📖 Biblical Definition
Elders (Greek presbyteroi, also called overseers / bishops, episkopoi) are the appointed senior men who govern the local church under Christ. Qualifications listed in 1 Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9: above reproach, husband of one wife, sober, just, holy, apt to teach, ruling well their own house. Elders shepherd, teach, rule, discipline, and care for souls (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1-4). The office is plural in every NT congregation that names it.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The appointed senior men who govern the local church; qualifications in 1 Tim 3 and Titus 1.
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The titles elder, overseer, bishop, and pastor in the New Testament refer to the same office (compare Acts 20:17 / 28; 1 Pet 5:1 / 2; Titus 1:5 / 7). Plural eldership is the consistent NT pattern.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 20:28 — "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers."
1 Timothy 3:1 — "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."
1 Peter 5:1 — "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often centralizes pastoral authority in one man; the New Testament consistently presents plural eldership.
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The plural pattern protects against personality-cult, distributes the load, and provides accountability among peers. The household's elders should be men, qualified, plural, and accountable to one another and to Christ.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek presbyteroi; episkopoi.
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Greek presbyteros — older man, elder.
Greek episkopos — overseer, bishop.
Usage
"Plural eldership is the consistent NT pattern."
"Elders shepherd, teach, rule, discipline."
"Elder, overseer, bishop, pastor — one office, multiple titles."