Bible verses about "elders" | AUV

⁴ And as they traveled through the towns [of Asia Minor] they presented [to each church] the requirements they were to observe that had been decided on by the apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church.

¹ Not many of you should be teachers, my brothers, because you [should] know that we [teachers] will be judged more strictly.

¹¹ A woman should learn [the Scriptures] in quietness, being fully submissive. ¹² But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man [in the assembly], but she should remain quiet. ¹³ For Adam was created first, and then Eve was. [See Gen. 1:27; 2:21-22]. ¹⁴ And Adam was not [the one] deceived, but [it was] the woman who, when deceived, fell into sin. ¹⁵ But she [i.e., womankind] will be saved [from condemnation, in spite of the “curse” of suffering pain] through childbearing [See Gen. 3:16], provided they [i.e., all women] continue to have faith and love and holiness, along with discretion.

⁵ The reason I left you in Crete [Note: This was an island in the Mediterranean Sea off the southern coast of Greece] was so you could set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city [i.e., where there was a church], as I directed you.

²⁸ So, pay close attention to your [own] lives, and to all [members] of the flock [i.e., the congregation] of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [i.e., elders, shepherds or pastors]. Provide [spiritual] food for the church of the Lord which He purchased by [shedding] His own blood.

¹⁷ And from Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, requesting that the elders of the church [there] come to him.

¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? [Then] he should call for the elders of the church and they should pray for him, after pouring [olive] oil on him in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord.

⁶ [An elder must] not be guilty of just blame, [he must be] the husband of one wife, whose children are believers [Note: The word for “believers” may also be translated “faithful ones” or “trustworthy ones”], who have a reputation for not being wild or disobedient. ⁷ As God’s manager [of the church], an overseer must be free from just blame, not a drunkard, not a fighter [and] not in love with money. ⁸ [He must be] hospitable, someone who loves what is good, sensible, upright, devout and self-controlled. ⁹ [He must] hold on firmly to the trustworthy message, which is according to [our] teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort people with sound teaching and to convince those who contradict it.

¹⁷ The elders who lead [the church] well should be considered deserving of double honor [Note: This probably refers to financial support in addition to the honor of the office], especially those who work hard at [preaching] the word and at teaching it.

¹⁷ The elders who lead [the church] well should be considered deserving of double honor [Note: This probably refers to financial support in addition to the honor of the office], especially those who work hard at [preaching] the word and at teaching it. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says [Deut. 25:4], “You should not put a muzzle on the ox while it tramples over the grain.” And [Luke 10:7], “The worker deserves his wages.” ¹⁹ Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it comes from two or three witnesses.

¹ This is a trustworthy saying: If any man eagerly desires to be an overseer [i.e., an elder], he desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching. ³ [He must] not be a drunkard or a fighter, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means. ⁴ [He must] manage his own family well and, with dignity, keep his children in subjection [or, “respectful”]. ⁵ For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how will he be able to take care of the church of God? ⁶ [He must] not be a new convert or else he could become conceited [i.e., over being in a leadership position] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation among outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], or else he could fall into reproach [i.e., from worldly people] and [therefore] into the devil’s trap. ⁸ Similarly, deacons should be serious-minded [i.e., dignified], not saying one thing while meaning another, not drinking a lot of wine [Note: The wine of Paul’s day was used as a common drink, and was either non-intoxicating or far less intoxicating than wine today], not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means. ⁹ They should keep holding on to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And these [prospective deacons] should also first be tested, [and] then they should [be appointed to] serve [as deacons] if they are found to be above reproach. ¹¹ Women [i.e., probably the deacons’ wives], in the same way, should be serious-minded [i.e., dignified], not gossips, [but] sober-minded [see verse 2] and trustworthy in everything. ¹² Deacons should be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own family affairs well. ¹³ For those who have served well [as deacons] acquire for themselves a good standing [i.e., they are respected in the church], and the ability to speak boldly [or, to act confidently] in the faith that is in Christ Jesus [i.e., in the Christian faith]. ¹⁴ Although I hope to visit you soon, I am writing these things [in this letter] ¹⁵ so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to behave themselves in God’s family, which is the church of the living God, the [supporting] column and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].

²³ And when Paul and Barnabas had appointed elders [for the churches] in every congregation and had prayed and fasted [over these elders], they committed them to [the care of] the Lord, in whom they had come to trust.

¹ So, the elders in the various places where you live, are to receive the following exhortation. (I too, am an elder and have witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and am also assured of partaking of the glorious [salvation, 1:5] that will someday be revealed). ² You should serve as shepherds of God’s flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it. ³ Do not act as dictators over the people you are assigned to care for, but [rather] serve as examples of how they ought to live. ⁴ And when the Supreme Shepherd [i.e., Jesus] comes back, you will receive [for your effort] a glorious crown [of reward] that will never fade away [Note: The idea of “fading away” is suggested by the laurel wreath bestowed on the winner of an athletic contest]. ⁵ And in the same way, you younger [Christians] should be [respectfully] submissive to the older ones. And all of you should [be willing to] humbly serve one another, for God stands opposed to [the efforts of] proud people, but extends His unearned favor to those [who serve] with humility.