Elders are to “care for the church of God” (Acts 20:28). This is a legacy passed down to Elders from Christ’s apostles. As the early Church developed there was a gradual shift from Apostles to Elders. The Biblical term Elder is synonymous with pastor and bishop. Paul wrote to Titus, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—” (Titus 1:5, ESV).
The responsibility of the Elders to replicate themselves. As Paul said to Timothy, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1–2, ESV).
Even Peter who plays a major role in our message today experienced this transition from Apostle to Elder. He writes, “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you.”
So, the message this morning is going to particularly apply to Elders. But if you’re not an Elder, please don’t close you ears because you will see that you also have a significant importance in the message.
