Difference between revisions of "Elder"

<p> In both the Old and New Testaments, the term "elder" indicates one of advanced age (Heb. <i> zaqen </i> [זָקֵן]; Gk. <i> presbyteros </i> [Πρεσβύτερος]) who had a office of leadership within the people of God. </p> <p> <i> The Old [[Testament]] </i> . We are not informed about the origin of this office, which was also known outside [[Israel]] (Genesis 50:7; Numbers 22:7 ). It probably developed from the tribal structure, the elder being the head of a family or tribe. The basic criterion of age was significant, for it connoted both the experience and wisdom that comes with age (Deuteronomy 32:7; cf. 1 Kings 12:6-8,13; [[Psalm]] 37:25 ) and the respect owing the elder (Lamentations 5:12 ). [[Growing]] older, however, did not necessarily mean growing wiser. [[Wisdom]] could be with the young rather than the old. [[Therefore]] elders had to be chosen carefully. [[Elders]] could serve locally as elders of a city (Judges 8:14 ), regionally as elders of a tribe (Judges 11:5 ), and nationally as elders of the nation (Exodus 3:16 ). </p> <p> The key duties of the elders could be summarized as being the twofold task of judging and discipline generally, and of ruling and guiding the people in an orderly way. In this manner the elders were to be in God's serve and to be instrumental for the preservation of life with [[God]] in the covenant community. </p> <p> With respect to the task of judging, elders were appointed in the wilderness wanderings by Moses, with the cooperation of Israel, in order to help him judge the people (Exodus 18:13-26; Deuteronomy 1:13 ). In the promised land, elders were also to be appointed to maintain justice locally (Deuteronomy 16:18; 21:18-21; 22:15-19; Ruth 4:1-12 ), but a higher tribunal of priests and a judge existed for difficult cases (Deuteronomy 17:8-9 ). </p> <p> The ruling task of elders was theirs from earliest times. Their leadership position was evident from the fact that [[Moses]] had to go to the elders, he would have to go to [[Pharaoh]] (Exodus 3:16-18 ). The elders' position of authority was also clear from their asking [[Jephthah]] to lead them in the fight against the [[Ammonites]] (Judges 11:4-11 ), from their seeking a king from Samuel (1 Samuel 8:4-5 ), and from their anointing [[David]] king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3; 1 Chronicles 11:3; cf. 2 Samuel 3:17-18; cf. also the presence of the elders in 2 Samuel 17:1-4 ). The elders' leadership was evident in other ways as well. [[Along]] with the priests, they were responsible for seeing to it that Israel walked obediently in God's ways. They too received the law, which had to be read every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:9-13 ). They had to make sure that the law functioned and that God's people remembered the mighty Acts of God (Deuteronomy 27:1; 31:28; 32:7; cf. 2 Kings 23:1-3 ). [[Faithful]] elders were of great importance to keep the nation faithful to their God (Joshua 24:31; Judges 2:7 ). Indeed, the elders' first responsibility was to God. In this way they would serve the well-being of Israel. </p> <p> To do their vital tasks of judging and ruling, elders were to be capable men who feared God and were upright (Exodus 18:21,25 ); they were to be wise, understanding, and experienced (Deuteronomy 1:13 ); and they were empowered by the [[Holy]] [[Spirit]] (Numbers 11:16-17 ). Although bad counsel could be given (4:3), generally good advice was expected and that characteristic became associated with the elder. </p> <p> <i> The Intertestamental Period </i> . The office of elder survived the [[Babylonian]] exile, but not without change. As previously, elders were in positions of leadership both in the homeland (Ezra 10:14 ) and [[Babylon]] (Jeremiah 29:1; Ezekiel 8:1; 14:1; 20:1,3 ). With the disintegration of the tribal unit, influential families came to fill the void of authority left by the breakdown of the clan. [[Whereas]] the elders' authority once derived from their position within the tribe, real authority now became based on the prominence of a particular family and an aristocratic ruling class emerged. </p> <p> By the second century b.c., we read of a council comprised of aristocratic elders (cf. 1 [[Maccabees]] 12:6; 14:20; Josephus, <i> Antiquities, </i> 12.3.3 ), which by the first century was known as the [[Sanhedrin]] (Josephus, <i> Antiquities, </i> 14.9.3-5). Although elders were historically the oldest members, in later times they became less important compared to the priests and scribes and the term "elders" came to signify lay members. This is the situation encountered in the New Testament, where the triad of chief priests, scribes, and elders is often referred to as the Sanhedrin (Mark 11:27; 14:43; also cf. Matthew 16:21; Mark 15:1 ). </p> <p> <i> The New Testament </i> . The office of elder in the New Testament church cannot be fully understood without the background of the Old Testament local elder, an office still functioning in New Testament [[Judaism]] with duties pertaining to discipline and leadership (cf. Luke 7:3; and the implications of Matthew 10:17; and John 9:22 ). The first [[Christians]] were [[Jewish]] and the office was familiar to them. Thus Luke did not need to explain his first reference to [[Christian]] elders in Acts 11:30 . </p> <p> New Testament elders ( <i> presbyteroi </i> [ Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 ). The term "elder" stresses the connection with the age of the office bearer, while the term "bishop" emphasizes the nature of the task that is to be done. A distinction is made (in 1 Timothy 5:17 ) between those elders who rule well, especially those who labor in the preaching and teaching (who are now called ministers), and others (who are now referred to as elders and whose full-time task is directing the affairs of the church). </p> <p> With respect to the duties of an elder, there is a continuity with the basic tasks of the elder in the Old Testament. All elders have the task of oversight and discipline of the congregation (Acts 20:28 ) and all have the responsibility to rule and guide the people of God with the Word in a manner that is pleasing to God (Acts 20:29-31 ). Also elders in the new dispensation are to preserve and nurture life with God in the covenant community (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ). In executing this task they are in the service of their risen Lord (to whom they will have to give account 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17 ) and they are empowered by his Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1Col 12:4-6). </p> <p> The elders' task of oversight and discipline can be described in terms of keeping watch and shepherding on behalf of the great shepherd [[Jesus]] Christ. In Paul's farewell to the [[Ephesian]] elders he said: "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood" (Acts 20:28 ). The pastoral character of this task of oversight is also indicated when Peter writes: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the [[Chief]] [[Shepherd]] appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4 ). </p> <p> With respect to the elder's task of ruling and guiding, he has been set over the congregation (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17 ). He is a steward of God (Titus 1:7 ), a manager of God's household who administers the spiritual treasures of the mysteries of God (1Col 4:1; cf. Matthew 13:11,52 ). Of prime importance, therefore, is to be the administration of the glad tidings. False doctrine must be opposed and the true safeguarded (Acts 20:28,31; Titus 1:9-11 ). Like their Old Testament counterparts, the elders are to see to it that the gospel and the demands of the Lord are imprinted in the hearts and lives of God's people (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:24-26 ). </p> <p> In light of the awesome responsibilities, it is not surprising that the prerequisites of the office are high (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9 ). The elder must be a blameless and God-fearing man who shows the fruits of the Spirit in his walk of life. He must also be able to teach others the way of the Lord, and confute heretics (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Titus 1:9 ), but not be quarrelsome (1 Timothy 3:3 ) or enter into senseless controversies (1 Timothy 1:3; 6:4-5 ). A good knowledge of the Word of God is therefore essential. </p> <p> The necessary qualifications for the office suggest that elders must be chosen very carefully. They are not to be recent converts (1 Timothy 3:6 ) and must have proven themselves (1 Timothy 3:7 ). Elders could be simply appointed (Titus 1:5 ) although congregational participation may very well have been involved in at least some instances. </p> <p> In Revelation 4:4 the twenty-four elders sitting on twenty-four thrones surrounding the throne of God probably represent the entire church (twenty-four for the twelve patriarchs of the Old Testament and the twelve apostles of the New Testament cf. Revelation 21:12-14 ). These heavenly elders wear white garments, have crowns of gold, and worship God (4:4,10-11; 5:7-10; 11:16-18; 19:4). </p> <p> Cornelis [[Van]] [[Dam]] </p> <p> <i> Bibliography </i> . G. Berghoef and L. [[De]] Koster, <i> The Elders Handbook: A Practical [[Guide]] for [[Church]] Leaders </i> ; W. Hendriksen, <i> [[Exposition]] of the Pastoral [[Epistles]] </i> ; idem, <i> More Than Conquerors: An [[Interpretation]] of the [[Book]] of Revelation </i> ; G. W. Knight, III, <i> The New Testament Teaching on the Role Relationship of Men and [[Women]] </i> ; J. B. Lightfoot, <i> The Christian [[Ministry]] </i> ; J. Piper and W. Grudem, <i> [[Recovering]] Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A [[Response]] to [[Evangelical]] Feminism </i> . </p>

<p> [[Within]] the community of God’s people, [[God]] marks out certain people for responsibilities of care and leadership. The [[Bible]] refers to these people by a number of words, one of them ‘elders’. This is the word that the Old [[Testament]] uses for those in [[Israel]] who exercised leadership in the community (Exodus 24:1; Deuteronomy 21:1-6; Ruth 4:2-11; 1 Samuel 8:4; see RULER), and that the New Testament uses for [[Jewish]] officials who administered Jewish affairs through the synagogue councils and the [[Sanhedrin]] (Mark 15:1; Luke 7:3; Acts 4:5; see SANHEDRIN; SYNAGOGUE). It is also the word that the New Testament uses for leaders in God’s new community, the church (Acts 14:23; Acts 15:4). </p> <p> Developments in church leadership </p> <p> The first [[Christian]] church was in Jerusalem, and in its early days its leadership came from the group of apostles whom [[Jesus]] had earlier appointed (Acts 4:37; Acts 