EldersElders

οἱ πρεσβύτεροιοἱ πρεσβύτεροι

Elders in the OTElders in the OT �ֵק�ן �ֵק�ןָז zaqen means old or elder, zaqen means old or elder ,ָז Probably 30 years old or older (Num 4:3, Probably 30 years old or older (Num 4:3,

23, 8:25; 1 Ch 23:24) . 23, 8:25; 1 Ch 23:24) . Jesus began his public ministry at age 30 Jesus began his public ministry at age 30

(Lk 3:23) (Lk 3:23) The idea of elders was present in the The idea of elders was present in the

pagan societies of Egypt and Moab (Gen. pagan societies of Egypt and Moab (Gen. 50:7; Num. 22:7)50:7; Num. 22:7)

The NT list in Titus 1 and 1 Tim 3 are to The NT list in Titus 1 and 1 Tim 3 are to clarify pagan perceptions of elders clarify pagan perceptions of elders

Num 11:11-17 some were given of Moses’ Num 11:11-17 some were given of Moses’ SpiritSpirit

Elders in the OTElders in the OT

They were not always right (1 Sam. 4:3)They were not always right (1 Sam. 4:3) Elders could serve locally as elders of a Elders could serve locally as elders of a

city (Judg. 8:14), regionally as a tribe city (Judg. 8:14), regionally as a tribe (Judg. 11:5), and nationally (Exod. 3:16) (Judg. 11:5), and nationally (Exod. 3:16)

They shared the load of Moses (Exod. They shared the load of Moses (Exod. 18:13–26; Deut. 1:13) 18:13–26; Deut. 1:13)

The elders were a witness for the The elders were a witness for the congregation, esp. in relation to the congregation, esp. in relation to the covenant (Deut. 27:1; 31:28; 32:7; cf. 2 covenant (Deut. 27:1; 31:28; 32:7; cf. 2 Kings 23:1–3). Kings 23:1–3).

OT PrinciplesOT Principles

The Elders were of an age greater The Elders were of an age greater than 30than 30

They were under the authority of They were under the authority of God, and were often accountable for God, and were often accountable for the sins of the people.the sins of the people.

The appointment seems to be by the The appointment seems to be by the people rather than a leader as people rather than a leader as Moses, or a succession as the Moses, or a succession as the Levites.Levites.

NT TermsNT Terms

Five Terns That Describe an ElderFive Terns That Describe an Elder

There are four main terms used to describe this There are four main terms used to describe this position of authority: (elder, overseer, shepherd, position of authority: (elder, overseer, shepherd, steward)steward)

These terms are not honorary titles but These terms are not honorary titles but descriptions of work to be done. It would be descriptions of work to be done. It would be wrong to call someone "Elder Brewster” or wrong to call someone "Elder Brewster” or "Pastor Charlie Brown" "Pastor Charlie Brown"

In the next table, you will notice four individual In the next table, you will notice four individual terms (elder, overseer, shepherd, steward) and terms (elder, overseer, shepherd, steward) and one collective term (eldership: which is simply the one collective term (eldership: which is simply the plural of term elder).plural of term elder).

http://www.bible.ca/ntx-elders-pastors-bishops.htmhttp://www.bible.ca/ntx-elders-pastors-bishops.htm The next two tables were drawn from this The next two tables were drawn from this source.source.

Term Greek word Definition: Emphasis

Elder or presbyter

πρεσβύτερος presbuteros

An older man a senior

Experience

Overseer or bishop

ἐπίσκοπος episkopos

A guardian or superintendent

Oversight

Shepherd or pastor

ποιμαίνω poimaino

Metaphoric termfeeding (tending flocks)

Protection

Steward οἰκονόμος oikonomos

Household Manager (treasurer)

Trustworthy

Eldership πρεσβυτέριον presbuterion

Group of older men/elders

Plurality & equalitySanhedrin

All terms refer to same single office

  Elder or Presbyter (Presbureros)

Overseer or bishop (Episcopos)

Shepherd or pastor (Poimen)

Steward (Oikonomo)

Acts 20:17,28

 

Tit 1:5,7  

1 Pe 5:1,2

   

Elder Governed ChurchElder Governed Church

Pastor

Elders

Teachers Missions. Evangelism

Elder Governed ChurchElder Governed Church

Elders

Teachers Missions. EvangelismPastor

Elder Governed ChurchElder Governed Church

Christ

Teachers Missions. EvangelismPastor

Elders

Congregation

How do we choose elders?How do we choose elders?

