Elders in the church (2)
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· 7 viewsIn 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
Elders in the Jerusalem church
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared 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”
Elders are also called “overseers”
Ac 20:28 In Ac 20:17 they are described as “elders”. Here they are “overseers”.
See also Tt 1:6–7
Elders are appointed by apostles or their delegates
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.
See also Tt 1:5
Qualifications for elders
Qualifications for elders
Tt 1:6–9 As in Ac 20:17,28, “elder” is here synonymous with “overseer”.
See also 1 Ti 3:1–7
The role of elders
The role of elders
As leaders
As leaders
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
See also 1 Ti 3:5
As teachers
As teachers
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
See also 1 Ti 3:2
As pastors and guardians against false teaching
As pastors and guardians against false teaching
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
See also Tt 1:9; 1 Pe 5:1–4
In the healing ministry
In the healing ministry
Is any sick among you? 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
The remuneration and correction of elders
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Elders are to receive respect and submission from church members
Elders are to receive respect and submission from church members
Heb 13:17 “leaders” is an alternative term for “elders”.
See also 1 Th 5:12; Heb 13:7
The twenty-four elders in heaven
The twenty-four elders in heaven
The elders are seated on thrones
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).
See also Re 5:5–6; Re 11:16; Re 14:3
The elders worship God and the Lamb
The elders worship God and the Lamb
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
See also Re 5:8–14; Re 7:11–13; Re 19:4