Elder: A name frequently used in the Old Testament as denoting a person
clothed with authority, and entitled to respect and reverence
(Genesis 50:7) It also denoted a political office
(Numbers 22:7) The "elders of
Israel" held a rank among the people indicative of authority. Moses
opened his commission to them
(Exodus 3:16) They attended Moses on all
important occasions. Seventy of them attended on him at the giving of
the law
(Exodus 24:1) Seventy also were selected from the whole number to
bear with Moses the burden of the people
(Numbers 11:16,17) The "elder" is
the keystone of the social and political fabric wherever the
patriarchal system exists. At the present day this is the case among
the Arabs, where the sheik (i.e., "the old man") is the highest
authority in the tribe. The body of the "elders" of Israel were the
representatives of the people from the very first, and were
recognized as such by Moses. All down through the history of the Jews
we find mention made of the elders as exercising authority among the
people. They appear as governors
(Deuteronomy 31:28) as local magistrates
(Deuteronomy 16:18) administering justice
(Deuteronomy 19:12) They were men of
extensive influence
(1 Samuel 30:26-31) In New Testament times they also
appear taking an active part in public affairs
(Matthew 16:21; 21:23; 26:59)
The Jewish eldership was transferred from the old dispensation to the
new. "The creation of the office of elder is nowhere recorded in the
New Testament, as in the case of deacons and apostles, because the
latter offices were created to meet new and special emergencies, while
the former was transmitted from the earlies times. In other words, the
office of elder was the only permanent essential office of the church
under either dispensation." The "elders" of the New Testament church
were the "pastors"
(Ephesians 4:11) "bishops or overseers"
(Acts 20:28)
"leaders" and "rulers"
(Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12) of the flock. Everywhere
in the New Testament bishop and presbyter are titles given to one and
the same officer of the Christian church. He who is called presbyter or
elder on account of his age or gravity is also called bishop or
overseer with reference to the duty that lay upon him
(Ti 1:5-7; Acts 20:17-28; Philippians 1:1)