Jesus spoke with authority (Matt 7:29)Jesus spoke with authority (Matt 7:29) Jesus selected His disciples (John 15:16)Jesus selected His disciples (John 15:16) Jesus is God (John 1:1-5)Jesus is God (John 1:1-5) God is over Jesus and Jesus is over God is over Jesus and Jesus is over

every man (1 Cor. 11:1-2)every man (1 Cor. 11:1-2) Jesus gave little instruction about the Jesus gave little instruction about the

Church or Elders (Matt 16:18)Church or Elders (Matt 16:18) Eph 4:11-16Eph 4:11-16

How do we choose elders?How do we choose elders?

All the early church assemblies were All the early church assemblies were established by church plants -- most by established by church plants -- most by PaulPaul Paul was not called an elder as was Peter (1 Pt Paul was not called an elder as was Peter (1 Pt

5:1)5:1) It is unknown who began Rome – ironically It is unknown who began Rome – ironically

neither Paul or Peter were thereneither Paul or Peter were there How was their church government?How was their church government? Were there elders or deacons?Were there elders or deacons? Who was the pastor?Who was the pastor?

How do we choose elders?How do we choose elders?

The early church was participatory or The early church was participatory or democraticdemocratic

Acts 6:2-3 the assembly selected the Acts 6:2-3 the assembly selected the deaconsdeacons

Acts 13:1-2 the vision for missions came Acts 13:1-2 the vision for missions came to the group assembledto the group assembled

The counsel of Jerusalem in Act 15 was The counsel of Jerusalem in Act 15 was settled with all different views expressedsettled with all different views expressed

Elders were assumed to exist (Act Elders were assumed to exist (Act 11:30)11:30)

Who Chooses the Elders?Who Chooses the Elders?

Elders (Elders (presbyteroipresbyteroi) are also called ) are also called bishops (bishops (episkopoiepiskopoi) without implying ) without implying any essential difference in the office any essential difference in the office (Acts 20:17, 28 )(Acts 20:17, 28 )

Titus 1:5 they were appointed by Titus 1:5 they were appointed by Paul (though never called an elder) Paul (though never called an elder) through Titus (cf. Act 14:21-23)through Titus (cf. Act 14:21-23)

Paul is the first pope not Peter (joke)Paul is the first pope not Peter (joke) 1 Tim 3:1 1 Tim 3:1 aspire to the office (BDAG) (BDAG)

Who can be an Elder?Who can be an Elder?

Personal QualificationsPersonal Qualifications Public Qualifications Public Qualifications Family QualificationsFamily Qualifications Ministry QualificationsMinistry Qualifications

Ed Glasscock “The Biblical Concept of Elder” Bibliotheca Sacra Volume Vol. 144, Page 73-74.

Personal QualificationsPersonal Qualifications 1. “Temperate”—avoiding extremes1. “Temperate”—avoiding extremes 2. “Prudent”—showing good judgment, common 2. “Prudent”—showing good judgment, common

sensesense 3. “Not addicted to wine”—not abusing wine3. “Not addicted to wine”—not abusing wine 4. “Not pugnacious”—not having a violent temper4. “Not pugnacious”—not having a violent temper 5. “Gentle” (in contrast to pugnacious)—being 5. “Gentle” (in contrast to pugnacious)—being

patient or consideratepatient or considerate 6. “Uncontentious”—being peaceful in nature6. “Uncontentious”—being peaceful in nature 7. “Free from the love of money”—not being 7. “Free from the love of money”—not being

greedy for personal gaingreedy for personal gain 8. “Not a novice”—having been saved long enough 8. “Not a novice”—having been saved long enough

to develop a spiritual maturity and wisdomto develop a spiritual maturity and wisdom

