Elders

In the New Testament, the term "elder" (Greek: presbyteros) is used to denote leaders within the early Christian church. The role of an elder is primarily one of spiritual oversight and governance within the local congregation. Elders are often associated with the responsibilities of teaching, shepherding, and maintaining doctrinal purity.

The qualifications for elders are outlined in several passages, most notably in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. According to 1 Timothy 3:2-7 , an elder must be "above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." Additionally, he must manage his own family well and have a good reputation with outsiders.

The role of elders is further emphasized in Acts 14:23 , where Paul and Barnabas "appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed." This indicates the importance of elders in establishing and maintaining church order and doctrine.

Elders are also seen as shepherds of the flock, as described in 1 Peter 5:1-3 : "As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

Deacons

The role of deacons (Greek: diakonos) is distinct from that of elders, focusing more on service and administration within the church. The term "deacon" is derived from the Greek word for "servant" or "minister," highlighting their role in practical service to the church body.

The qualifications for deacons are similarly detailed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 . Deacons are to be "worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons." Like elders, deacons are also expected to manage their households well.

The origin of the deacon's role is often traced back to Acts 6:1-6 , where the apostles appointed seven men to oversee the distribution of food to widows, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This passage highlights the deacon's role in addressing practical needs within the church community.

Deacons serve under the oversight of the elders, assisting in various tasks to ensure the smooth operation of church functions. Their service is vital to the church's mission, as it allows elders to concentrate on spiritual leadership and teaching.

In summary, both elders and deacons play crucial roles in the structure and function of the church. Elders provide spiritual oversight and teaching, while deacons focus on service and administration, each contributing to the health and growth of the Christian community.Titus 1:5
For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you:
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1 Timothy 3:1-16
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.
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1 Timothy 3:2
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
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Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
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Acts 15:2
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
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Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
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Acts 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
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Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
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The Ministers, Elders, and Deacons...
... Article XXXI The Ministers, Elders, and Deacons? The Ministers, Elders,
and Deacons We believe that the ministers of Gods Word ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxxi the ministers elders.htm

Primitive Episcopacy and Presbyterian Ordination.
... He also occupied the chair at the meetings of the presbytery, and presided at
the ordination of the elders and deacons of his congregation. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix primitive episcopacy and.htm

Episcopalians.
... which thenceforth was applied exclusively to the highest order of the ministry,
the other two orders being the Presbyters (Priests or Elders) and Deacons. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/episcopalians.htm

Epistle iii. To the Presbyters and Deacons Abiding at Rome. AD 250 ...
... The Letter of the Roman Clergy, to Which Cyprian is Replying, is Missing. 1. Cyprian
to the elders and deacons, brethren abiding at Rome, sends, greeting. ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle iii to the presbyters.htm

Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed.
... Rev.2.2. A fourth act of their rule is, the Ordination of Officers (whom the people
have chosen) whether Elders or Deacons.1 Tim.4.14. Act.6.6. ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap v of the subject.htm

Aminian or Free-Will Baptists.
... assign greater power to a general assembly of associated churches, and hold three
orders"bishops or messengers, pastors or elders, and deacons; while the ...
/.../ 106 aminian or free-will.htm

The Progress of Prelacy.
... [596:2] It was still admitted that elders were competent to ordain elders and deacons,
as well as to confirm and to baptize; and the bishop continued to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter x the progress of.htm

Of the Distribution of the Keys, and their Power, or of the ...
... Office we looke at as peculiar to those, who are set apart for some peculiar
function in the Church, who are either Elders or Deacons. ...
/.../chap ii of the distribution.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... By establishing a plurality of both elders and deacons in every worshipping society,
the apostles provided more efficiently, as well for its temporal, as for ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm

Philip the Evangelist
... soon after, the Jerusalem Church was scattered. Then, by degrees, came elders
and deacons. People fancy that there is but one rigid ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/philip the evangelist 2.htm

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