6:2; Acts 11:1). God did not provide these apostles with a master plan of detailed procedures upon which they were to structure the church, whether in [[Jerusalem]] or elsewhere. Instead he left them to respond to the church’s needs as his [[Spirit]] directed them. As the church grew, they introduced whatever organizational arrangements they considered necessary (e.g. Acts 6:1-6). </p> <p> As the church expanded into neighbouring regions and countries, the apostles had increasing responsibilities outside Jerusalem. Soon the church in Jerusalem had its own group of governing elders, and these were distinct from the apostles (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:6). The practice of appointing elders was later copied in other churches (Acts 14:23), though there is not enough information to indicate whether the form of church government was the same in all the churches. </p> <p> The New Testament speaks consistently of leaders in the churches, though it does not always give them an official title (1 Corinthians 16:16; Galatians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17). Even where the Bible recognizes a title, the emphasis is usually more on the work the elders do than on the office they hold (Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; 1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Peter 5:1-3). </p> <p> English versions of the Bible use various words for church leaders – ‘elders’, ‘overseers’, ‘guardians’, ‘bishops’. These names are translations of only two words in the [[Greek]] of the original New Testament, presbuteroi and episkopoi, and both words seem to apply to the same office and person. For example (quoting the RSV), in Acts 20:17 [[Paul]] sends for the elders (presbuteroi) of the [[Ephesian]] church, but when they arrive (v. 28) he calls them guardians (episkopoi). [[Likewise]] in Titus 1:5 he tells Titus to appoint elders (presbuteroi), and then in the same sentence (v. 7) he calls them bishops (episkopoi). In reference to any specific local church, the Bible always speaks of a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12). </p> <p> Responsibilities of elders </p> <p> [[Elders]] are likened to shepherds over a flock. They are the leaders of the church, whom God has placed over the church to guide it and care for it (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:5; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-3; see PASTOR; SHEPHERD). Others in the church can help the elders by taking responsibility for many of the practical ministries of the church. In this way they give the elders more time for the important pastoral ministries God has entrusted to them (Acts 6:2-4; James 5:14; see DEACON). </p> <p> All elders should have some ability at teaching (1 Timothy 3:2), though some will be more gifted than others, and therefore more occupied than others, in public preaching (1 Timothy 5:17). Through their own ministry and that of teachers from elsewhere, elders should provide the church with teaching that is upbuilding and protect it from what is harmful (Acts 20:28-30; Titus 1:9). Elders must therefore be people of discernment (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:14-16; 2 John 1:7-11). </p> <p> In addition to having qualifications in relation to gift and ability, each elder must fulfil certain minimum requirements in relation to his character and behaviour. As a leader he is in a position of example to others, and therefore his family life and public reputation must be of the highest order (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Any accusation of wrongdoing against an elder must be supported by witnesses. If the elder is proved guilty, he should be publicly rebuked, again because of the high standards required of those in positions of leadership (1 Timothy 5:19-20). </p> <p> [[Appointment]] of elders </p> <p> The Bible gives no specific instructions concerning how elders are chosen or appointed. In the case of the churches that Paul and [[Barnabas]] established in Galatia, the first elders were appointed by those who planted the churches (Acts 14:23). Normally, people should not be appointed elders too soon after their conversion, because time is needed for Christian character and spiritual gift to develop (1 Timothy 3:6; 1 Timothy 5:22). If a church is left without elders, it is liable to lose direction (Titus 1:5; Titus 1:10-11). </p> <p> Those who have the responsibility to appoint elders must realize that only the [[Holy]] Spirit can really make a person an elder (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28). They should also make sure, through prayer and consultation with the church as a whole, that those whom they appoint are those whom the church recognizes as elders. [[Church]] members must have confidence in their leaders if they are to respect them and heed their instruction (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17). They should also give the elders suitable payment for the work they do and the time they spend in the service of the church (1 Timothy 5:17-18; cf. Galatians 6:6). </p> <p> With the passing of years and the growth of the church, additional elders will be needed. [[Certain]] believers may recognize the direction in which their spiritual gifts are developing and desire to be elders (1 Timothy 3:1; see GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT). People in the church will recognize his gift; in fact, elders have a responsibility to train those who appear to have leadership ability (2 Timothy 2:2; cf. Acts 13:5; Acts 16:1-3). The example of the apostles in the early church suggests that the existing elders are the ones who make the appointment (Acts 1:21-26; cf. 