The word “elder” is translated from the Greek presbuteros, meaning an older man comparable to our word “senior”. The term is a designation that implies rank due to age, i.e., experience. In other words, he is an older man of experience who is held in honor. Campbell’s work concludes that in both Jewish and Graeco-Roman societies, elders do not refer so much to an office of leadership as it is a way of describing an honorable status to the senior heads of families.[1] From the patriarchal system to many present-day societies of the world, the aged receive much honor. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 5:17 Paul writes,
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and teaching.
From the use of this word to describe spiritual shepherds, we must emphasize once more that nothing points to a business committee of men, directors, or executives of a board that hands down their ruling in an organization.
Further, the spiritual shepherds of the flock of God were more than just “older men.” They were appointed men who were qualified to lead (Acts 14:23) and equipped to do so by the Holy Spirit. Wisdom to lead does not necessarily come with age. While every old man is not a “presbyter,” every “presbyter” is an old man. Also, age is relative. So, the age is given to describe a man of experience and wisdom or one who has been tested. Such men are qualified men of experience and are therefore expected to be proven leaders.
In the first century, a class of elders is found among the Jewish council called the Sanhedrin. This council was a ruling class, but it is not set forth as a description of elders chosen to oversee Christians in a community. What is often witnessed in such leadership is a class of old businessmen who have not exercised their senses to discern good and evil.
The work of elders was not a new thought for the Jewish people as they had elders among their people for years. However, once we understand the nature of God’s assembly, we come to a better understanding of those chosen to oversee other saints. The value of this description is the importance of following the example and teaching of a man of experience and wisdom in the Word, rather than an inexperienced novice.
[1] Campbell, The Elders, 20-96.