What is the meaning of the Biblical term, "elder"?

The Bible uses the word “elder” in many different connections. In each case, the context will show, however, how the word is to be understood.

“The Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words,” by W.E.Vine, gives a fairly accurate description of the meaning of the word “elder,” with the exception of several related or unrelated blatant mistakes, as will be pointed out by us through annotations in brackets:

Vine’s commentary states the following:

“A. Adjectives

“1. PRESBUTEROS…, an adjective, the comparative degree of ‘presbus,’ an old man, an elder, is used

“(a) of age, whether of the elder of two persons, Luke 15:25, or more, John 8:9, ‘the eldest’;

“or of a person advanced in life, a senior, Acts 2:17;

“in [Hebrews] 11:2, the ‘elders’ are the forefathers in Israel [including spiritual teachers]; so in [Matthew] 15:2; Mark 7:3,5;

“the feminine of the adjective is used of elder women in the churches, 1 [Timothy] 5:2, not in respect of position but in seniority of age;

“(b) of rank or positions of responsibility,

“(1) among Gentiles, as in… [Genesis] 50:7; [Numbers] 22:7;

“(2) in the… nation [of Israel; Vine says here, “Jewish nation,” which is too restrictive, as the nation of Israel consisted of more than just Jews; “Jews” referred originally to just ONE of the TWELVE tribes of Israel],

“firstly, those who were the heads of leaders of the tribes and families… [Vine refers here to passages such as Numbers 11:16; Deuteronomy 27:1– it should be noted, however, that here the word “elders” clearly includes RELIGIOUS responsibilities, not JUST political leadership], and those assembled by Solomon;

“secondly, members of the Sanhedrin, consisting of the chief priests, elders and scribes, learned in Jewish Law [both the inspired Word of God and Jewish human traditions which were sometimes in conflict with the Word of God], e.g. [Matthew] 16:21; 26:47;

“thirdly, those who managed public affairs in various cities , Luke 7:3;

“(3) IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES, those who, being raised up and qualified by the work of the Holy Spirit, were APPOINTED to have the spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over, the churches. To these the term bishops [episkopoi], or overseers, is applied (see Acts 20, ver. 17 with ver. 28, and [Titus] 1:5 and 7), the latter term indicating the nature of their work; ‘presbuteroi’ their maturity of spiritual experience… the duty of elders is described by the verb ‘episkopeo.’ They were appointed according as they had given evidence of fulfilling the Divine qualifications, [Titus] 1:6 to 9; [compare] 1 [Timothy] 3:1-7 and 1 [Peter] 5:2;

“(4) the twenty-four elders enthroned in Heaven around the throne of God, [Revelation] 4:4, 10; 5:5-14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4… the word ‘elder’ is nowhere applied to angels. [This is one of Vine’s terribly wrong conclusions, based on the erroneous teaching that we go to heaven when we die. NOWHERE DOES THE BIBLE TEACH THAT MAN ASCENDS TO HEAVEN WHEN HE DIES. Therefore, the word “elder” in the context of Revelation CLEARLY applies to angelic spirit beings–and NOT to humans. For instance, we find that God Almighty is described in Daniel 7:22, as “the Ancient of Days”–referring to the fact that He has ALWAYS existed. Even though angels were created by God and had a beginning, they are nevertheless much “older” than any human being; therefore the term “elder,” in describing them, is very appropriate.]

“2. SUMPRESBUTEROS… a fellow-elder (‘sum,’ with), is used in 1 [Peter] 5:1.

“3. MEIZON… greater, the comparative degree of ‘megas,’ great, is used of age, and translated ‘elder’ in [Romans] 9:12, with reference to Esau and Jacob.”

