📖 Biblical Definition
The qualifications of an elder are Paul’s twin lists in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 — character and competence requirements for the office of overseer. The elder must be "blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity." He must not be a novice, lest he fall into the condemnation of the devil, and he must have a good report of them which are without. Two skills (teach, rule) are surrounded by a wall of character traits. The character wall stands first.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Paul's character/competence list in 1 Tim 3 / Titus 1.
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The Pauline list in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 of character and competence requirements for elder office: above reproach, husband of one wife, sober, hospitable, apt to teach, not given to wine, gentle, not contentious, not greedy, manages own household well, not a novice, well-reported by outsiders.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Timothy 3:1-3 — "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre."
Titus 1:6-9 — "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children... For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry."
1 Peter 5:1-4 — "The elders which are among you I exhort... Feed the flock of God."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Watered down or replaced by skill-based criteria; Paul's list is overwhelmingly character.
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Paul's qualifications list is overwhelmingly character with one competence (apt to teach). Modern church search committees often invert this: emphasizing competencies and minimizing character. The result is the parade of fallen leaders. Restore the order: character first.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek anepilēptos — above reproach.
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['Greek', 'G423', 'anepilēptos', 'above reproach']
['Greek', 'G1985', 'episkopos', 'overseer, bishop']
Usage
"Vet elders by character first."
"Apt to teach is one of many; the rest is character."