The Office of Elder

Rev. Hanko is missionary/pastor of Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland. Reprinted from the mission newsletter circulated in the UK by Covenant PRC. Scripture uses two different words for elder. One word, translated “elder” (Acts 14:23, 15:2, 4, 6, etc., I Tim. 5:1, 17, 19, Tit. 1:5, Jas. 5:14, I Pet. 5:1) is the Greek word “presbyter,” and means “older person.” The other word, translated “bishop” or “overseer” (Phil. 1:1, I Tim. 3:1, 2, Tit. 1:7, Acts 20:28) refers to a...