THE WORK OF ELDERS Considering elders from an

THE WORK OF ELDERS Considering elders from an historic perspective

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4: 34 -37 ESV)

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11: 29 -30 ESV)

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (Acts 6: 1 ESV) Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (Acts 6: 3 ESV)

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (Acts 6: 2 ESV) One meaning of this word is… a place to manage money, thus the high qualifications. Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest? ’ (Luke 19: 23 ESV)

Apostolic/elders were intended to minister to the word and prayer – not be money managers

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5: 1 -4, ESV.

Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. (Acts 20: 17 ESV) Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20: 28 ESV)

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. (1 Timothy 3: 1 ESV) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13: 17 ESV)

Elder, what does the word imply? • Mature He deprives of speech those who are trusted and takes away the discernment of the elders. (Job 12: 20 ESV)

Elder, what does the word imply? • Mature • Teacher Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. (Deuteronomy 27: 1 ESV) Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. (Deuteronomy 31: 9 ESV)

Elder, what does the word imply? • Mature • Teacher • Judge Deut. 19: 12 - judged guilt of murderer Deut. 22: 18 - judged false accusers ! Cor. 6: 5 - rebuke for lack of elders Then the LORD said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. (Numbers 11: 16 ESV)

Elder, what does the word imply? EVERY JEWISH • Mature • Teacher • Judge CHRISTIAN IN EVERY EARLY CONGREGATION WOULD HAVE BEEN FAMILIAR WITH ELDERS

Episkopos (Gk), Overseer, Bishop • From epi (on) and skopos (the mark) • One who has his eye on the mark • (superintendent, manager, overseer) Obey your leaders and submit to them, Oversees for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give the work of an account. Let them do this with joy watching and not with groaning, for that would for souls. be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13: 17 ESV)

Episkopos (Gk), Overseer, Bishop • Definition by use? • Episkopos is form of the word for “visitation” See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (Hebrews 12: 15 ESV)

Episkopos (Gk), Overseer, Bishop • Definition by use? • Episkopos is form of the word for “visitation” Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1: 27 ESV)

Episkopos (Gk), Overseer, Bishop • Definition by use? • Episkopos is form of the word for “visitation” I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. ’ (Matthew 25: 36 ESV)

Episkopos (Gk), Overseer, Bishop • Definition by use? • Episkopos is form of the word for “visitation” Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2: 12 ESV)

Episkopos (Gk), Overseer, Bishop • To be a rescuer takes time, discernment See to it (episkopoe) that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (Hebrews 12: 15 ESV)

Episkopos (Gk), Overseer, Bishop • To be a rescuer takes time, discernment Bishops are not “managers” in a modern sense • They watch, oversee • Keep their eyes on the mark • Men of experience and wisdom • Who come to the aid, rescue souls

All of this implies God’s wisdom and the love of Jesus in not leaving the situation to chance, but providing for our care, help, and even …rescue.