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1. The Term "Elder"
   1. PRESBUTEROS - elder, an old man, a leader in the church. The term is used
      1. of the elder of two persons (Luke 15:25, or more, John 8:9).
      2. of a person advanced in age (Acts 2:17; in Heb. 11:2).
      3. of the forefathers in Israel (Matt. 15:2; Mark 7:3,5).
      4. of members of the Sanhedrin (Matt. 16:21; 26:47).
      5. of those who managed public affairs in the various cities (Luke 7:3).
      6. of those qualified by the Holy Spirit who exercised spiritual care and oversight of the local congregation.
   2. EPISKOPOI - overseers, bishops
      1. Paul equates bishop and elder in Titus 1:5-9.
2. Regarding the Office:
   1. The office of Elder is a divinely appointed office as defined in the Pastoral Epistles. 
   2. Should receive double honor in the church (1 Tim. 5:17).
   3. The elder can preach and/or teach (1 Tim. 5:17).
      1. The elder is to equip the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13).
   4. Must be a man (Titus 1:5-6).
      1. All uses of "elder" are in the masculine except for 1 Tim. 5:2, where it means older women.
   5. The shepherd is an elder (1 Tim. 5:17) and the elder is to be male (Titus 1:5-6).
3. The Responsibilities of Elders in the NT Church:
   1. Must shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:2).
   2. Must voluntarily exercise oversight upon the flock (1 Peter 5:2).
   3. Must live as examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).
   4. Anoint and pray for the sick (James 5:14).
   5. They have the tasks of teaching (1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5,9).
   6. They have the tasks of acting as judges (Acts 15:2,6,22-29; 16:4).
4. Qualifications for an elder
   1. Must be above reproach (Elders - Titus 1:6; Bishop - 1 Tim. 3:2)
   2. Husband of one wife (Elders - Titus 1:6; Bishop - 1 Tim. 3:2).
   3. Household must be in order with children who believe (Titus 1:6 ;1 Tim. 3:4).
   4. Not a new convert (1 Tim. 3:6).
   5. Self controlled and temperate (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim. 3:2).
   6. Honorable, hospitable, seeking good (Titus 1:7).
   7. Have a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:7).
   8. Not addicted to wine (1 Tim. 3:3).
   9. Not greedy (1 Tim. 3:3).
   10. Able to exhort (teach) sound doctrine (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 3:2).
   11. Able to refute false teaching (Titus 1:9).
   12. They must be ready to earn their own living if necessary (Acts 20:17,33-35).

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Last modified: 05/01/08