“B. Noun

“PRESBUTERION…, an assembly of aged men, denotes

“(a) the Council or Senate among the Jews, Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5;

“(b) the elders or bishops in a local church, 1 [Timothy] 4:14…”

Addressing now the word “elder” within the confines of the Church of God, Peter called himself a “fellow elder.” But he was also an apostle. In addition, John, who was also one of the original apostles, called himself “the elder” (2 John 1; 3 John 1). However, we also read about a clear distinction, at times, between apostles and elders (Acts 15:4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4).

Christ gave different ranks, roles and functions to the ministry.

In Ephesians 4:11, Paul writes:

“And He Himself [Jesus Christ] gave SOME to be apostles, SOME prophets, SOME evangelists, and SOME pastors and teachers…”

The word for “pastor” here is “poimen,” meaning “shepherd or “feeder”–who “leads” or “takes” care of the “sheep,” the flock of God,” and who “feeds” them with God’s Word.

Although the passage in Ephesians 4:11 addresses “ranks or positions of responsibility” (Compare Vine, p. 21, under “Elder, Eldest”), it also clearly talks about functions.

In addition, we read Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:28-29: “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues [languages]. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?”

Note that “evangelists” and “pastors” are not mentioned in that Scripture. But Paul says that God has appointed “teachers” in the “third” position. If Paul was addressing ranks here, as distinguished from functions, he would have had to list them in the “fifth” position, in order to not contradict his statements in Ephesians 4:11-12.

Paul calls himself “an apostle,” “a preacher” and a “teacher” (1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11), describing his functions and responsibilities. In addition, he, as well as Barnabas, who would become an apostle (Acts 14:14), are also designated as “prophets and teachers” (Acts 13:1-3).

On the other hand, the word “bishop” simply means “overseer.” The Greek word is “episkopos” and is applied to “elders,” as Vine correctly points out (compare again Acts 20:17 with Acts 20:28, and Titus 1:5 with Titus 1:7, describing “elders” as “bishops” or “overseers”–in Greek, “episkopos.”). 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7 describe the qualification of a “bishop” or an “overseer”–that is, an elder. In its ultimate sense, the word “bishop” is also applied to Jesus Christ (as is the word “Apostle”; compare Hebrews 3:1), as we read about Christ’s FUNCTION as a “Bishop” in 1 Peter 2:25:

“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and OVERSEER [Greek, “episkopos,” i.e. Bishop] of your souls.”

At one time, the Church of God distinguished between “local” elders (not employed by the Church) and “preaching” elders (employed by the Church). Even though they were both understood to be “elders,” with full ministerial credentials, the role of a local elder was perceived as mainly overseeing a local church, under a more experienced elder or pastor, while the function of a preaching elder included additional preaching responsibilities. However, as such designation cannot be specifically found in Scripture, we distinguish today in the ordained ministry between elders, pastors, evangelists, prophets and apostles–regardless, of whether or not they are employed by the Church. At the same time, we realize that an evangelist would also have the function and responsibility of a pastor and an elder–and that a pastor would have the function and responsibility of an elder.

As of today, we do not find that God has presently ordained a minister to the office of apostle or prophet, but we cannot rule out the possibility that He will do so in the future. We DO believe that the late human leader of the Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, who died in 1986, was in fact fulfilling the role and function of an apostle, and that he held such spiritual rank. If God chooses to appoint ministers as apostles in the future, this will have to become very obvious and manifest, by the FRUITS of such individual(s). It stands to reason that the TWO WITNESSES (compare Revelation 11:3-7, 11-12) will fulfill the office, rank and function of both apostle and prophet (as some of the early apostles, such as Paul and Peter, fulfilled several functions, roles and responsibilities, including the function of “prophet,” “preacher,” “teacher” and “elder”).

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

The Son

On May 19, 2007, Norbert Link will give the sermon, titled, “The Son.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

I have heard it said that the Biblical terms "all" or "every" [such as, "every person" or "every thing"] do not necessarily have to mean, "without any exception." Is this correct?

