One of the words is the Greek noun “poimen” which is a “shepherd, one who tends or herds a flock” (Vine). Shepherds or pastors (cf. Luke 2:8) is an excellent metaphor for those who have charge of others in a specific community (cf. Ezek. 34:2, 9, 10, 23, Jno. 10:16, 1 Pet. 2:25, Heb. 13:20:…
One of the unfortunate translations of PROISTIMI is the English, “rule.” The term “rule” often conjures up in our minds the position of power – the power of decision-making regarding all “church business,” including the expenditure of funds. If we confuse the ekklesia with an institutional church organization, as some claim, one would rightly expect…
The fourth gift listed in Ephesians 4:11 is that of pastors and teachers. The text reveals that in all of these gifts listed in Ephesians 4, an article is placed before them except before the word “teachers”. It reads in Greek, “τοὺς δὲ, ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους.” Therefore, it has been argued that pastors and teachers…
Now, consider the use of the three words as applied to elders and you will understand the nature of their rule in each context and discover that the rule justified in church organizations is not described in these texts. Based on the work of a shepherd, a fitting verb that describes their role is the…
While evangelists were given the qualifications for selecting the shepherds, the implication is that they stayed as long as necessary to establish the foundation, and appoint the elders before going on to the next city. Travel was one of the advancements of the Roman empire and people moved from city to city. The list of…
The text of our heading reads, “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 you.” Here, we find Paul leaving Titus in Crete to set in order things lacking and ordain elders in every…
When Paul went to Miletus, he sent for the elders of Ephesus, reminding them of his work (apostle’s work) among them and exhorting them to take heed to themselves and the flock. Knowing they would never see his face again, he wanted them to be reminded of their most pressing obligation in shepherding the saints…
It is often pointed out that every time the term is used, it is in the plural and therefore prohibits a one-man rule. In addition, in this plurality, no one man ever acts independently of the others (Acts 11:30, 14:23, 15:2,4; 20:17; 21:18; Philippians 1:1; 1Tim. 5:1, 17, 19; Tit. 1:5; James 5:14-15, 1 Peter…
The term “elder” was not a title of an administrative position that focuses on the mundane affairs of the business, including the maintenance of a church building, keeping the worship orderly, and deciding who they will hire to teach. Instead, they are spiritual leaders who occupy a place of honor in the hearts of…
The shepherds also watch for false teachers and any of Satan’s devices whereby sheep are led away from God. They “watch for your souls” (Heb. 13:17). Just as a physical shepherd protects against wolves, these shepherds protected against wolves in sheep’s clothing. How do you suppose he protects against wolves? To answer this we must…