The Elder in
the Church
- The Term "Elder"
- PRESBUTEROS
- elder, an old man, a leader in the church. The term is used
- of the elder of two
persons (Luke 15:25,
or more,
John 8:9).
- of a person advanced in age (Acts 2:17;
in
Heb. 11:2).
- of the forefathers in Israel (Matt. 15:2;
Mark 7:3,5).
- of members of the Sanhedrin (Matt. 16:21;
26:47).
- of those who managed public
affairs in the various cities (Luke 7:3).
- of those who were the heads or
leaders of the tribes and families, as of the seventy who helped
Moses (Num. 11:16;
Deut.
27:1). This included:
- acting as judges in
apprehending murderers (Deut.
19:12).
- conducting inquests (Deut.
21:2).
- settling matrimonial disputes
(Deut. 22:15;
25:7).
- If theirs was a city of
refuge they also heard pleas for asylum (Joshua
20:4).
- of those qualified by the Holy
Spirit who exercised spiritual care and oversight of the local
congregation.
- EPISKOPOI -
overseers, bishops
- Titus equates bishop
and elder in Titus 1:5-9.
- Regarding
the Office:
- The office of Elder is a
divinely appointed office as defined in the Pastoral Epistles.
- Elders are apparently appointed
by the laying on of hands (1 Tim. 4:14;
2 Tim. 1:6).
- Should receive double honor in the
church (1 Tim. 5:17).
-
The pastor is an elder (1 Peter 5:1-3).
- The pastor is an elder who preaches
and/or teaches (1 Tim.
5:17).
- The pastor (elder) is
to equip the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13).
- Must be a man (1 Tim. 2:9-13).
- All uses of "elder"
are in the masculine except for
1 Tim. 5:2 where it means older
women.
- The
Responsibilities of Elders in the NT Church:
- Must shepherd the flock
(1 Peter 5:2).
- Must voluntarily exercise oversight
upon the flock (1 Peter 5:2).
- Must live as examples to the flock
(1 Peter 5:3).
- Anoint and pray for the sick (James 5:14).
- They have the tasks of teaching (1
Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5,9).
- They have the tasks of acting as
judges (Acts 15:2,6,22-29;
16:4).
-
Qualifications
for an elder
- Must be above reproach (Titus
1:6; 1 Tim. 3:2)
- Husband of one wife (Titus
1:6; 1 Tim. 3:2).
- Household must be in order with
children who believe (Titus
1:6 ;1 Tim. 3:4).
- Not a new convert (1
Tim. 3:6).
- Self controlled and temperate (Titus
1:7; 1 Tim. 3:2).
- Honorable, hospitable, seeking good
(Titus 1:7).
- Have a good reputation (1
Tim. 3:7).
- Not addicted to wine (1
Tim. 3:3).
- Not greedy (1
Tim. 3:3).
- Able to exhort (teach) sound
doctrine (Titus 1:9;
1
Tim. 3:2).
- Able to refute false teaching (Titus
1:9).
- They must be ready to earn their
own living if necessary (Acts
20:17,
33-35).
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