The short answer is Yes. However, I am including some notes from one of the classes I teach to give you more information if you want it.
- WHO RUNS THE CHURCH? [NOTE: Much of our church government is based on tradition; not on scripture] (Acts 20:17-18, 28-30, 36-38)
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The Elder
- His age (Genesis 10:21; 1Timothy 5:1-2)
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His wisdom (Job 32:4-7)
- His leadership
- Old Testament (Numbers 11:14-17) "officers over them"
- Gospels (Matthew 21:23)
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Jewish church (Acts 15:1-4)
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Gentile church (1Timothy 5:17)
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Their number in the church - multiple (Acts 14:23; 20:17-18; Titus1:5)
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The Bishop
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His office (1Timothy 3:1) bishop means overseer
- His duties
- To work (1Timothy 3:1)
- To teach (1Timothy 3:2)
- To rule (1Timothy 3:4-5)
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To pattern (1Timothy 3:7 with 1Peter 5:3)
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To administrate (Titus 1:7)
- To exhort (Titus 1:9)
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To convince (Titus 1:9)
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Confusion Between Elder and Bishop
- Comparison of elder and bishop
- Both rule in the church
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Elder (1Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:28)
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Bishop (1Timothy 3:4-5)
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Both can be multiplied in one church
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Elder (Acts 14:23)
- Bishop (Philippians 1:1)
- Both terms are used synonymously in Titus
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Elder (Titus 1:5)
- Bishop (Titus 1:7)
- Conclusions
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The term, elder, has a wider range than the term, bishop. Elder may refer to Old or New Testament offices. It may also refer to men of age, experience, and/or wisdom. Bishop refers to a specific New Testament office.
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The terms may be used as synonyms of the term, pastor, but are used to describe different aspects of the same office.
- Elder emphasizes the person
- His experience
- His wisdom
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His spirituality
- Bishop emphasizes the office
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His duties
- His rule
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Problem: Why do we, unlike the Plymouth Brethren, have a single ruling pastor?
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The scriptural principle: God always uses a man: Abraham, Moses, David, etc. Multiple rule brings confusion.
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The example of James in the church of Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:17-18)
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The example of Timothy in the church of Ephesus (1Timothy 5:17-19; 2Timothy subscript)
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The emphasis on a singular bishop ruling the church and the example of the family (1Timothy 3:4-5)
- Other Titles
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Overseer (Acts 20:28)
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Only New Testament reference
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To take the oversight (1Peter 5:2)
- Preacher
- His duty - to make the gospel heard (Romans 10:14-15)
- His office
- Ordained (1Timothy 2:7)
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Appointed (2Timothy 1:11)
- Pastor (Ephesians 4:11)
- Only New Testament reference
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Means shepherd (see also 1Peter 5:1-4)
- Minister
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Means one who attends to the needs of another
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References: Romans 15:16; Ephesians 3:7; 6:21; 1Timothy 4:6
- Evangelist
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Not completely synonymous with pastor (Ephesians 4:11)
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Timothy was to do the work of an evangelist (2Timothy 4:5)
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Philip was an evangelist (Acts 21:8)
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Referred to one who took the gospel message to the unreached and would include church-planters, missionaries, and public preachers.
- Teachers
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Bishops are to be apt to teach (1Timothy 3:2; 2Timothy 2:24)
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There is also the position of teacher (Ephesians 4:11; Acts 13:1)