An element of an overseer/shepherd is that of a “rule.” Paul speaks of those “who rule well” in 1 Tim. 5:17. We broke this down in an earlier section of this chapter.[1]
The Greek words translated “rule” will be introduced here to gain an understanding of its meaning. W.E. Vine gives six verbs that translate into English “to rule”.
(1) archo, in the Active Voice, denotes “to rule”. Examples are found in Mark 10:42 and Romans 15:12 (A.V. “to reign”). Mark 10:42 and Romans 15:12 (A.V. “to reign”).
(2) oikodespoteo, from oikos, a house, and despotes (a master), signifies to rule the household; so the R.V. in 1 Tim. 5:14 (A.V., “guide the house”).
(3) proistemi, literally, ‘to stand before,’ hence, to lead, attend to (indicating care and diligence), is translated to rule (Middle Voice), with reference to a local church, in Rom.12:8, proistamenos; perfect Active in 1 Tim. 5:17; with reference to a family, 1 Tim. 3:4, 12 (Middle Voice); verse archo, in the Active Voice denotes “to rule”. (2nd aorist Active)
(4) hegeomai, to lead, is translated to rule in Heb.13:7 (ton egoumenon) ,17, 24 (A.V. marg., in the first two, “are the guides” and “guide.” McGarvey: Hebrews 13:7,17, 24 “term heegeomai, means primarily, to lead. When applied to the mind it means to think or suppose, because in this mental activity, the mind is led to a conclusion (Acts 26:2; Phil. 2:3-6). The present participle of this verb came to be used in the sense of ruler, because a ruler is one who leads, sometimes, indeed, it means a leader in the sense of a chief man, as when Silas and Judas are called “chief men among the brethren.” Acts 15:22. Pharaoh made Joseph ruler over Egypt (Acts 6:10) where the expression, “over Egypt” indicates the relation of authority.
(5) poimaino, to act as a shepherd, tend flocks, is translated to rule in Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15, all indicating that the governing power exercised by the Shepherd is to be of a firm character; in Matt. 2:6, A.V., “shall rule” (R.V., “shall be shepherd of”) Also, “to feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep” (Jo.21:l6, Acts 20:28, I Pet.5:2 “to rule, govern” (Mt.2:6; Rev 2:27).
(6) brabeuo, properly, to act as an umpire (brabeus), hence, generally, to arbitrate, decide, Col. 3:15, “rule” (R.V., marg., “arbitrate”), representing “the peace of Christ” (R.V.) as deciding all matters in the hearts of believers; some regard the meaning as that of simply directing, controlling, ruling. (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words, 307).
These six verbs are not all used in reference to elders. Three are used and three are not used. Based on practice, one would think that the Holy Spirit chose “brabeuo” or “archo” to describe the work of shepherds. Mr. Vine assumes what has been handed down that Romans 12:8 demands a local church organization. It seems to be a given set of axioms when discussing the matter of “rule”. Of the three words that are used, it is clear that his work involves taking the initiative, leading and guiding as when a shepherd cares for his sheep. In any effort to arrive at a clear understanding of the elders’ rule from these three words, we must not just appeal to one word nor one definition of each word that we like and attempt to force our conclusions. Rather, we should use the one that fits the context of each passage and is consistent with all that is revealed about the role of elders.