In the vast majority of Biblical passages, the terms “all” or “every” are all-inclusive and don’t allow for exceptions, but this is not always the case. The fact that Bible commentaries and interpreters have IGNORED this vital truth, has misled them to reach doctrinally incorrect conclusions. It is also very critical to read passages in context, and in consideration of other passages which might shed more light on a given subject. Failing to do so might lead to wrong concepts.

For example, we read in Daniel 7:27 that “ALL dominions shall serve and obey” Christ, when He establishes the Kingdom of God here on earth. This might give the impression that there won’t be any who will disobey and who will have to be dealt with, accordingly. However, this conclusion would be incorrect, as we read in Isaiah 60:12: “For the nation and kingdom which shall not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined.” Compare, too, Zechariah 14:16-19, regarding nations who will at first refuse to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

We see, then, that even though we read that “ALL dominions” will serve and obey Christ, some will NOT do so, at first. In fact, some will stubbornly REFUSE to obey at all.

However, we read that God “is the Savior of ALL men, ESPECIALLY of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10). At the same time, we read in 2 Thessalonians 2:12 that “they ALL may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” These passages don’t contradict each other; nor are they all-inclusive. God is the potential Savior of all men who believe now, and who will come to believe later, even though they may not believe now. And those who don’t believe when Christ returns will be “condemned” or “dealt with” at that time, but this is not to say that they will be thrown into the lake of fire because they have committed the unpardonable sin–most of them will be resurrected in the Second Resurrection to be “judged” (Revelation 20:11-12). For more information, please read our free booklets, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?“, and “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”

Also, the concept that Christ is the Savior of ALL men does not rule out the fact that some will NOT be saved. Here, the word “ALL” is NOT used in an all-inclusive sense. Some WILL commit the unpardonable sin and be destroyed and burned up in the lake of fire (Hebrews 6:4-8; Revelation 20:13-15).

Still, we read that “ALL Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26). As stated, this might give the impression that every last Israelite will inherit salvation. But this is not true, as there will be some who will reject salvation. For instance, Christ warned the Pharisees that they were walking on very thin ice, heading towards committing the unpardonable sin (compare Mark 3:28-30 and Matthew 9:34).

Paul continues in Romans 11:32 that God, in His dealings with Israel, “has committed them ALL to disobedience, that He might have mercy on ALL.” In both cases, the word “all” is not used to teach all-inclusiveness, without any exceptions. Not every last Israelite will repent, and not every Israelite–even at the time of Paul–was disobedient. The early Church of God consisted at first exclusively of Israelites who had become obedient to the faith.

We also read in Romans 14:11 that “EVERY tongue shall confess” to God. But again, this does not include every last person, as some will not confess to God, but instead, they will be destroyed in the lake of fire–they will die the second death–in utter rebellion to God.

There are additional examples where the words “all” or “every” are not to be understood in an all-inclusive sense.

In Luke 8:45, a woman touched Christ, in order to be healed, and when Christ asked who had touched Him, it says that “ALL denied it.” Then Peter and other disciples said to Him, “The multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?'” We then read that the woman came forward and confessed (verse 47). Therefore, when “ALL” denied that they touched Him, this apparently excluded the woman and most certainly His disciples, who admitted that they and others had “touched” Jesus, without understanding the relevance of His question.

In Matthew 23:3, Christ told the Jews to “obey ALL” (Authorized Version) what the scribes and Pharisees commanded them to do. In Ephesians 5:24, Paul says that women are to be submissive to their husbands in EVERYTHING. And Peter says in 1 Peter 2:13 that we are to submit ourselves to EVERY ordinance of man. However, these passages are not all-inclusive and allow–yes, DEMAND–an exception. This exception is found in Acts 5:27-32, where Peter makes it clear that we must obey God rather than man, and that we must DISOBEY man if we would otherwise disobey God.

We also read that the gospel of the Kingdom of God will be preached in all the world as a witness, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14). This does not mean that every last person on earth will hear the gospel just prior to Christ’s return. There will be those alive at the beginning of the Millennium who never heard Christ’s gospel message (compare Isaiah 66:19). This is why Matthew 24:14 must be read together with Scriptures such as Mark 13:10 and Luke 24:47, stating that the gospel will be preached “among” all nations.

