While the elders are distinct enough from the apostles and the church to be worthy of their own grouping, they do not behave independently or in opposition to either the congregation or the apostles. The actions of the congregation, apostles, and elders are all communicated as a unified effort of the three named groups.
In Acts 14:23 (narrative, descriptive) we read that it was the Apostle Paul’s pattern to appoint Christian elders within churches early on in the lifecycle of a church (1):
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Here we can also observe the tremendous gift of God in providing for his people through eldership in a wide variety of geographic regions. Elders were not established to provide a ritual hierarchy in one locale only. Elders were given to the church for the benefit of the people of God across regional borders. Godly elders, as established in the pattern of the New Testament, are a blessing of high value across cultural boundaries. John Calvin puts the blessing of elders (he uses the word pastor) this way commenting on Acts 14:23:
“By this it appeareth sufficiently, that it is not enough if men have been once taught the doctrine of godliness, and to have [hold] the sum of faith, unless they go forward continually; therefore, Christ did not only send his apostles to preach the gospel, but he commanded also that there should be pastors appointed, that the preaching of the gospel might be perpetual and in daily use. Paul and Barnabas do mark that this order was set down by Christ, when they assigned pastors to every church, lest, after their departure, doctrine should cease and be whisht, (silent.) Furthermore, this place teacheth, that the Church cannot want an ordinary ministry, neither can any be counted Christians before God but those who, during their whole life, are willing to learn.” (2)
Calvin’s observation here is poignant regarding the intended benefit of elders for people of Christ. Much of the Christian life is learning. Learning to move further into the glorious realities of God’s grace, mercy and love given through Christ.
Ongoing learning necessitates teachers to assist and serve in the midst of the learning process.
Subscribe to Free “Top 10 Stories” Email
Get the top 10 stories from The Aquila Report in your inbox every Tuesday morning.