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 Greek word, PROISTEEMI. The rulers stand before their subjects. The use of the term “rule” implies that all the people are looking to the one before them for direction. It is not only used to describe a shepherd’s rule (1 Tim. 5:17, 1 Thess. 5:12; Rom. 12:8) but also it is used to describe a father’s rule (1 Tim. 3:4-12). In each case, these men act as shepherds, giving spiritual guidance, protection, and provision. Another word translated “rule” that is applied to shepherds is the Greek HEEGEOMAI which means primarily “to lead” (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24).
| 1) “rule” = “take care of the church” (1 Tim. 3:4)2) “rule over you” = “spoken the word of God” (Heb. 13:7)
3) “rule over you” = “watch out for your souls” (Heb. 13:17) 4) “overseers” = “shepherd the flock” (Acts 20:28) 5) “serving as overseers” = “shepherd the flock” (1 Peter 5:2) |
The right of an elder(s) is defined by his role as watchman and guide. As he keeps watch over the flock and oversees their care, they should submit to him. This defines his “rule.” Remember, the context of this age of teaching is the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is for this reason and this reason only that men and women must submit to elders. In Acts 20, Paul uses himself as an example for the elders in verse 34-35, saying,
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shown you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:34-35)
The work or labor is also described in the previous verses as (1) declaring the whole counsel of God, verse 27, and (2) warning everyone night and day with tears (verse 31).
Elders’ admonition defines their rule in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. Paul writes of “those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” Their labor is further discussed in 1Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and teaching.” Lenski translates, “those who toil in connection with the word.”[1] The criteria that define their worthiness is not measured by whether or not they preach or teach, but is measured by the word “labor” or “toil.” Lenski further explains, “…does not mean that some elders did not teach, for all were required to have (and thus to use) this ability (3:2). Naturally, however, some would manifest especial zeal in this part of the work, actually toil in it to the point of fatigue and weariness.”[2] Peter tells us that elders are not to be “lords over God’s heritage” (1 Peter 5:3). Concerning the word, McKnight writes about the word “lords:”
“It refers properly to that kind of jurisdiction which civil rulers or magistrates exercise. This is an exercise of authority, as contradistinguished from the influence of reason, persuasion, and example…Their dominion is not to be that of temporal lordship; it is to be that of love and truth…This is a strong word, denoting that tyranny which men of this world often exercise when they have obtained offices of power.”[3]
On the contrary, the rule of elders is described by the Greek word PROISTIMI. Vines writes of the word, “To stand before, hence to lead, to attend to.” Kittel writes:
“According to the context the task of the PROISTAMENOI is in large measure that of pastoral care, and the emphasis is not on their rank or authority but their efforts for the eternal salvation of believers…… The verb has in the New Testament the primary senses of both `to lead’ and `to care for’, and this agrees with the distinctive nature of office in the New Testament since according to Luke 22:26 the one who is chief is to be as he who serves”.[4]
Another word is the word “hegeomai,” which is defined as a guide or leader. As we have already noted, the eldership is a leadership role involving teaching and demonstration of its practice in daily life. If we would understand their role, we would eliminate the concept of a decision making body like executive decisions in a corporation. Instead, they teach and lead by example so that a pattern of life emerges to follow.
[1] Lenski,
[2] ibid,