We read in Revelation 1:7 that “every eye” will see Christ when He returns–“even they who pierced Him.” But we know from other Scriptures that only those who are alive at the time of Christ’s return will see Him–in addition to those few (part of the firstfruits) who were alive at the time of Christ’s First Coming, originally consenting to His death, but who then came to repentance and died in the faith, and who will therefore be in the First Resurrection. The overwhelming majority of mankind will NOT see Him at the time of His return; yet, it says that “EVERY EYE” will see Him. What is meant in Revelation 1:7 is that all who are ALIVE at the time of His return will see Him–because we all are responsible for Christ’s death through our sins.

In Luke 17:26-29, Christ says that “all” were destroyed at the time of Noah, except for Noah; and that “all” were destroyed in Sodom, except for Lot. But other Scriptures tell us that Noah’s FAMILY was also spared, and so were Lot’s DAUGHTERS.

In Luke 6:30, Christ tells us that we are to give to EVERYONE who asks of us and wants to borrow from us. Again, this is not an all-inclusive command, as Paul says, for example, that we must work to make a living, and if we are unwilling to work, we should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). So, Christ was not telling us that we must give to just EVERYONE who wants to eat, even though he is unwilling to work.

In Philippians 2:20-21, Paul says about Timothy that he has no one “like-minded,” who sincerely cares for others, continuing that “ALL seek their own.” But surely, Paul did not mean all the other saints who were with him, because he writes in Philippians 4:21-22: “The brethren who are with me greet you. ALL the saints greet you.”

Finally, we read in 1 Timothy 4:1-5 that “EVERY creature of God” is good for food. Some use this passage to claim that we are therefore no longer obligated to refrain from eating UNCLEAN meat. However, we also read in Genesis 9:3 that “EVERY moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you ALL things, even as the green herbs.” It goes without saying that we must not eat POISONOUS green herbs–even though “all things” were given to us for food–and we therefore must not eat meat which was not created for food (Compare again 1 Timothy 4:4, stating that those who believe and know the truth of God’s Word, as revealed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, understand WHICH animals God has created FOR FOOD). We see, therefore, that these passages are not all-inclusive, but must be understood in context. For more information, please read our free booklet, “And Lawlessness Will Abound...”

In conclusion, we ALWAYS need to carefully review the context in light of ALL Scriptures relevant to a certain topic, in order to reach a correct understanding.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

The Image of God

On May 12, 2007, Dave Harris will give the sermon, titled, “The Image of God.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

Our new booklet, “The Meaning of God’s Fall Holy Days,” has entered the second review cycle.

A new member letter has been written and will be sent out early next week. In the letter, Norbert Link discusses the need to cope with problems and to resist Satan the devil, who is filled with destructive rage.

This week, we sent out the following announcement regarding our 120th StandingWatch program:

“Is Russia a Threat?

“In light of Russia’s most recent brutal crack-down on opposition protests, the German and European press used strong words of condemnation. It was stated that Russia is not a democracy; that its course is miles away from Western values; that Russia cannot be a strategic partner for Europe; and that Europe should keep its energy dependence on Russia as low as possible. What do these developments mean, and why should YOU be concerned?

“View it now on Google or StandingWatch.”

Time’s up!

by Shelly Bruno

I wish I had gotten a warning message a few weeks back. Something to indicate what was to come, prior to the fateful moment when I pushed the power button on my computer for the last time. Yes, time was up, and that was the end of my hard drive. The end of all my work, digital photos, and all the files that I had collected and created over the last year. If only I had known when my computer would crash, then I would have backed up my files and had been prepared. I even had the right tool—a backup drive I hadn’t taken out of the plastic packaging. But it was too late—I didn’t use that tool, and I had waited too long—time had run out.

