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 ESV

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all 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 ESV

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

As teachers

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

As pastors and guardians against false teaching

Acts 20:28–31 ESV

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

In the healing ministry

James 5:14 ESV

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 ESV

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in 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 ESV

the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”