A Layman’s Look at A Trilogy of Church Related Studies

Chapter 1 – Qualifications of an Elder Table 2 - This table Is provided following the Appendix and presents the primary Scriptures that define the duties and qualification of those who God has chosen to lead His church. Included are the BDB/Thayers’ definitions for each of the principle words. Following is a summary of the content of these Scriptures and other biblical texts that expand on the qualifications and responsibilities of elders: An elder shall be BLAMELESS – The apostle, Paul uses two Greek words to tell us what this qualification for eldership involves. In 1 Timothy 3:2 he uses the Greek word anepileptos that means literally, that cannot be laid hold of. No charge can be brought against such a man. The word in Titus 1:6 anegkletos means that which cannot be called to account. This equates to a man against whom no charge can be lodged justifiably. An elder shall be THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE – This qualification of 1 Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:6 limits eldership to the male of the species. When for any reason a church permits female oversight; they violate a principle qualification of the eldership position. 1 Tim 2:11-13 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. An elder shall be VIGILANT – This qualification of 1 Tim 3:2 carries the thought we typically equate with the word sober. The Greek nephaleos denotes sober and temperate. It signifies abstaining from wine entirely or at least from use that would lead to inebriation. An elder shall be SOBER – 1 Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:8 – This Greek word, sophron signifies being sane, of a sound mind, or in one’s senses. It implies one curbing their desires and impulses, one who is temperate and self-controlled. An elder shall be a man OF GOOD BEHAVIOR – 1 Tim 3:2 This denotes one who is modest. This word is translated as modest in 1 Tim 2:9 in relationship to a woman’s apparel. The idea may be that an elder should adorn himself in a seemly, modest way, a way that is appropriate to the occasion. This is in contrast to the elaborate or attention-calling costumes adopted by the “clergy” of some ecclesiastical orders. An elder shall be GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY – This qualification/duty/responsibility is given in 1 Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:8 (lover of hospitality). Both texts use the Greek word philoxenos denoting generous to guests, being hospitable. An elder shall be APT TO TEACH – Found in 1 Tim 3:2, we are advised that an elder is to be skilful at teaching the truths of God. Acts 20:28-31 - 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. 29 - For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 - Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 - Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.. It is the teaching of all the counsel of God (Acts 20:27) that feeds the believers. It is this teaching that prepares the believers to avoid the snares of Satan. An elder shall NOT BE GIVEN TO WINE – This qualification is presented in multiple ways in 1 Tim 3:2,3. The qualification of VIGILANCE above also signifies a restriction, though not a prohibition, on the use of alcohol. This text in 1 Tim and the same qualification in Titus 1:7 prohibit drunkenness, or a dependence on, or addiction to alcohol. This is a very practical qualification for one who takes the responsibility for the spiritual welfare of other believers. An elder shall be NO STRIKER – This text in 1 Tim 3:3 and Titus 1:7 prohibits one who is contentious, quarrelsome or pugnacious from serving as an elder. It has wisely been said that where any two Baptist discuss any single doctrine they will come to three conclusions. This is not a denominational aberration, but a human condition, even among born again believers. A contentious man would too easily be drawn into the resultant conflicts and would not serve well as a peacemaker, instructor, or encourager. An elder shall NOT BE GREEDY OF FILTHY LUCRE – This qualification is found in all three of the primary texts on the qualifications of elders. The 1 Tim and Titus passages use the same Greek word while 1 Peter uses a derivative of the same word. This denotes an eagerness for monetary gain. One who is motivated by what he can gain monetarily for his efforts is unlikely to provide the selfless service demanded of the elder position. An elder shall be PATIENT – As a qualification for elders, this qualification is found only in 1 Tim. This Greek word, epieikes speaks of being gentle, fair, mild, suitable and moderate. It is the polar opposite of being a STRIKER. This qualification is critical for an individual who ministers to those who regularly exhibit the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21). It is regrettable that this is far too frequently what one encounters when dealing with Christians. An elder shall NOT BE A BRAWLER and NOT BE ACCUSED OF RIOT OR UNRULY – These qualifications of 1 Tim and Titus could each be treated separately and are akin to being a STRIKER. I have grouped them here because they are all similar. It is unfortunate that Paul’s letters to these two churches necessitated the use of this language. He is addressing first century Christians in New Testament churches and is forced to resort to identifying these characteristics. It is evident from these texts that there were believers, even in that day, who exhibited these behaviors. Such men were disqualified from serving as elders.