Honoring God in Caring for Our Pastor! (1 Tim. 5.17-18)

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology The New Testament > Elder

New Testament elders (presbyteroi) are also called bishops (episkopoi) without implying any essential difference in the office referred to. In Acts 20:17, 28 and Titus 1:5, 7 the two names are used interchangeably. Also the requirements for the office of the elders and bishops are very similar (cf. Titus 1:5–9 and 1 Tim. 3:1–7). The term “elder” stresses the connection with the age of the office bearer, while the term “bishop” emphasizes the nature of the task that is to be done. A distinction is made (in 1 Tim. 5:17) between those elders who rule well, especially those who labor in the preaching and teaching (who are now called ministers), and others (who are now referred to as elders and whose full-time task is directing the affairs of the church).

With respect to the duties of an elder, there is a continuity with the basic tasks of the elder in the Old Testament. All elders have the task of oversight and discipline of the congregation (Acts 20:28) and all have the responsibility to rule and guide the people of God with the Word in a manner that is pleasing to God (Acts 20:29–31). Also elders in the new dispensation are to preserve and nurture life with God in the covenant community (1 Thess. 2:11–12). In executing this task they are in the service of their risen Lord (to whom they will have to give account; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:17) and they are empowered by his Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 12:4–6).

The elders’ task of oversight and discipline can be described in terms of keeping watch and shepherding on behalf of the great shepherd Jesus Christ. In Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders he said: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The pastoral character of this task of oversight is also indicated when Peter writes: “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder.… Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:1–4).

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology: A need to distinguish some differences with the play of words: bishop, Elders, & Pastor. See notes from the Evangelical Dictionary.

The term “elder” stresses the connection with the age of the office bearer, while the term “bishop” emphasizes the nature of the task that is to be done.11 Cornelis Van Dam, “Elder,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 198.

With respect to the duties of an elder, there is a continuity with the basic tasks of the elder in the Old Testament. All elders have the task of oversight and discipline of the congregation (Acts 20:28) and all have the responsibility to rule and guide the people of God with the Word in a manner that is pleasing to God (Acts 20:29–31).11 Cornelis Van Dam, “Elder,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 198.

 The pastoral character of this task of oversight is also indicated when Peter writes: “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder.… Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:1–4).11 Cornelis Van Dam, “Elder,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 198–199.

Leaders worthy for the job they do!

Faithlife Study Bible (Chapter 5)

Paul writes to Timothy regarding elders in the church. These instructions have two main concerns—financial payments for elders (vv. 17–18) and the high standard of godliness for elders (vv. 19–22).John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 1 Ti 5:17.

The Standard of the shepherd! Refers to mature believers: Who manages and teaches the flock the ways of God.

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology The New Testament > Elder

In light of the awesome responsibilities, it is not surprising that the prerequisites of the office are high (1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9). The elder must be a blameless and God-fearing man who shows the fruits of the Spirit in his walk of life. He must also be able to teach others the way of the Lord, and confute heretics (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 3:14–17; Titus 1:9), but not be quarrelsome (1 Tim. 3:3) or enter into senseless controversies (1 Tim. 1:3; 6:4–5). A good knowledge of the Word of God is therefore essential.

The rod and staff are the shepherd’s equipment to protect the sheep in such situations.

Allen P. Ross

Responsible for managing and teaching in the church.

However, this verse primarily speaks of the shepherd’s ability to protect his sheep in moments of danger.

James Montgomery Boice

they need your support

they have a high standard of godliness too

God is their guide.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 5

Like overseers, elders nourish and protect the believers in the church community (see Acts 20:28 and note; 1 Tim 3:2 and note).