The History of the Office of Elder (1): In the Nation of Israel

The church of Jesus Christ "hath been from the beginning of the world" (Belgic Confession, Art. 27). Pentecost was not the birthday of the church; rather, the Spirit's outpouring on Pentecost marked the church coming to maturity. Nor did the church begin at Sinai; there God formed Israel as His special nation, and designated her as the one in and through whom His church would be gathered. The church of Jesus Christ began at creation, and was more clearly manifested as the object of God's grace...