Personal QualificationsPersonal Qualifications 9. “Not self-willed”—not trying to get one’s 9. “Not self-willed”—not trying to get one’s

way, looking out only for oneselfway, looking out only for oneself 10. “Not quick-tempered”—not being 10. “Not quick-tempered”—not being

easily angeredeasily angered 11. “Loving what is good”—being loyal to 11. “Loving what is good”—being loyal to

moral and ethical valuesmoral and ethical values 12. “Just”—being fair and honest12. “Just”—being fair and honest 13. “Devout”—being devoted to God in 13. “Devout”—being devoted to God in

worshipworship 14. “Self-controlled”—being able to control 14. “Self-controlled”—being able to control

oneself under adverse or tempting oneself under adverse or tempting circumstances.circumstances.

Public QualificationsPublic Qualifications

1. “Above reproach”—having no 1. “Above reproach”—having no questionable conduct that would questionable conduct that would bring accusationsbring accusations

2. “Hospitable”—being receptive and 2. “Hospitable”—being receptive and open to peopleopen to people

3. “Good reputation with those 3. “Good reputation with those outside”—having a morally and outside”—having a morally and ethically upright testimony with the ethically upright testimony with the unsaved.unsaved.

Family QualificationsFamily Qualifications 1. “Husband of one wife”—literally, being “a one-1. “Husband of one wife”—literally, being “a one-

woman type of man,” that is, not a flirtatious man woman type of man,” that is, not a flirtatious man but one who is content with his wife but one who is content with his wife

2. “Manages his own household well”—being a 2. “Manages his own household well”—being a spiritual leader of his familyspiritual leader of his family

3. “Children under control with dignity”—having 3. “Children under control with dignity”—having children who obey respectfullychildren who obey respectfully

4. “Children who believe, not accused of 4. “Children who believe, not accused of dissipation”—having children who display faith dissipation”—having children who display faith (possibly “faithfulness”), who are not living (possibly “faithfulness”), who are not living recklessly, who are not rebellious to their fathers.recklessly, who are not rebellious to their fathers.

Ministry QualificationsMinistry Qualifications

1. “Able to teach”—having ability to instruct 1. “Able to teach”—having ability to instruct in doctrine (possibly “teachable”)in doctrine (possibly “teachable”)

2. “Holding fast the word of truth”—being 2. “Holding fast the word of truth”—being firm in doctrine and not compromising firm in doctrine and not compromising ScriptureScripture

3. “Exhort with sound doctrine”—3. “Exhort with sound doctrine”—encouraging believers by means of correct encouraging believers by means of correct doctrinedoctrine

4. “Refute those who contradict”—standing 4. “Refute those who contradict”—standing against and stopping false teaching.against and stopping false teaching.

Troublesome wordsTroublesome words

1 Timothy 3:2 1 Timothy 3:2 δεῖ οὖν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον δεῖ οὖν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνεπίλημπτον εἶναι, ἀνεπίλημπτον εἶναι,

It is necessary then the Overseer be It is necessary then the Overseer be above reproachabove reproach

NecessaryNecessary Present tense “be above reproach”Present tense “be above reproach”

Troublesome wordsTroublesome words νηφαλέοςνηφαλέος, , [[nephaleosnephaleos], adj. Three ], adj. Three

occurrences (1 Tim 3:2,11; Titus 2:2); AV occurrences (1 Tim 3:2,11; Titus 2:2); AV translates as “sober” twice, and “vigilant” translates as “sober” twice, and “vigilant” once. once. 11 sober, temperate. 1a abstaining sober, temperate. 1a abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use. Strong, James. its immoderate use. Strong, James.

