.e., to appoint them to office. See 4:14], and do not participate in the sins of other people. [Note: If Timothy failed to carefully determine the qualifications of a prospective elder before appointing him, it would make him partially responsible for any wrongdoing by that elder]. Keep yourself pure [i.e., of involvement in anyone's sins]. Verse ConceptsOrdinationParticipation, In SinRashnessPurity Of HeartLaying On Of HandsBad CompanyEvil AssociationsAssociationsFellowship With SinnersDo Not Be RashLaying On Hands To CommissionPure PeopleResponsibilitycredibility

The reason I am reminding you [of these things] is so that you will rekindle the gift from God, which is in your life through the laying on my hands. [Note: This "gift" was probably his ordination to serve as an evangelist (See 4:1-5), and in addition, may have included a supernatural "spiritual gift" bestowed by the apostle Paul]. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of TalentsGiftsHandsOrdinationRemindersRenewal, Of People Of GodRevival, PersonalDuties Of Christian ServantsLaying On Of HandsFervourZealRenewedLaying On Hands To Commissionthe Gifts of GodSpiritual GiftsPutting God FirstFunGifts And TalentsGrandmothersremembrancerevivalgrandmas