Bible Verses About Elders

What is an elder?

In the New Testament, the Greek word presbyteros means “elder” and can describe an older person or a recognized leader in the church. Several passages use “elder,” “overseer” (episkopos, sometimes translated “bishop”) and “shepherd” (or pastor) for related roles. In Acts 20:17 and 20:28, for example, Paul calls together the elders of Ephesus and tells them that the Holy Spirit has made them overseers, to shepherd the church. In Titus 1:5-7 the terms elder and overseer appear to be used for the same people. Many Protestant interpreters take this as evidence that the roles overlap. Other traditions see distinct orders, such as bishops, priests and deacons, which developed from this early pattern.

In the Old Testament, “elders” also refers to respected leaders of families, tribes and cities (for example, Exodus 3:16 and Ruth 4:2). So context matters when you see the word.

Qualifications for elders

Two passages list character requirements.

1 Timothy 3:1-7. An overseer must be above reproach, faithful in marriage, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. He must not be a lover of money, violent or quarrelsome, and should not be a recent convert. He should manage his own household well and have a good reputation with outsiders.
Titus 1:5-9. Paul left Titus in Crete to appoint elders in every town. The elder must be blameless, a good steward of God’s work, not arrogant or quick-tempered, and must hold firmly to sound teaching.

Both lists focus mostly on character, with teaching ability and sound doctrine the main skills. Some churches read “husband of one wife” as limiting the role to men, others as requiring marital faithfulness, and others still understand it differently. This is a place where traditions differ, so look at how your own church applies it.

Appointing elders

Acts 14:23 says that Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church, with prayer and fasting. Titus 1:5 is similar. In both cases, there is more than one elder in a congregation, which is why many churches speak of a plurality of elders. Others, such as episcopal churches, have a different structure of oversight. Either way, Scripture shows that appointment was careful and prayerful.

Shepherding the flock

Peter, himself calling himself a fellow elder, exhorts elders to “feed the flock of God” willingly, not for dishonest gain, “neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3, KJV). The promise is that the chief Shepherd will reward faithful elders (verse 4).

In Acts 20:28, Paul tells the Ephesian elders to watch over themselves and the flock, which Christ obtained with his own blood. The image is of a shepherd who cares for sheep, protects them from harm and leads by example. It echoes Jesus’ own words in our I Am the Good Shepherd study questions, and the warning about threats to the flock appears in what the wolf means in the Bible.

Teaching, honor and accountability

1 Timothy 5:17-19. Elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Accusations against an elder should not be received unless supported by two or three witnesses. Many readers take “double honor” to include financial support, though the extent is debated.
Hebrews 13:17. Believers are urged to obey and submit to their leaders, who keep watch over their souls and will give account. Understandings of how far this goes vary, and most agree that it is not unlimited obedience.
James 3:1. Those who teach will be judged with greater strictness, a reminder for teachers to take the role seriously.

Praying for the sick

James 5:14 (studied in more detail in our James 5 study guide) says that anyone who is sick should call for the elders of the church, who will pray over them and anoint them with oil in the Lord’s name. Traditions differ on how this should be practiced. Some churches anoint with oil in a service, while others pray without it. The passage encourages asking for prayer and support from church leaders. It does not replace seeking medical help.

Roles of elders summarized

Different teachers describe elders’ work in slightly different ways, but the passages above suggest these main roles:

Shepherding - caring for the spiritual well-being of the flock (1 Peter 5:2).
Teaching - passing on sound doctrine (Titus 1:9).
Overseeing - guiding the direction and discipline of the church (1 Timothy 5:17).
Praying - especially for the sick and for the church (James 5:14).
Setting an example - in character and household (1 Peter 5:3).

There is no verse that states “five roles.” This is a summary, and others may list them differently.

How traditions differ

Many Presbyterian and Reformed churches are governed by a body of elders, which includes teaching elders (pastors) and ruling elders.
Many Baptist and independent churches have elders alongside, or instead of, a board of deacons.
Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches have priests and bishops, and trace their roles in part to the early elders and overseers.
Some churches have a single senior pastor and use “elder” as an honorary or advisory title.

For the related office of service, see our study of Bible verses about deacons.

Verses about older people

If you were searching for a Bible verse for the elderly, rather than for church leaders, these may help:

Leviticus 19:32: rise before the gray-headed and honor the old.
Proverbs 16:31: the hoary head is a crown of glory if found in the way of righteousness.
Psalm 71:18: the psalmist asks God not to forsake him in old age.
Isaiah 46:4: God promises to carry his people even to old age.

A note on Ephesians 3:19

Readers sometimes ask about Ephesians 3:19 in this context. It is not about elders. It belongs to Paul’s prayer that believers would know the love of Christ and be filled with the fullness of God (see Ephesians 3:14-19). Elders might pray this prayer for their congregation.

Questions for reflection

Why do you think Paul emphasized character so strongly in the qualifications?
How can members pray for and encourage their elders?
How does Peter’s call not to lord it over the flock shape leadership today?
How does your church care for its older members?