Lectionary Calendar
Friday, March 29th, 2024
Good Friday
There are 2 days til Easter!
Attention!
Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more!

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