bible study tools
Index Bibles History Writings Devotionals Commentary Concordances Dictionaries Biographies Link To Us bible commentaries
Bible Resources
• Bible Study Aids
• Bible Devotionals
• Audio Sermons
Community
• ChristiansUnite Blogs
• Christian Forums
• Facebook Apps
Web Search
• Christian Family Sites
• Top Christian Sites
• Christian RSS Feeds
Family Life
• Christian Finance
• ChristiansUnite KIDS
Shop
• Christian Magazines
• Christian Book Store
Read
• Christian News
• Christian Columns
• Christian Song Lyrics
• Christian Mailing Lists
Connect
• Christian Singles
• Christian Classifieds
Graphics
• Free Christian Clipart
• Christian Wallpaper
Fun Stuff
• Clean Christian Jokes
• Bible Trivia Quiz
• Online Video Games
• Bible Crosswords
Webmasters
• Christian Guestbooks
• Banner Exchange
• Dynamic Content
Subscribe to our Free Newsletter.
Enter your email address:

Search the Bible
Use the:
 Main Index : Bible Dictionaries : Easton's Bible Dictionary : Search Easton's Bible Dictionary

Search Easton's Bible Dictionary

Alphabetical
Listing

Easton's Bible Dictionary

     The following is the results of your search for Elder.


Relevant Searches
Nave's Topical Bible
Elder
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)




More From ChristiansUnite...    About Us | Privacy Policy | | ChristiansUnite.com Site Map | Statement of Beliefs



Copyright © 1999-2019 ChristiansUnite.com. All rights reserved.
Please send your questions, comments, or bug reports to the

Like This Page?