1. "A term of rank or office. Among the Jews it referred to members of the great council or Sanhedrin (because in early times the rulers of the people, judges, etc., were selected from elderly men)."

2. Strong also says that it was used "of those who in separate cities managed public affairs and administered justice."

3. Concerning the used of this word by New Testament speakers and writers, Strong says that "among the Christians," the word was used of "those who presided over the assemblies (or churches)."

4. Strong adds, "The NT uses the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably."

5. Let me point out that one may be referred to as elder because of his whether he is a preacher or not.

6. On the other hand the word is used of the presiding officer of a New Testament church, regardless of his age, as it is in various Scriptures which we will notice.

1. The first is the case of the offering for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem that was received at Antioch and sent to the elders in Jerusalem for distribution to the people. Acts 11:27-30 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

2. The second is the occasion of the choosing of elders to preside over the churches that were organized or found on the first missionary journey of Paul. Acts 14:21-23 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

3. When there was trouble at Antioch over circumcision, the church at Antioch sent Paul, Barnabas, and others to Jerusalem to confer with the Apostles and the elders of that assembly on the matter. Acts 15:1-6 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

4. The word is again used of the presiding elders of the Jerusalem assembly. Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. Acts 21:18-19 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. 19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

5. It is used by Paul in his epistle to Timothy concerning the support and discipline of presiding officers of a church. 1 Timothy 5:17-19 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

6. It is used of Paul in his instructions to Titus to ordain elders in the churches and it is used interchangeably with the word Bishop. Titus 1:5-9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

7. James uses the word in some instructions concerning praying for the sick. James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

8. The apostle John refers to himself as an elder in two of his epistles. 2 John 1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth. 3 John 1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

9. And, of course, it is used in our text of the elders among these pilgrims to whom Peter writes and of himself. 1 Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.

1. Paul used it in addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

2. Paul also used the word in his epistle to the Philippians in addressing their leaders and ministers. Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

3. Paul also used the word in his first epistle to Timothy where he gave the qualifications of a bishop. 1 Timothy 3:1-2 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.

4. Paul, as I pointed out earlier, used it in his epistle to Titus where he used it interchangeably with elder. Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre.

5. This same word in the plural is translated overseers in Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

6. I should also point out that these overseers were also called elders. Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

1. Of pastors and teachers John Gill says, "I rather think they intend one and the same office, and that the word ‘teachers’ is only explanative of the figurative word ‘pastors’ or shepherds; and the rather because if the apostle had designed distinct officers, he would have used the same form of speaking as before; and have expressed himself thus, ‘and some pastors, and some teachers’; whereas he does not make such a distribution here as there.

2. Though this is the only time the word "pastor" is used with reference to the presiding officer of a New Testament church, the inference is there several times.