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Elders, Deacons, and Saints, Oh My
Elders, Deacons, and Saints, Oh My
“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:” (Philippians 1:1).
In Acts 16, we read that Paul started the church in Philippi by baptizing Lydia, the Jailor, and their households. By the time Paul left at the end of Acts 16, he could speak of ‘the brethren’ that were there.
The brethren were sanctified, washed, and justified when they became brethren / disciples. (cp. 1 Cor. 6:11). They were sanctified unto the Lord – that is, set apart as His people. Thus, we see that ‘saints’ biblically refer to living disciples and includes new converts. While such speaks to one’s relationship with God that happens at conversion, such disciples are then to perfect such in their living: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1).
Among these saints were some who were designated and recognized as ‘overseers and deacons’.
Overseers were also called ‘elders’ (because they were ‘older’), shepherds. Overseer translates the Greek word ‘episkopos’ and such is also translated ‘bishop’. “Elder” translates the Greek word “presbuteros’ and is a ‘comparative’ word concerning the age of the person. Their function was to ‘shepherd’ the ‘flock among them’ (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-3). To be appointed to this position of service one had to meet certain qualifications as laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. According to the pattern set by the apostles, they appointed such elders in every church (Acts 14:23).
They also appointed certain men to be ‘deacons’ – servants of the local church to provide whatever service the congregation may have need of.
Such was the simple structure of each local congregation in the 1st century. Such should be the structure of each today. Where it isn’t, such congregation is said to be ‘lacking.’ “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you” (Titus 1:5).
Hugh DeLong
