Elders in the church

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In the NT a group of leaders responsible for managing and teaching a local church. As the name implies, they were normally men of experience and maturity. Although women played a very significant part in early Christian ministry, there is no specific NT evidence for women as elders.

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Elders in the Jerusalem church

Acts 15:4 NKJV

And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.

See also Ac 11:30; Ac 15:2; Ac 15:6; Ac 15:22–23; Ac 16:4; Ac 21:18

Elders are also called “overseers”

Ac 20:28 In Ac 20:17 they are described as “elders”. Here they are “overseers”.

Elders are appointed by apostles or their delegates

Ac 14:23 Here, as always in the NT, people are appointed to a joint eldership. There is no NT example of a single elder leading a church.

Qualifications for elders

Tt 1:6–9 As in Ac 20:17,28, “elder” is here synonymous with “overseer”.

The role of elders

As leaders

1 Timothy 5:17 NKJV

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

As teachers

1 Timothy 5:17 NKJV

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

As pastors and guardians against false teaching

Acts 20:28–31 NKJV

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

In the healing ministry

James 5:14 NKJV

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

The remuneration and correction of elders

1 Timothy 5:17–20 NKJV

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

Elders are to receive respect and submission from church members

Heb 13:17 “leaders” is an alternative term for “elders”.

The twenty-four elders in heaven

The elders are seated on thrones

Re 4:4 These elders may be angelic beings corresponding to the 24 orders of Levites (1Chronicles chapters 24-25) or symbolise Israel and the church (compare Rev 21:12-14).

The elders worship God and the Lamb

Revelation 4:10–11 NKJV

the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”