This painful event got me thinking about what else I’ve been neglecting to prepare for in my life. Specifically, my spiritual life. Am I putting off tomorrow what I should be preparing for today? If I knew how much time was left, then I could make sure I’m prepared for Christ’s return. But that isn’t the way it works—I am to prepare every day.

So as I rebuild my computer system and establish a proper backup, I’m thinking about how I can improve my spiritual preparation. Do I have the tools I need to ensure that I’m prepared? I know I’ve got one great tool—my Bible. This time I’ll make sure it’s not wrapped up in plastic.

I have heard it taught that the ancient house of Israel engaged in Sunday worship. Is this correct, as I cannot find this stated anywhere in the Bible?

Even though the Bible nowhere states explicitly that the ancient house of Israel kept Sunday, it is very clear from the implicit record that they did. It is also clear that God punished them severely for this practice. We know that they abandoned the weekly Sabbath–the seventh day of the week (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset). This was one reason why they went into slavery. We also know that they were guilty of idolatry, e.g., Baal worship. And historical records prove that Baal–the sun god–was worshipped on his day, Sunday, the first day of the week. In fact, Baal, the pagan sun god, was worshipped under many different names throughout man’s history.

For instance, we find the following comments in “Funk and Wagnall’s New Encyclopedia,” under “Baalbek,” a town in Eastern Lebanon: “The name, which means ‘City of Baal,’ is derived from the early association of the town with the worship of Baal, a local sun deity whom the ancient Greeks identified with their sun god, Helios; the Greeks and Romans called the town Heliopolis, ‘City of the Sun.'”

Pagans worshiped the sun on Sunday (Sun’s day). It was a heathen festival in honor of the sun god. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary says that Sunday was so “called because the day was anciently dedicated to the sun or to its worship.” The North British Review, Vol. 18, p. 409, calls Sunday “the wild solar holiday of all Pagan times.” The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia points out that Sunday–the Dies Solis of the Roman calendar–was the day of the sun because it was dedicated to the sun.

Webster writes in his book “Rest Days,” on page 270: “What began, however, as a Pagan ordinance, ended as a Christian regulation…” Schaff’s Church History states on page 375: “Not a few pagan habits crept into the church concealed by new names. This is conceded by the most earnest of the Fathers. Leo the Great speaks of Christians in Rome who worshiped the sun… In the celebration of Sunday, as it was introduced by Constantine, and still continues on the whole continent of Europe, the cultus of the old Sun god Apollo mingles with the remembrance of the resurrection of Christ.”

The Persians worshipped the sun god Baal under the name of “Mithra” or “Mithras,” and through Persian and Roman influence, nominal confessing “Christians” adopted Sunday worship in lieu of the Sabbath. They simply replaced Sunday worship of Baal or Mithra with Sunday worship of “Christ.”

Note the following excerpts from our free booklet, “Don’t Keep Christmas“:

“The German ‘P.M.’ magazine published a few years ago an article, entitled, ‘Can You Imagine to Believe on Mithras?’ It began this way: ‘An early day in the year 180 A.D. A usual Sunday in the harbor town of Ostia in front of the gates of Rome. Commotion in the different parts of town. Everywhere we see groups of men moving through the narrow village quarters… But no one takes note of them… Everyone knows where the men go to: It is Sunday, the day of the Sun – the men are going to services. Are they Christians? Do we experience here a typical scene from the early days of this religion? No – the men worship another god. Mithras is the name of that transcendent being from whom they expect salvation… Mithras was the main god of the Roman legions… It was Emperor Constantine who was pushing in the Council of Nice (which is in Turkey today) in 325 to unite his subjects under one faith… Although the emperor himself belonged to the cult of the sun worship (he was only baptized on his deathbed), he decided on Christianity as the common confession for all the Romans. In order to make the new religion acceptable for the followers of Mithras, he declared Sunday as the common day of rest for all of his empire…

