Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Sending it to the ancients; elders In this and diverse other places, are not to be understood such as were elder in age, but such as had offices and dignities, and by divine authority, and who with a due subordination were to govern the Church: so that by this word, were signified apostles, bishops, and priests. But of this more hereafter. (Witham)
The ancients or priests, seniors, presbuterous. This is the first place in the New Testament, where priests are mentioned. Some interpreters think, that by this word, ancients, are meant the apostles; but this is not likely. The apostles must at that time have been dispersed over all the world. Others think it was some of the older deacons, who had charge of the alms. We like the opinion of those who think it means priests, subordinate to the apostles, who had the charge of governing the faithful, in their absence. Thus the Christian Church will appear modelled after the form of the synagogue. First, the bishop, who presides, corresponding ...
Do you mark them, that no sooner do they believe than they bring forth fruit, not only for their own but for those afar off? And Barnabas is sent and Saul, to minister (the same.) Of this occasion (᾿Ενταὕθα) he says (to the Galatians), And James, Cephas, and John gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, only (they would) that we should remember the poor. Galatians 2:9 James was yet living.
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution, etc.