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:22), but before doing so they find out the mind of the church (Acts 6:3; cf. Acts 15:22). </p> <p> Some may be tempted to avoid eldership because of the difficulties and tensions that come with it (1 Peter 5:2 a). Others may be tempted in the opposite direction, and try to use the position of elder to further their personal ambitions (1 Peter 5:2 b,3). Elders can learn how to be true shepherds of the flock by following the example of the [[Chief]] Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for it (1 Peter 5:4; cf. John 10:11; Ephesians 5:25). </p>

<i> zaqen </i> <i> presbuteros </i> <p> [[Elders]] in the Old [[Testament]] From the beginning of [[Israelite]] history, the elders were the leaders of the various clans and tribes. When the tribes came together to form the nation of Israel, the elders of the tribes naturally assumed important roles in governing the affairs of the nation. [[Moses]] was commanded to inform the “elders of Israel” of the Lord's intention to deliver [[Israel]] from [[Egypt]] and to take the elders with him to confront the pharaoh (Exodus 3:16 ,Exodus 3:16,3:18 ). Similarly, seventy of the elders participated with Moses at the covenant meal at [[Sinai]] (Exodus 24:9-11 ). As the task of governing Israel grew in complexity, part of the burden was transferred from Moses to a council of seventy elders (Numbers 11:16-17 ). </p> <p> During the period of the Judges and the monarchy, the elders were prominent in the political and judicial life of Israel. They demanded that Samuel appoint a king (1 Samuel 8:4-5 ); they played crucial roles in David's getting and retaining the throne (2 Samuel 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:3; 2 Samuel 17:15; 2 Samuel 19:11-12 ); and they represented the people at the consecration of the [[Temple]] of [[Solomon]] (1Kings 8:1,1 Kings 8:3 ). In the legal codes of Deuteronomy the elders are responsible for administering justice, sitting as judges in the city gate (Deuteronomy 22:15 ), deciding cases affecting family life (Deuteronomy 21:18-21 , Deuteronomy 22:13-21 ), and executing decisions (Deuteronomy 19:11-13; Deuteronomy 21:1-9 ). </p> <p> Although elders were less prominent in the post-exilic period and the term was apparently not much used in [[Jewish]] communities outside Palestine, the “council of elders” was an integral part of the [[Sanhedrin]] at Jerusalem. In the New Testament, frequent reference is made to the elders of the Jews, usually in conjunction with the chief priests or scribes (for example, Matthew 21:23; Mark 14:43 ). In this context the elders, apparently members of leading families, had some authority but were not the principal leaders in either religious or political affairs. Elders did have leading roles in the government of synagogues and after the fall of the Temple became even more central to Jewish religious life. </p> <p> Elders in the New Testament In the earliest Jewish [[Christian]] churches, at least the church in Jerusalem, the position of “elder” was almost certainly modeled after the synagogue pattern. Although there are few specific details about the function of elders in the [[Jerusalem]] church, they apparently served as a decision-making council. They are often mentioned in conjunction with the apostles, and some passages give the impression that the apostles and elders of Jerusalem considered themselves to be a decision-making council for the whole church (Acts 15:1; Acts 21:17-26 ). As the Jewish character of the Jerusalem church increased with the departure of Philip, Peter, and others more amenable to preaching to Gentiles, the synagogue pattern probably became even more pronounced in Jerusalem. </p> <p> Other churches also had elders. Acts 14:23 reports that [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]] appointed elders in churches on their missionary journey. These elders do not seem to fit the Jewish pattern, however. In the address to the [[Ephesian]] elders Paul referred to them as overseeing the church and serving as shepherds of the church ( Acts 20:28 ). Paul did not use the term “elders” often usually referring to the functions of ministry rather than titles of offices. For example, in Romans 12:6-9 , Paul referred to those with gifts for prophecy, serving, teaching, and several other aspects of ministry (compare 1 Corinthians 12:1 ). Although those exercising such gifts in churches are not expressly called elders, it is likely that at least some of them were elders. Thus, elders in the [[Pauline]] churches were probably spiritual leaders and ministers, not simply a governing council. </p> <p> One of the most debated questions concerning the pattern of early Christian ministry is the relationship between bishops and elders. Some scholars believe the two terms are interchangeable; others argue that they refer to distinct offices. Nowhere in the letters of Paul is there any explicit reference to the duties of either, nor is there any listing of the qualifications of elders. Titus 1:1 : 5-9 is the only passage