What does the Bible say about the role of elders in the church?
Answered in 5 sources
The Bible describes elders as spiritually mature men who lead and teach the church according to the truth of the Gospel.
In Titus 1:5, the Apostle Paul instructs Titus to establish elders in every city as a means to correct deficiencies within the churches. Elders are representatives of spiritual maturity, having the responsibility to lead and teach the congregation. This role is supported throughout Scripture, with elders being seen in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Moses was advised to select elders to help lead the people of Israel, and in the New Testament, the establishment of elders signifies a continuation of this leadership tradition. The primary task of these elders is to preach the Gospel and maintain sound doctrine, as emphasized in Paul’s letters to both Titus and Timothy.
Scripture References:
Titus 1:5, Exodus 18:21, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:4-5, Titus 1:5-9, Hebrews 13:17, Titus 1:9
Commentary