Lectionary Calendar
Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
the Second Week of Advent
Attention!
Take your personal ministry to the Next Level by helping StudyLight build churches and supporting pastors in Uganda.
Click here to join the effort!

Bible Encyclopedias
Elder in the New Testament

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Search for…
Resource Toolbox

(πρεσβύτερος , presbúteros ):

(1) The word is used adjectivally to denote seniority (Luke 15:25; 1 Timothy 5:2 ).

(2) Referring to the Jewish elders of the synagogue, usually associated with the scribes and Pharisees, and New Testament passages cited in the previous article.

(3) It denotes certain persons appointed to hold office in the Christian church, and to exercise spiritual oversight over the flock entrusted to them. From the references in Acts (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17 ) it may be inferred that the churches generally had elders appointed over them. That "elders" and "bishops" were in apostolic and sub-apostolic times the same, is now almost universally admitted; in all New Testament references their functions are identical. The most probable explanation of the difference of names is that "elder" refers mainly to the person, and "bishop" to the office; the name "elder" emphasizes what he is, while "bishop," that is "overseer," emphasizes what the elder or presbyter does. See BISHOP; CHURCH GOVERNMENT; MINISTRY .

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Elder in the New Testament'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​isb/​e/elder-in-the-new-testament.html. 1915.
 
adsfree-icon
Ads FreeProfile