The Duties of an Elder

[Mark H. Stevens, Th.D]

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