The New Testament also speaks of the apostles appointed elders in the churches.

Not only does the word 'presbuteros' imply age, but certain passages of scripture indicate that they were older men as well. After addressing the elders/older men, and telling them to pastor and overseer the flock of God, Peter told the younger: "likewise ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder." Notice the age contrast. A lot can be gained by noticing the use of 'older man' and 'elder in I Timothy 5. Compare it to the different age groups the chapter deals with. Timothy is told how to address elders/older men, older women, younger women. The passage goes on to talk about how to deal with a class of older women who recieved 'honor' (apparently their living) and a group of older men (older men/elders) who were to be honored for their work in the Gospel because the laborer is worthy of his hire. The passage goes on to talk about the elders/older men who rule well.

Boy, do I know what you mean.

You've made some interesting points. You may enjoy perusing a three-part article by Vern Peterman. The article itself is on the phrase "one-woman man" as found in 1Timothy 3, and Titus 1, but he touches upon the age of elders a bit as well. Enjoy:

http://conservativeonline.org/newsletters/CTS_Newsletter-2002,04.htm#One%20Woman%20Man>

http://conservativeonline.org/newsletters/CTS_Newsletter-2002,05.htm#One%20Woman%20Man%20-%20Part%20II%20of%20II

http://conservativeonline.org/newsletters/CTS_Newsletter-2002,06.htm#One%20Woman%20Man%20Part%20III%20of%20III

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Doctoral Candidate
School of Hard Knocks