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ELDERS OF THE CHURCH - No. II

MEMORY VERSES: Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28

1. DUTIES OF ELDERS:
   1. "Take heed unto" (Acts 20:28).
      1. Themselves.
      2. And all the flock.
   2. Feed the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2).
   3. Watch in behalf of the souls of the members (Hebrews 13:17).
   4. Exhort and convince the gainsayers (Titus 1:9).
   5. Exercise the oversight (I Peter 5:2, 3).
   6. Be examples to the flock (I Peter 5:3).
   7. Warn the unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men (I Thessalonians 5:14).
   8. Visit the sick (James 5:14).
      1. Restore the erring (Galatians 6:1, 2; James 5:19, 20).
2. DUTIES OF MEMBERS TOWARD ELDERS:
   1. Obey them (Hebrews 13:17).
   2. Know them (I Thessalonians 5:12).
   3. Esteem them highly in love for their work's sake (I Thessalonians 5:13).
   4. Count them worthy, of honor (I Timothy 5:17, 18).
   5. Do not receive an accusation except at the mouth of two or three witnesses (I Timothy 5:19).

   NOTE: Christians must realize that it is necessary for them to perform their duties toward the elders just as it is necessary for the elders to perform their duties toward the congregation.

3. TERMS USED TO DESIGNATE ELDERS:
   1. The Greek: Episcopos
      1. Translation: Bishop, Overseer. One who guards, watches over, superintends.
      2. References: Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7.
   2. The Greek: Presbuteros
      1. Translation: Presbyter, Elder; One advanced in experience, an elder, a senior, those who preside over the churches.
      2. References: Acts 14:23; I Timothy 5:1,17; Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1.
   3. Greek: Poimeon
      1. Translation: Pastor, Shepherd; Taken together, those to whom others have committed themselves for protection, examples and leaders.
      2. References: Ephesians 4:11; I Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:1, 2.
   4. Greek: Proistamenos
      1. Translation: Rule, Over You; To be a leader, to command, to be over.
      2. References: Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; I Timothy 5:17.
   5. Greek: Hegoutnenoi
      1. Translation: To Lead, To Rule; To direct, to superintend.
      2. References: Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24.

   Although these terms indicate functions, they refer to the same men or office. These men are most frequently called elders. Men who hold this position must be well qualified.

4. APPOINTMENT OF ELDERS:
   1. The Holy Spirit makes elders (Acts 20:28).
   2. Elders are ordained (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23).
   3. We have no definite record as to the method by which elders were selected and appointed in Apostolic days. Some refer to the church selecting the men for service in the church at Jerusalem in Acts 6:3 as a pattern to follow.
   4. Let the following govern us in this matter:
      1. Do it decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40).
      2. Follow after things which make for peace (Romans 14:19).
5. TENTURE OF OFFICE:
   1. An elder may move away. If so, he naturally would cease to be an elder of the congregation.
   2. If he ceases to be qualified through unfaithfulness in life, teaching, or ruling he should no longer be recognized as an elder.
   3. If an elder fails to do the work of a bishop through negligence or incompetence he should cease to be recognized as an elder.
6. QUESTIONS:
   1. Name three duties of elders. Discuss these duties.
   2. Name three duties of the congregation to elders. Discuss your answer.
   3. What does the term elder suggest?
   4. Define the words pastor and shepherd as used in referring to elders.
   5. What are some principles which should be followed in appointing elders? Why?
   6. Some have the idea that if a man is appointed an elder that he is an elder for life. Is that necessarily true in the fight of Scripture? Prove your answer.