Early Gk. usage was for complete absence, Early Gk. usage was for complete absence, “Holding no wine,” TDNT 4:939“Holding no wine,” TDNT 4:939

νήφωνήφω, verb (1 Th. 5:6, 8; 2 Tm. 4:5; 1 Pt. , verb (1 Th. 5:6, 8; 2 Tm. 4:5; 1 Pt. 1:13; 4:7; 5:8) 1:13; 4:7; 5:8)

1 Tim 5:23 “a little wine”1 Tim 5:23 “a little wine”

One wifeOne wife Titus 1:6 … mias gynaikos anēr, man of one

woman 1 Timothy 3:2 …mias gynaikos andra, Or “a man married only once,” “devoted solely

to his wife” (see 1 Tim 3:12; 5:9; Titus 1:6). The meaning of this phrase is disputed. It is frequently understood to refer to the marital status of the church leader, excluding from leadership those who are (1) unmarried, (2) polygamous, (3) divorced, or (4) remarried after being widowed. A different interpretation is reflected in the NEB’s translation “faithful to his one wife.” NET

OT qualifications for PriestsOT qualifications for Priests

Lev 21:14Lev 21:14 Ezekiel 44:20-24Ezekiel 44:20-24 Lev 10:9Lev 10:9 Prov 31:4Prov 31:4 1 Pet 2:9; Ex 19:6; Isa 61:6, 66:21; 1 Pet 2:9; Ex 19:6; Isa 61:6, 66:21;

Rev 1:6Rev 1:6

Faithful or Believe Titus 1:6Faithful or Believe Titus 1:6

pistospistos adj. AV translates as “faithful” adj. AV translates as “faithful” 53 times, “believe” six times, 53 times, “believe” six times, “believing” twice, “believing” twice, StrongStrong

Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, (1 Cor 4:17)

Unsaved or Prodigal Unsaved or Prodigal

asotia, prodigality, a wastefulness, profligacy (a, negative, sōzō, to save) Vine

Two NT occurrences Eph 5:18 1 Pet 4:4

2 Mac 6:1-4 the riot and lawlessness in the temple

Prov 28:7

Church FathersChurch Fathers

““The presbyters also must be The presbyters also must be compassionate, merciful towards all compassionate, merciful towards all men, turning back the sheep that are men, turning back the sheep that are gone astray, visiting all the infirm.”gone astray, visiting all the infirm.”

Polycarp Polycarp To the PhilippiansTo the Philippians 5. 5.

Plurality of EldersPlurality of Elders

In every instance where elders are In every instance where elders are mentioned in connection with the mentioned in connection with the church, there are plural elders in a church, there are plural elders in a singular church (e.g., James 5:14, singular church (e.g., James 5:14, τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους της ἐκκλησίαςτοὺς πρεσβυτέρους της ἐκκλησίας; ; Acts 14:23, Acts 14:23, κατ ἐκκλησίαν κατ ἐκκλησίαν πρεσβυτέρουςπρεσβυτέρους). ).

ConclusionConclusion

Acts 20:17, 28: “And from Miletus he Acts 20:17, 28: “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church…. ‘Be on the elders of the church…. ‘Be on guard for yourselves and for all the guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.’“ purchased with His own blood.’“

The words “among which” (The words “among which” (ἐν ᾡἐν ᾡ) ) refer to the flock in Ephesus. refer to the flock in Ephesus.

ConclusionsConclusions

We as a body are a priesthood of We as a body are a priesthood of believers (1 Pet 2:9-10)believers (1 Pet 2:9-10)

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16)(1 Cor. 3:16)

Elders were chosen from fathers of Elders were chosen from fathers of families, and were appointed over families, and were appointed over tribes in Israeltribes in Israel

In the New Testament they were In the New Testament they were probably appointed by apostolic probably appointed by apostolic authority in most casesauthority in most cases

ConclusionsConclusions

Is there a Biblical basis to self-Is there a Biblical basis to self-appointed (by the body) Elders?appointed (by the body) Elders?

Who is the authority of our church? Who is the authority of our church? Who chooses Elders?Who chooses Elders?

Is this behavior to be expected of Is this behavior to be expected of everyone? Are Christians to aspire to everyone? Are Christians to aspire to act like Elders or Widows?act like Elders or Widows?

How important is our own walk with How important is our own walk with God in the selection of Elders?God in the selection of Elders?

ConclusionsConclusions

Let those to whom God has given liberty Let those to whom God has given liberty and freedom (franchise) use it…as singular and freedom (franchise) use it…as singular benefit and a treasure that cannot be benefit and a treasure that cannot be prized enough. Calvinprized enough. Calvin

Ephesians 4:16 “from whom the whole Ephesians 4:16 “from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”building up of itself in love.”