(SEE 1:21)

and he chose twelve, whom he named apostles. "I have chosen you to be with me," he told them. "I will also send you out to preach,

Be in no hurry to lay hands on people to dedicate them to the Lord's service. Take no part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also.

I left you in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing and appoint church elders in every town. Remember my instructions:

They did this, then, and sent the money to the church elders by Barnabas and Saul.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, to whom they told all that God had done through them.

The apostles and the elders met together to consider this question.

and they sent the following letter by them:

From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him.

Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as if he were your father. Treat the younger men as your brothers,

The elders who do good work as leaders should be considered worthy of receiving double pay, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or more witnesses.

Are any among you sick? They should send for the church elders, who will pray for them and rub olive oil on them in the name of the Lord.

I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you

From the Elder--- To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you,

From the Elder--- To my dear Gaius, whom I truly love.

In the church at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (called the Black), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (who had been brought up with Governor Herod ), and Saul.

They fasted and prayed, placed their hands on them, and sent them off.

and from there they sailed back to Antioch, the place where they had been commended to the care of God's grace for the work they had now completed.

"And now I commend you to the care of God and to the message of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the blessings God has for all his people.

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father! In your hands I place my spirit!" He said this and died.

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you.

In this way he will strengthen you, and you will be perfect and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all who belong to him.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope,

encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.

and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.

But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.