The Office of Elder

Scripture uses two different words for elder. One word, translated "elder" (Acts 14:23, 15:2, 4, 6, etc., I Tim. 5:1, 17, 19, Tit. 1:5, Jas. 5:14, I Pet. 5:1) is the Greek word "presbyter," and means "older person." The other word, translated "bishop" or "overseer" (Phil. 1:1, I Tim. 3:1, 2, Tit. 1:7, Acts 20:28) refers to a person who has authority and rule over others.

That these two words refer to the same office is clear from Scripture. In Acts 20:28, Paul calls the elders (vs. 17) of the Church of Ephesus "overseers" or "bishops." In Titus 1:5-7, Paul also uses both words to apply to the same persons. This is contrary to the teaching of Roman Catholicism and Episcopalianism (Prelacy) which teach that the office of bishop is a separate and higher office.

Nevertheless, when speaking of the office of elder, a distinction is often made between ruling elders (I Tim. 3:4-5, 5:17) and teaching elders (I Tim. 5:17, I Pet. 5:1). As these passages show, however, there is not an absolute distinction between these offices. I Timothy 3 makes it clear that so-called ruling elders also must be able to teach (vs. 2) and I Timothy 5:17 shows us that so-called teaching elders also rule.

The difference, therefore, is more a difference of function than anything else. Teaching elders labour especially, though not exclusively, in Word and doctrine in contrast to the other elders. Ephesians 4:11 also refers, then, to those elders as pastors and teachers.

It is the office of ruling elder that we are concerned with here, and we must make several points. These points are very important if the office of elder is to be a blessing and not a curse in God's church.

First, there must be a plurality of elders. Scripture never speaks of one elder ruling alone, whether he is a minister or otherwise. Rule by one is tyranny and does not harmonise with the Word of God in Proverbs 11:14, 15:22 and 24:6.

Second, the elders are servants of God's people (Matt. 23:11, I Cor. 9:19, II Cor. 4:5). This is especially clear from Colossians 4:17 where Paul tells the church to admonish its minister to take heed to and fulfil his ministry. An understanding of this, too, is necessary to avoid tyranny and lording in the church.

Third, that the elders rule, means that they rule all aspects of church's life including the preaching and conduct of the other officers and of the ministers (Acts 20:28-31 - it is the duty of all the elders to keep from the church hireling and wolves). No one is a law unto himself in the church.

Fourth, the ruling authority that elders have in the church is given them by Christ (Acts 20:28), belongs to Christ (Matt. 28:18), and must be exercised in obedience to him (I Pet. 5:4). In practice that means that their authority must be that of the Word of God in Scripture. They must rule with it, bring it, admonish by it, and teach it alone - not their own notions.

Such elders will be a blessing in Christ's church.