posted
The word elder is used in the NT to refer to the elders of Israel, a position of leadership in the Sanhedrin. This is good evidence that 'elder' is a recognized position within the church. I've read tht it has a literal meaning of 'old man' as well. But I don't believe every old man was an 'elder' in the specificsense of the word which referred to the bishopric.
The word 'elder' implies age. After telling elders to pastor the church of God, Peter told the younger to submit to the elder, and for allto be subject one to another. This hints at the age of elders. Timothy was also told not to harshly rebuke an elder, but to entreat him as a father, which seems to hint at the age of elders as well.
At the very least, we see that the type of men they appointed were old enough to demonstrate that they could rule their houses well.
dba
posted
Hey Link,
Isn't this a fascinating question, brother?
Paul and Peter do not charge "every older man" but rather "the elders of the church" to be shepherds or bishops. Huge difference, no?
I see more of a duty than a position here. Thus, the NT never cites an "office of elder."
So.... what if every Christian older man would seek to serve as a pastor? Why not?
David A
Laqat
posted
Hi all, Can women be elders? Absolutely! That is of the feminine variety, "Older {elder) women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women..." (Titus 2:3,4).
A presbuteros is one who is older, a senior. An 'elder' is one who is a senior, whether of age and/or spiritual experience. The Greek word has both a masculine and feminine form. Male elders (older ones)are to lead out in the congregation, female elders (older ones) teach and encourage the younger women.
As believers (both male and female) mature in Christ it is their privilege and duty to help the younger ones to grow-up into Christ.
Some 'male older ones' were designated to certain duties in the fledgling congregations (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23).
I am looking at this more as function than as 'office'.
God bless,
Laqat
David A
posted
Can women be elders? Absolutely! That is of the feminine variety, "Older {elder) women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women..." (Titus 2:3,4).
So, tongue in cheek, are these the qualifications to "become" an older women??? Never heard that before. But why not?
No way. They are simply qualities or requirements for ALL older women - not conditions (as we think them to be when appled to the other gender's elders).
So, requirements are not the same as conditions, as is presumed almost universally in this discussion as it pertains to men. Hummmmm....
David
David A
posted
Something else just occurred. In the "Pastorals", both old men AND women are told to teach, which does not bode well for the teaching-ruling elder arrangement of the reformed faith.
Also, both are worthy of honor or double honor.
Interesting patterns are emerging. Neither the male nor the female seniors are "officers."
1Tim. 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
1Tim. 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Email this page to someone.
