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Elders Defined By The Bible Introduction: Questions often arises concerning elders and how they are to function? Are their oversight local in nature or more? Can they legislate or are they limited to their example? What does God expect them to do? What do we expect them to do and to be? These and other questions arises when we talk about elders and the eldership. One way of looking at elders and understanding their role is by looking at the terms used to describe them in the Bible. Let me emphasize that these are not honorary titles but descriptive terms. Much like "bricklayer" or "auto mechanic", or shop foreman, are not mere titles but terms that tells us what they do. I) The Early Church A) Oversee by the apostles 1. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit therefore their primary role was to preach the word. 2. At Jerusalem they also oversaw much of what was going on. a. Money collected for the needy saints were laid at their feet, b. The issue of the Hellenist widows was handled by the apostles by delegating the matter, Acts 6.2ff. B) Eventually we read of "elders" 1. The disciples were scattered from Jerusalem; local congregations were established 2. In those local congregations the apostles appointed men called "elders" Acts 11.30; Acts 14.23 C) We also read of qualifications for these men, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 1. Not all elders were handpicked by the apostles; therefore, this did not end with the death of the apostles 2. Timothy and Titus, two preachers, were told to appoint men who met these qualification to this position. II) Terms Used To Describe Them A) Office is used in 1 Timothy 3.1 in KJV and ASV; position or ministry in other translations 1. Similar use in Acts 1.20 when they chose someone to fill the position of Judas 2. Not an honorary title but a work to be performed B) Presbuterion -- an assembly of elders, council 1. We often speak of an "eldership" a. Compare to fellowship in fellow workers; elders are to work together as a group. The authority is not in one person but in the eldership. No head elder or senior elder or one man eldership. b. Used in Acts 22.5 "council of the elders" 2. Translated as presbytery in 1 Timothy 4.14 C) Presbuteros -- elder, or older man 1. Jewish synagogues had rulers or "elders" Matthew 15.2. 2. Sometimes the word is simply referring to older men, 1 Timothy 5.1-2 3. Sometimes it refers to a distinct group of older men. i.e. the "elders of his city" Deut. 19.12 a. Acts 14.23; Acts 20.17, Titus 1.5 makes a distinction between "elders" and the rest of the congregation. b. Titus 1 gives qualifications for men to take on this work. 4. Some want to argue that there is no such position or work of an eldership a. Charles Holt said they were simply older Christians b. Their example was their sole authority. 5. Why does the scriptures say Paul appointed elders in every church? a. Why go through the trouble of doing so if they had no authority? b. Why would Paul have to designate who the "older men" are in the local church? c. Why give qualifications to be an elder, Titus 1.5-6? D) Episcopos -- overseer, guardian, or superintendent. 1. Acts 20.28 they were told to oversee the flock of God 2. Philippians 1.1 it is translated as Bishops (plural) 3. What were they to oversee? a. The flock of God, Acts 20.28 b. Those among you, 1 Peter 5.2 4. They are to oversee the work of the local congregation; the souls of that flock E) Pioman -- to keep the sheep, to feed 1. A "pioman" was a shepherd, Matthew 9.36 2. Transliterated as "pastor" in Ephesians 4.11 3. Jesus is the Great "Shepherd" in Hebrews 13.20 4. Acts 20.28 Shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. a. Ownership belongs to Jesus b. They have the work of feeding the flock, providing what is needed. F) All of these terms are used referring to the same group of people 1. Acts 20.17 the elders -- presbyterous 2. Acts 20.28 they were the overseers (episcopos); told to feed (piomainon) 3. Titus 1.5 elders (presbyterous); Bishop (episcopos). III) Their Duties Includes A) Overseeing the work of the local church; teaching program, benevolence, spreading of the Gospel B) Stopping the mouths of false teachers, Titus 1.9 C) Looking at the long term growth of the congregation; training program D) Discipline in the sense of the good and bad. E) Using the deacons F) Communicating with the flock Conclusion: Everyone wants the church here to stand for the truth; to worship God in the way that will glorify Him and uplift us; to grow both spiritually and numerically. Elders doing their job properly will help this come about. Keep in mind that they are mere men, bound by the word of God, and in need of your prayers.
Invitation: Psalm 23 Is Jesus your Shepherd? He gave Himself for Me and You; He watches after us; He gives His people strength; He gives us comfort; He gives us courage; Do you want His blessings? Do you want to be in His family and dwell in His house forever? |