which mentions both terms. The passage begins with a direction that elders be appointed in every town and continues with a description of the qualifications for a bishop. The context leads to the conclusion that the directions and the qualifications refer to the same persons, thus implying that the terms are interchangeable. </p> <p> The qualifications in Titus 1:6-9 and in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 apparently apply to elders. It becomes apparent that the elders were the spiritual leaders of the churches. [[Taken]] as a whole, the qualifications describe one who is a mature Christian of good repute, with gifts for teaching, management, and pastoral ministry. The only specific reference to the ministry of elders is the description ( James 5:14-15 ) of elders praying for and anointing a sick person. Although “bishop” usually occurs in the singular form, none of these passages indicate that there was only one elder in each congregation. The nature of the relationship between the various elders is nowhere described. </p> <p> Although some translations use the term “ordain” in reporting the appointment of elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5 ), there is little evidence concerning the church's practice of commissioning elders. The reference to laying on of hands in 1 Timothy 4:14 , as well as the analogous ceremony in commissioning the seven (Acts 6:6 ), seems to indicate that the church did make formal recognition of their function, or office. With the possible exception of 1 Timothy 4:14 , however, none of the references to such ceremonies contain any implication that the ceremony gave the recipient any special status or power. </p> <p> After the New Testament period, the structure of the ministry became more formalized. By the early second century, many churches were governed by one ruling bishop, assisted by presbyters (elders). These presbyters performed pastoral tasks, preached sermons, and conducted worship services. Often, perhaps usually, bishops were chosen from the ranks of the presbyters, thus making the bishops the “chief presbyters.” By the third century, as the Lord's [[Supper]] was increasingly conceived as a reenactment of the sacrifice of Christ, the priestly function became more central to the presbyter's role. Thus, the English word “priest” was derived from “presbyter.” </p> <p> Fred A. Grissom </p>

<p> Elder. We find the "eldest servant" of Abraham's house "ruling over all that he had," [[Genesis]] 24:2; we have also mention of "the elders of Joseph's house," and the "elders of the land of Egypt," Genesis 50:7, obviously indicating the chiefs of Joseph's establishment, and high [[Egyptian]] officers. [[Moses]] was desired to convey the divine message to "the elders of Israel," Exodus 3:16; and they were both to accompany him when he demanded freedom from Pharaoh, and also to be the means of communication between Moses and the mass of the people. Exodus 3:18; Exodus 4:29; Exodus 12:21. We are not told who these elders were, probably the leading persons in each tribe. We find them after the departure from Egypt, Exodus 17:6; Exodus 19:7; and from these, 70 were selected for special worship with Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu. Exodus 24:1-2; Exodus 24:9-11. Moses had, at the suggestion of Jethro, appointed officers to administer justice, Exodus 18:26, but he seems to have required, further, a body of (if they may be so called) political advisers. [[Accordingly]] 70 out of the general class of elders were chosen, approved men; and on these the divine [[Spirit]] was especially poured. Numbers 11:10-30. Possibly it was from this example that the [[Sanhedrin]] was afterwards constituted. There were "elders" of neighboring nations, synonymous with "princes," as of [[Moab]] and Midian, Numbers 22:7; Numbers 22:13, and of the Hivites. Joshua 9:11. And we find the institution remaining in [[Israel]] through the whole history, under every change of government, and a certain authority exercised by them to which the people submitted. Sometimes they are mentioned as local magistrates, presiding over separate tribes or districts, and sometimes as the superior class, it is likely, acting generally for the nation. Deuteronomy 19:12; Deuteronomy 21:2-3; Deuteronomy 21:6; Deuteronomy 31:28; Joshua 9:15; Joshua 9:18-21; Joshua 24:1; Judges 2:7; Judges 8:14; Judges 11:5; 1 Samuel 4:3; 1 Samuel 8:4; 1 Samuel 16:4; 1 Samuel 30:26; 2 Samuel 17:4; 2 Samuel 19:11; 1 Kings 12:6; 1 Kings 20:8; 1 Kings 21:11; 2 Kings 10:1; 2 Kings 10:5; 1 Chronicles 21:16; Ezra 5:5; Ezra 6:7; Ezra 6:14; Ezra 10:8; Ezra 10:14; Jeremiah 29:1; Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 8:12. Those who locally administered justice are said to have been termed "elders of the gate," Proverbs 31:23; Lamentations 5:14; because that was the place where a court was often held. Ruth 4:2; Ruth 4:4; Ruth 4:9; Ruth 4:11. [[Elders]] are mentioned in Maccabean times, apparently distinct from the Sanhedrin, 1 [[Maccabees]] 7:33; 1 Maccabees 12:6. In the New [[Testament]] history they are associated with the chief priests and scribes, but yet not to be confounded with them. Matthew 16:21; Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:59; Matthew 27:41. And an analogous class yet subsists among [[Arab]] tribes, viz., their sheikhs, a word implying "old men." Officers of the [[Christian]] church are designated by elders, Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; and regulations are given in regard to them, 1 Timothy 5:1; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Timothy 5:19; the [[Greek]] word for elder being presbuteros. In every congregation of believers, as gathered by the apostles, a number of elders were ordained. Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5. Their duty was to feed, oversee and look after the flock. They were called elders, overseers, or bishops, Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:5; 1 Peter 5:1; 1 Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:17, showing that their duties were similar. Titus 1:5; Titus 1:7; Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1. The injunction, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine," shows, that the office, as ruler and teacher, is united. 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 5:17, Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Peter 5:2; Titus 1:9. They were local officers of congregations, sometimes called bishops or overseers. See Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5 ff.; 1 Peter 5:1. The distinction in [[Scripture]] between the teaching and the ruling elder is not very clear, unless it can be found in 1 Timothy 5:17. </p>

<p> <strong> ELDER </strong> (in OT). The rudimentary form of government which prevailed amongst the Hebrews in primitive times grew out of family life. As the father is head of the household, so the chiefs of the principal families ruled the clan and the tribe, their authority being ill-defined, and, like that of an [[Arab]] sheik, depending on the consent of the governed. In our earliest documents the ‘elders of Israel’ are the men of position and influence, who represent the community in both religious and civil affairs ( Exodus 3:16; Exodus 3:18; Exodus 12:11; Exodus 17:5 f., Exodus 18:12; Exodus 19:7 , Numbers 11:16 , Deuteronomy 5:23; Deuteronomy 27:1; Deuteronomy 31:28 ): the ‘elders’ of Exodus 24:1 are the ‘nobles’ of Exodus 24:11 . [[Josephus]] sums up correctly when he makes [[Moses]] declare: ‘Aristocracy … is the best constitution’ ( <em> [[Ant]] </em> . VI. viii. 17). The system existed in other Semitic races ( Numbers 22:4 , Joshua 9:11 , Ezekiel 27:9 , Psalms 105:22 ). After the settlement in [[Canaan]] the ‘elders’ still possessed much weight ( 1Sa 4:3; 1 Samuel 8:4; 1 Samuel 15:30 , 2Sa 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:3; 2 Samuel 17:14 f., 1 Kings 8:1 ). And now we find ‘elders of the city’ the governing body of the town ( Ruth 4:2; Rth 4:9 , 1 Samuel 11:3 , 1 Kings 21:8; 1Ki 21:11 , 2 Kings 10:1; 2 Kings 10:5 ); the little town of [[Succoth]] boasted no fewer than seventy-seven ( Judges 8:14 ). Deuteronomy brings into prominence their judicial functions ( Deuteronomy 16:18; Deuteronomy 19:12; Deuteronomy 21:2 ff; Deuteronomy 22:15 ff; Deuteronomy 25:7 ff.), which were doubtless infringed upon by the position of the king as supreme judge ( 1Sa 8:20 , 2 Samuel 15:4 , 1Ki 3:9 , 2 Kings 15:5 , Isaiah 11:5 , Amos 2:3 ), but could not be abolished ( 1 Kings 20:7 ff., 2 Kings 10:1 ff; 2 Kings 23:1 ). During the [[Exile]] the ‘elders’ are the centre of the people’s life ( Jeremiah 29:1 , Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 14:1; Ezekiel 20:1 , Ezra 5:9 ff; Ezra 6:7 ff.; cf. Sus 5), and after the [[Return]] they continue active ( Ezra 10:8; Ezra 10:14 , Psalms 107:32 , Proverbs 31:23 , Joel 1:14; Joel 2:16 ). It is not improbable that the later [[Sanhedrin]] is a development of this institution. </p> <p> J. Taylor. </p> <p> <strong> ELDER </strong> (in NT). See Bishop; [[Church]] Government, <strong> 6 </strong> ( <strong> 2 </strong> ). </p>

<p> [[Age]] is the standard of dignity in a patriarchal system. Hence, the office of elder was the basis of government; as in our "alderman," the [[Arab]] sheikh = "old man" (Joshua 24:31; 1 Kings 12:6). The institution existed when [[Moses]] first opened his divine commission to Israel. Even in their [[Egyptian]] bondage they retained their national organization and government by elders, who represented the people (Exodus 3:16; Exodus 4:29; Joshua 24:1-2). After the settlement in [[Canaan]] they were named "elders of Israel" or "of the land" (1 Samuel 4:3; 1 Kings 20:7) or "of the tribes" (Deuteronomy 31:28) or "of the city," (Deuteronomy 19:12, compare Deuteronomy 16:18; Ruth 4:9; Ruth 4:11). </p> <p> They retained their position under the judges (Judges 2:7), the kings (2 Samuel 17:4), in the captivity (Jeremiah 29:1), and on the return (Ezra 5:5); and in New [[Testament]] times as one of the classes from which the [[Sanhedrin]] members were chosen, and are associated with the chief priests and scribes (Matthew 16:21; Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:59; Luke 22:66), "the presbytery of the people" (Greek). [[Ecclesiastical]] elders or presbyters (from whence "priest" is contracted) of the [[Christian]] church were a class of church governors borrowed naturally from the synagogue; especially as cases occurred of whole synagogues and their officers embracing Christianity. (See SYNAGOGUE; BISHOP; DEACON; CHURCH.) </p> <p> [[Paul]] ordained them on his first missionary journey (compare Acts 14:23). The four and twenty elders (Revelation 4) represent the combined heads of the Old and New Testament congregations, the twelve patriarchs and twelve apostles; answering to the typical 24 courses of priests, "governors of the sanctuary and governors of God" (1 Chronicles 24:5; 1 Chronicles 25:31). </p>

