ELDERS
WHAT ARE ELDERS?
They are men that have met the qualifications laid down by the Holy Spirit in 1 Tim. 3: 1-7; Titus 1:5-10; 1 Pet. 5:1-4, and have been appointed to the work.
BY WHAT NAME ARE ELDERS CALLED?
A. Elders - Anglo-Saxon; Presbyters - Greek; refers to experience, wisdom, and dignity of age. This usage is found in Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 5:1, 17; Titus 1:;5; 1 Pet. 5:1.
B. Shepherd--Anglo-Saxon; Pastor -- Latin; refers to tending and feeding. This usage is found in 1 Pet. 2:25; Eph. 4:11.
C. Bishop -- Anglo-Saxon; Overseer -- Greek; refers to one who oversees or supervises, or superintends. This usage is found in Acts 20:28; Titus 1:;7; 1 Tim. 3:1; Phil. 1:1.
D. Rulers -- one exercising authority. Rom. 12:8; 1 Thes. 5:12; 1 Tim. 5:17.
E. Steward -- one in charge of and responsible for another's goods. 1 Cor. 4:1; 1 Pet. 4:10.
F. Leader -- one who goes before and leads the way. Heb. 13:7, 17, 24.
G. Ensample -- a pattern or model. 1 Pet. 5;3.
H. Watchman -- as upon the walls of Zion. Heb. 13:7; Ezek. 3.
All of these different names for the same person, would by their very nature give us much insight as to what an elder really is and what a tremendous job he has.
HOW MANY ELDERS ARE THERE TO BE IN EACH CONGREGATION?
There are to be a plurality, two or more, in each congregation. Acts 14:23; 20: 17; Titus 1:5.
WHAT ARE THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?
A. There are many qualifications and they can be found in, 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-10; 1 Pet. 5:1-4.
B. Are all Christians in general to have most of these qualifications? Yes, they are to have above 80% of them. THESE QUALIFICATIONS FALL INTO THREE CATEGORIES:
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