The term "fellow-elder" is derived from the Greek word "sumpresbyteros," which appears in the New Testament, specifically in the writings of the Apostle Peter. This term is significant in understanding the structure and leadership within the early Christian church, particularly in relation to the roles and responsibilities of church leaders.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to "fellow-elder" is found in 1 Peter 5:1, where the Apostle Peter addresses the elders of the church. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"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:" (1 Peter 5:1)

In this verse, Peter identifies himself as a "fellow elder," indicating his solidarity and shared responsibility with other church leaders. This self-identification underscores the collegial nature of church leadership and the mutual respect and accountability expected among those who shepherd the flock of God.

Role and Function:

The role of a fellow-elder, as understood from the New Testament context, involves spiritual oversight, teaching, and pastoral care. Elders were appointed to lead local congregations, providing guidance, instruction, and discipline in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The use of the term "fellow-elder" by Peter highlights the collaborative and communal aspect of church leadership, where no single elder holds absolute authority but rather works in concert with others.

Qualifications and Characteristics:

The qualifications for elders are outlined in other New Testament passages, such as 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These qualifications emphasize moral integrity, sound doctrine, and the ability to teach and manage the affairs of the church. Elders are expected to be examples to the flock, demonstrating humility, wisdom, and a servant-hearted approach to leadership.

Theological Significance:

The concept of "fellow-elder" reflects the early church's understanding of leadership as a shared and humble service rather than a hierarchical or authoritarian structure. This model is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized servant leadership and the importance of humility among His followers (see Matthew 20:25-28).

Historical Context:

In the early Christian communities, the role of elders was crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and fostering spiritual growth among believers. The term "fellow-elder" suggests a network of leaders who were united in their mission to shepherd the church and uphold the apostolic teachings. This collegial approach helped to preserve the unity and integrity of the early church amidst various challenges and persecutions.

Contemporary Application:

In modern Christian practice, the concept of "fellow-elder" continues to inform the governance and leadership structures of many churches. Elders are often seen as part of a team that works together to provide spiritual oversight and care for the congregation. This model encourages accountability, shared responsibility, and a focus on serving the needs of the church community.

The term "fellow-elder" thus serves as a reminder of the collaborative and servant-oriented nature of Christian leadership, rooted in the example set by the apostles and the early church.4850. sumpresbuteros -- a fellow elder
... a fellow elder. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sumpresbuteros
Phonetic Spelling: (soom-pres-boo'-ter-os) Short Definition: a fellow elder ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4850.htm - 6k

The Council at Jerusalem.
... But it may also be translated: "The apostles, and brother-elders," considering that
Peter addresses the elders as sumpresbuteros,or "fellow-elder" (1:Pet.5:1 ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 64 the council at.htm

V. ...
... that he was a Lord, although he might have had authority for it since he was an
Apostle of Christ, and speaks of himself not only as a fellow-elder, but also ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter v v .htm

On the Church and Its Head
... 1.) (2.) St. Peter is a fellow-elder. Therefore, he is not the chief of
the elders. (1 Pet. v.1.) (3.) To St. Peter "was committed ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 18 on the church.htm

Fellow-elder (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-elder. Fellow-disciples, Fellow-elder. Fellow-feeling .
Multi-Version Concordance Fellow-elder (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/fellow-elder.htm - 6k

Fellow-feeling (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-feeling. Fellow-elder, Fellow-feeling. Fellowheirs . Noah Webster's
Dictionary ... Fellow-elder, Fellow-feeling. Fellowheirs . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-feeling.htm - 6k

Fellow-disciples (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-disciples. Fellowdisciples, Fellow-disciples. Fellow-elder . ... (ASV WBS
YLT). Fellowdisciples, Fellow-disciples. Fellow-elder . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-disciples.htm - 6k

Eye-witness (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:1 So I exhort the Elders among you--I who am their fellowElder and have
been an eye-witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and am also a sharer in ...
/e/eye-witness.htm - 7k

Sharer (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:1 So I exhort the Elders among you--I who am their fellowElder and have
been an eye-witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and am also a sharer in ...
/s/sharer.htm - 7k

Sufferings (27 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:1 I exhort the elders among you, as a fellowelder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be ...
/s/sufferings.htm - 14k

Exhort (37 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:1 I exhort the elders among you, as a fellowelder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be ...
/e/exhort.htm - 17k

Elder (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:1 I exhort the elders among you, as a fellowelder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be ...
/e/elder.htm - 27k

Appeal (30 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:1 I exhort the elders among you, as a fellowelder, and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be ...
/a/appeal.htm - 20k

Christ's (64 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:1 Elders who 'are' among you, I exhort, who 'am' a fellow-elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and of the glory about to be revealed ...
/c/christ's.htm - 24k

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