The Bible discusses elders’ roles, responsibilities, guidance and the respect they should receive within their communities. The following paragraphs delve deeper into what the Bible teaches about elders, exploring their duties, qualifications, their role in church governance, the value of their wisdom, and the honor due to them.
What Role do Elders Play According to the Bible?
Elders serve key leadership roles within the church and the wider community. They are appointed to guide others spiritually, shepherd the flock of believers, and ensure the faithful adherence to the teachings of the Bible. Elders are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, especially in the Acts of the Apostles and the pastoral letters of Paul. Here, elders are portrayed as leaders who must set an example for others through their life of faith, love, and dedication to the teachings of the Bible. They teach, preach, pray for the sick, and oversee the spiritual health of their specific congregations.
Who Qualifies to be an Elder According to the Bible?
The Bible gives specific qualifications for someone to be considered an elder. These qualifications involve both personal character and ability to teach. Elders should be blameless, faithful to their spouse, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to instruct others in the faith. They should not be violent, quarrelsome, or greedy, but gentle and loving towards those they lead. The Bible emphasizes that an elder’s lifestyle and family management demonstrate their suitability to lead in the spiritual community, as they are responsible for God’s work in the church.
Why is the Wisdom of Elders Valued in the Bible?
The Bible holds elders in high regard, specifically noting their wisdom gained from age and experience. They are portrayed as a source of wisdom and guidance within the community, helping others navigate life’s challenges with the insights they’ve accumulated over the years. Proverbs, a biblical book known for its rich wisdom teachings, often underscores the importance of seeking counsel from the elders. Their wisdom provides a solid foundation for decision-making and conflict resolution within the church and the wider community.
When Should Respect be Shown to Elders?
The Bible encourages showing respect and honor to elders at all times. This respect is not only due to their age but also due to their role as spiritual leaders within the community. The same respect is also extended to elders who are particularly diligent in their duties, especially those who excel in preaching and teaching. Elders provide spiritual care, guidance, and support to the members of the community, and for this, they earn their respect and honor. The Bible also teaches about the consequences of neglecting or showing disrespect towards elders, reminding believers of their duty to uphold their elders in high esteem.
Where are Elders Positioned in Church Governance?
Elders hold a significant position within church governance. They are integral to the vision, leadership, and direction of the church according to the teachings of the Bible. Their function extends beyond merely making decisions; they also carry the responsibility of caring for and guiding the members of the church. The New Testament, in many instances, depicts elders as stewards serving in the house of God, overseeing and shepherding the flock entrusted to them. They work alongside other leaders, such as pastors and deacons, in a collective effort to lead the church in a way that aligns with the principles set out in the Bible.
Below is the full list of bible verses on elders (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Elders
Acts 14:23
“23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
1 Peter 5:1-5
“1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Related Themes: Glorification Mentoring Pride Sickness
1 Timothy 5:17
“17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
Related Themes: Reverence Respecting Your Parents Honor Appreciation Leadership
Acts 20:28
“28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Related Themes: Church Holy Spirit Leadership Redemption Pastor
James 5:14
“14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:”
Acts 20:17
“17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.”
Related Themes: Repentance
1 Timothy 5:17-19
“17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.”
Related Themes: Reverence Respecting Your Parents Honor Appreciation Leadership
Titus 1:5
“5 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 thee:”
Related Themes: Hope Church Leadership
1 Timothy 3:2
“2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”
Related Themes: Strangers Reputation Arguing Reputation Marriage
Titus 1:6-9
“6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
Related Themes: Voting
Acts 16:4
“4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.”
1 Peter 5:1
“1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:”
Related Themes: Glorification Mentoring Pride Sickness
Acts 11:30
“30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
Hebrews 13:17
“17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Discernment Reverence Manipulation Leadership
1 Timothy 4:14
“14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
Related Themes: Creativity Self-Esteem
James 3:1
“1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”
Related Themes: Education Preaching Self-Control Accountability Learning
Hebrews 13:7
“7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
Related Themes: Respect Leadership Reverence Mentoring
Titus 1:5-9
“5 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 thee:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
Related Themes: Hope Church Leadership
Ephesians 4:11
“11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
Related Themes: Discernment Teamwork Working Together Pastor
1 Timothy 3:8-13
“8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Related Themes: Reputation Leadership
Titus 1:6
“6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.”
Related Themes: Voting
1 Timothy 3:1
“1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”
Related Themes: Leadership Arguing Strangers Abuse
Acts 15:2
“2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.”
Titus 1:9
“9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
1 Peter 5:2
“2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;”
Revelation 19:4
“4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.”
Related Themes: Reverence Omnipotence
Revelation 11:16
“16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,”
1 Peter 5:5
“5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
Related Themes: Humility Pride Humility Respecting Your Parents Children
1 Timothy 3:8
“8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;”
Related Themes: Reputation Leadership
Titus 1:7
“7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”
Related Themes: Stewardship Greed Bitterness Integrity Anger
