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).
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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