“Listen to this additional explanation from Esme Wynne-Tyson’s ‘Mithras, The Fellow in the Cap,’ as stated on pp. 22 and 24: ‘From the first, Mithras was equated with the Sun and with light… In brief, he is a pagan Christ… Mithras was… the Sun-God… Sunday… was consecrated to him, and known as the Lord’s Day long before the Christian era’…

“John M. Robertson wrote in ‘Pagan Christs, Studies in Comparative Hierology,’ on pp. 305, 306, 327: ‘The first day of the week,Sunday, was apparently from time immemorial consecrated to Mithra…’

“Listen to this remarkable quote from H.G. Well’s, author of fictitious novels such as ‘The Time Machine,’ and ‘The Invisible Man.’ He also wrote, ‘The Outline of History,’ pointing out on page 543: ‘It would seem the Christians adopted Sunday as their chief day of worship instead of the… Sabbath, from the Mithraic cult.'”

Returning to the ancient house of Israel, we find that under King Jeroboam, they began to worship Baal. We read in 1 Kings 12:28 that the king “made two calves of gold,” telling the people that they were “your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt.”

Later, in 2 Kings 17:16-17, we find this revealing statement:

“So they left ALL the commandments of the LORD their God [including the Sabbath commandment and the injunction against committing idolatry], made for themselves a molded image and two calves, made a wooden image and worshipped all the host of heaven, AND SERVED BAAL. And they caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD…”

The fact that they turned to Baal worship is proof in itself that they began to observe his day–the first day of the week, i.e., Sunday. Some 200 years later, God rebuked the house of Israel through the prophet Hosea, comparing it with a fallen or unfaithful woman: “‘I will punish her For the DAYS of the Baals to which she burned incense… But Me she forgot,’ says the LORD” (Hosea 2:13).

The commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown explains the expression “DAYS of BAALS” as follows: “the days consecrated to the Baals, or various images of Baal in different cities, whence the names Baal-gad, Baal-hermon, etc.” These “days” included Sunday, as well as other pagan holidays.

Returning to King Jeroboam, note what else is revealed about him in 2 Kings 17:21-23:

“Then Jeroboam drove Israel from following the LORD, and made them commit a great sin. For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them, until the LORD removed Israel out of His sight… So Israel was carried away from their own land to Assyria…”

It appears, therefore, that Jeroboam’s GREAT sin, as well as ALL THE SINS which he did and which were adopted by the house of Israel, included the abolishment of the Sabbath and the adoption of Sunday worship. The Bible says that they continued with that practice, until God punished them severely by carrying them away–into Assyrian slavery (compare Ezekiel 20:12-13, 18-20, 23-24).

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. As He had commanded ancient Israel to worship Him on the Sabbath, and to reject the pagan practice of worshipping false gods on Sunday, so He requires the same of us today. As we show in our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America,” the modern house of Israel can be found today in the United States of America, Great Britain and other Commonwealth countries, such as Canada and Australia. As God punished the ancient house of Israel for their sins, including the breaking of His Sabbath commandment and replacing it with Sunday worship, so He has prophesied that He will do the same in the near future to the modern house of Israel, unless they repent.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

Why the Ministry?

On May 5, 2007, Norbert Link is scheduled to give the sermon, while visiting the brethren in Oregon. The sermon is titled, “Why the Ministry?”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm on Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

Norbert and Johanna Link will be visiting the brethren in Oregon from May 2 to May 6.  While there, they will also inspect the remodeled facility in Florence where we will hold this year’s Feast of Tabernacles

A new StandingWatch program was placed on the Web, titled, “WHY the shooting rampage in Virginia?” A brief summary is set forth below:

The world is shocked and appalled about the shooting rampage of a mentally ill mass killer, murdering over 30 innocent students and teachers. Why do those incredible atrocities happen in our sophisticated world? Many try to give answers–some of them are in fact contributing causes for those horrible crimes–but it seems that the real reason has been overlooked.

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