Elders: Understanding the Terms Leads to Understanding the Office Scripture Reading: 1 Pet 5:1-4

Introduction The Word of God offers three Greek terms to designate the office of elder The Word of God offers three Greek terms to designate the office of elder These three words have been translated into six English terms in the New Testament These three words have been translated into six English terms in the New Testament ◦Bishop ◦Overseer ◦Presbyter ◦Elder ◦Shepherd ◦Pastor These terms help us understand the nature of the office of elder; it’s work and it’s authority These terms help us understand the nature of the office of elder; it’s work and it’s authority

Comparison Chart: Geek Word to English translation Greek WordsEnglish Translations PresbuterosElder, Presbyter EpiskoposBishop, Overseer PoimenPastor, Shepherd

Elder/Presbuteros This word is an adjective This word is an adjective ◦In a comparative manner: the older of the two  Indicating, “Maturity of spiritual experience” Vine’s  Compare with the Qualification, “Not a novice” (1 Tim 3:6) ◦A term of rank or office  Among the Gentiles ◦ Num 22:7 “ 7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.”  Among the Jews ◦ Mt 16:21 “ 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”  Came to be used of those who presided over the Lord’s church ◦ Acts 14:23 “ 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. “

Elder/Presbuteros Inherent in the term is the idea of age Inherent in the term is the idea of age ◦The need for age is seen is that one of the qualifications is “not a novice” ◦Wisdom comes with age  Prov 19:20 “ 20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.”  Job 12:12 “ 12 Wisdom is with aged men, And with length of days, understanding.”  Experience by itself does not make for wisdom but it is a necessary factor Not every older man serves as an “Elder” in the church Not every older man serves as an “Elder” in the church ◦An elder in the church is appointed (Acts 14:23) because they meet the necessary qualifications ◦One does not automatically qualify for the office of elder because of the passing of years

Elder/Presbuteros In conclusion: In conclusion: ◦This term as used in the New Testament is a technical term describing and older man who olds office in the local church  It does not describe the function of the individual but rather his office title  It does designate one of the qualities of the man required to fill it: an older man

Bishop/Episcopos/Overse er Use of the term Use of the term ◦In the Septuagint it is translated “watchman”  Ezek 3:17 “ 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me:”  This carries with it the idea of supervision and taking care of  It includes the idea of having authority to manage and direct the affairs of those they oversee ◦New Testament writers used it to describe one who has the right to oversee the affairs of the local church-one who has the right to direct the activities of the members, ◦This term describes the function to be accomplished  Heb 13:17 “ 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” ◦This term refers to the fact that they “Take care of the church of God” (1 Tim 3:5)

Poimen/Pastor/Shepherd The term Pastor is of Latin origin from “Pasco” to feed The term Pastor is of Latin origin from “Pasco” to feed ◦While this may be the most common term used in the world today, it is only found once in God’s Word  Eph 4:11 “ 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,” ◦It corresponds with the Anglo-Saxon term “soeapherd” shepherd ◦It means to keep sheep (cf. Ps 23) ◦Metaphorically, it is used of Jesus (Jn 10:1 Pet 2:21-25, 5:1-4)  Jn 10:11, 14 “ 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep… 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own”

Poimen/Pastor/Shepherd This term is definitive of the elders of the local church This term is definitive of the elders of the local church ◦Elders are to shepherd and feed the flock (1 Pet 5:-4) ◦The shepherd should lead the flock in such a way that he directs to do the things which are best for the entire flock ◦A good shepherd is one who leads his sheep and doesn’t have to “drive/force them”  Jn 10:4 “ 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” ◦God has limited the rule of the shepherd to the local church of which he is a member just as the shepherd has the rule over his flock and not the flock of others  1 Pet 5:2 “ 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you,…”

Poimen/Pastor/Shepherd Some final points to consider Some final points to consider ◦If the shepherd is to lead, he has the authority to exercise judgment ◦If the shepherd watches and protects, he has the authority to do whatever is necessary to protect the flock from harm (within the boundaries God has established) ◦If the shepherd is to feed:  He must know what to feed  He must know how to feed  He must know when his sheep need to be fed

Conclusion The terms we have studied today indicate the importance of elders and the nature of the office and its work The terms we have studied today indicate the importance of elders and the nature of the office and its work ◦As Christians try to live godly lives, it is a blessing to have:  Spiritually experienced men (elders, presbyters) to guide us along  Qualified men watching over us (bishops, overseers) to see that we grow  Capable men feeding us (pastors, shepherds), protecting us from "grievous wolves" ◦Without elders, Christians in a congregation:  Must grow without the guidance and leadership God intended for His flock  Fail to have the benefit of spiritual encouragement God intended for His church