<p> An overseer, ruler, leader. Elders, or seniors, in ancient [[Jewish]] polity, were persons the most considerable for age, experience, and wisdom. Of this sort were the 7- men whom [[Moses]] associated with himself in the government: such likewise afterwards were those who held the first rank in the synagogue as presidents. </p> <p> Elders, in church history, were originally those who held the first place in the assemblies of the primitive Christians. The word presbyter is often used in the New [[Testament]] in this signification; hence the first councils of [[Christians]] were called Presbyteria, or councils of elders. </p> <p> [[Elders]] in the presbyterian discipline, are officers, who, in conjunction with the ministers and deacons, compose the kirk sessions, who formerly used to inspect and regulate matters of religion and discipline; but whose principal business now is to take care of the poor's funds. They are chosen from among the people, and are received publicly with some degree of ceremony. In [[Scotland]] there is an indefinite number of elders in each parish, generally about twelve. </p> <p> See PRESBYTERIANS. It has long been a matter of dispute, whether there are any such officers as lay-elders mentioned in Scripture. On the one side it is observed, that these officers are no where mentioned as being alone or single, but always as being many in every congregation. They are also mentioned separately from the brethren. Their office, more than once, is described as being distinct from that of preaching, not only in Romans 12:1-21 : where he that ruleth is expressly distinguished from him that exhorteth or teacheth, but also in that passage, 1 Timothy 5:17 . On the other side it is said, that from the above-mentioned passages, nothing can be collected with certainty to establish this opinion; neither can it be inferred from any other passage that churches should be furnished with such officers, though perhaps prudence, in some circumstances, may make them expedient. "I incline to think, " says Dr. Guise, on the passage 1 Timothy 5:17 , "that the apostle intends only preaching elders, when he directs double honour to be paid to the elders that rule well, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine; and that the distinction lies not in the order of officers, but in the degree of their diligence, faithfulness, and eminence in laboriously fulfilling their ministerial work; and to the emphasis is to be laid on the word labour in the word and doctrine, which has an especially annexed to it." </p>

<p> Elder. The term elder, or old man as the [[Hebrew]] literally imports, was one of extensive use, as an official title, among the Hebrews and the surrounding nations, because the heads of tribes and the leading people who had acquired influence were naturally the older people of the nation. It had reference to various offices. [[Genesis]] 24:2; Genesis 50:7; 2 Samuel 12:17; Ezekiel 27:9. As betokening a political office, it applied not only to the Hebrews, but also to the Egyptians, Genesis 50:7, the [[Moabites]] and the Midianites. Numbers 22:7. </p> <p> The earliest notice of the elders acting in concert as a political body is at the time of the Exodus. They were the representatives of the people, so much so that elders and people are occasionally used as equivalent terms; Compare Joshua 24:1 with Joshua 24:2; Joshua 24:19; Joshua 24:21 and 1 Samuel 8:4 with 1 Samuel 8:7; 1 Samuel 8:10; 1 Samuel 8:19. </p> <p> Their authority was undefined, and extended to all matters concerning the public weal. Their number and influence may be inferred from 1 Samuel 30:26 ff. They retained their position under all the political changes which the [[Jews]] underwent. The seventy elders mentioned in Exodus and Numbers were a sort of governing body, a parliament, and the origin of the tribunal of seventy elders called the [[Sanhedrin]] or Council. In the New [[Testament]] Church, the elders or presbyters were the same as the bishops. It was an office derived from the [[Jewish]] usage of elders or rulers of the synagogues. See [[Bishop]]. </p>

[[Genesis]] 50:7Numbers 22:7Exodus 3:16Exodus 24:1Numbers 11:16,17Deuteronomy 31:281 Samuel 30:26-31Matthew 16:2121:2326:59 <p> The [[Jewish]] eldership was transferred from the old dispensation to the new. "The creation of the office of elder is nowhere recorded in the New Testament, as in the case of deacons and apostles, because the latter offices were created to meet new and special emergencies, while the former was transmitted from the earlies times. In other words, the office of elder was the only permanent essential office of the church under either dispensation." </p> <p> The "elders" of the New [[Testament]] church were the "pastors" (Ephesians 4:11 ), "bishops or overseers" (Acts 20:28 ), "leaders" and "rulers" (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 ) of the flock. Everywhere in the New Testament bishop and presbyter are titles given to one and the same officer of the [[Christian]] church. He who is called presbyter or elder on account of his age or gravity is also called bishop or overseer with reference to the duty that lay upon him (Titus 1:5-7; Acts 20:17-28; Philippians 1:1 ). </p>

