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 NRSV

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported 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 NRSV

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 NRSV

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 NRSV

Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to warn everyone with tears.

In the healing ministry

James 5:14 NRSV

Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.

The remuneration and correction of elders

1 Timothy 5:17–20 NRSV

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 while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves to be paid.” Never accept any accusation 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 also 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 NRSV

the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, “You are worthy, 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.”