Elders Were in all the Churches that Paul Founded
Acts 14:23
When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Elders in the Church at Jerusalem
Acts 15:2
And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
Elders in Ephesus
Acts 20:17
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church.
Elders in All the Churches of Crete
Titus 1:5
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.
Elders in All the Churches of the Dispersion of the Roman Empire
James 1:1; 5:14
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. . . . Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Elders in All the Churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia
1 Peter 1:1; 5:1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen. . . . Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God.
Two Levels of Authority in the church
- Acts 20:28 – written to elders verse 17
- 1 Peter 5:1
- Philipplans 1:1,2 (two offices)
- 1 Timothy 3
- Titus 1
Warnings Regarding Elders:
1Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:10 that, “ . . . we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
This is why Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. “
This indicates clearly that there are those in the Body of Christ who have authority or “the rule” over other Believers. These are the Elders among the people in the Body of Christ. Yet, these Elders will be held accountable for how they operate among God’s people.
Ephesians 4:1 says, “…walk worthy of the vocation (Gr. “klesis” or calling) wherewith ye are called.” In the R.V.,
James 3:1 says, “Be not many teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.” Most people that God has raised up into spiritual authority, didn’t really want to be there. Most haven’t sought the ministry, the ministry sought them. It isn’t for the believer to seek to be called. It is for the believer to let God call and then to respond.