<p> (1): (a.) An aged person; one who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor. </p> <p> (2): (a.) A person who, on account of his age, occupies the office of ruler or judge; hence, a person occupying any office appropriate to such as have the experience and dignity which age confers; as, the elders of Israel; the elders of the synagogue; the elders in the apostolic church. </p> <p> (3): (a.) A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments; as, a traveling elder. </p> <p> (4): (n.) A genus of shrubs (Sambucus) having broad umbels of white flowers, and small black or red berries. </p> <p> (5): (a.) One who is older; a superior in age; a senior. </p> <p> (6): (a.) [[Born]] before another; prior in years; senior; earlier; older; as, his elder brother died in infancy; - opposed to younger, and now commonly applied to a son, daughter, child, brother, etc. </p> <p> (7): (a.) Older; more aged, or existing longer. </p>

<p> ‘Elder’ preserves better than ‘presbyter’ the history of the title, which goes back to the fact that tribes wore governed by the heads of their component families. ‘Elder’ is probably the earliest name, after ‘apostle,’ for a [[Christian]] official (Acts 11:30). See [[Bishop]] and [[Church]] Government. </p> <p> A. Plummer. </p>

<p> EL'DER, n. A species of duck. </p>

<p> Elder, literally, one of the older men, and because, in ancient times, older persons would naturally be selected to hold public offices, out of regard to their presumed superiority in knowledge and experience, the term came to be used as the designation for the office itself, borne by an individual, of whatever age. But the term 'elder' appears to be also expressive of respect and reverence in general. The word occurs in this sense in , 'Joseph went up to bury his father, and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt.' These elders of [[Egypt]] were, probably, the various state-officers. The elders of Israel, of whom such frequent mention is made, may have been, in early times, the lineal descendants of the patriarchs . To the elders [[Moses]] was directed to open his commission . They accompanied Moses in his first interview with Pharaoh, as the representatives of the [[Hebrew]] nation through them Moses issued his communications and commands to the whole people ; they were his immediate attendants in all the great transactions in the wilderness seventy of their number were selected to attend Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, at the giving of the law , on which occasion they are called the nobles of the children of Israel, who did eat and drink before God, in ratification of the covenant, as representatives of the nation. In , we meet with the appointment of seventy elders to bear the burden of the people along with Moses; these were selected by Moses out of the whole number of the elders, and are described as being, already, officers over the children of Israel. It is the opinion of Michaelis, that this council, chosen to assist Moses, should not be confounded with the Sanhedrim, which, he thinks, was not instituted till after the return from the [[Babylonish]] captivity [SANHEDRIM]. After the settlement in [[Canaan]] the elders seem to have been the administrators of the laws in all the cities (;;;;; ). The continuance of the office may be traced during the time of the judges during that of Samuel under [[Saul]] and [[David]] . The elders of [[Israel]] are mentioned during the captivity , consisting either of those who had sustained that office in their own land, or were permitted by the [[Babylonians]] to exercise it still among their countrymen. We meet with them again at the restoration , and by them the temple was rebuilt . After the restoration and during the time of the Maccabees, the Sanhedrim, according to Michaelis, was instituted, being first mentioned under [[Hyrcanus]] II; but elders are still referred to in . Among the members of the [[Sanhedrim]] were the 'elders.' Like the scribes, they obtained their seat in the Sanhedrim by election, or nomination from the executive authority. The word elder, with many other [[Jewish]] terms, was introduced into the [[Christian]] church. In the latter it is the title of inferior ministers, who were appointed overseers among not over the flock (;;;; ). The term is applied even to the apostles . So also 'the Presbytery' certainly includes even St. [[Paul]] himself (comp. and ). Still the apostles are distinguished from the elders elsewhere . The elder was constituted by an apostle or someone invested with apostolic authority (; see also the epistles to Timothy and John). The elders preached, confuted gainsayers , and visited the sick . The word elders is sometimes used in the sense of ancients, ancestors, predecessors . </p>

<p> A name given to certain office-bearers in the Presbyterian Church, associated with the minister in certain spiritual functions short of teaching and administering sacraments; their duties embrace the general oversight of the congregation, and are of a wider nature than those of the deacons, whose functions are confined strictly to the secular interests of the church; they are generally elected by the church members, and ordained in the presence of the congregation; their term of office is in some cases for a stated number of years, but more generally for life. </p>