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The title of bishop
There is nothing in this system which corresponds exactly to the modern diocese episcopate; bishops, when they are mentioned (Phil 1:1) from a board of local congregational officers and the position occupied by Timothy and Titus is that of Paul´s personal lieutenants in his missionary work. It seems most likely that one elder acquired a permanent chairmanship of the board and that he was then specially designated with the title of bishop; but even when the monarchical bishop appears in the letters of Ignatius, he is still the pastor of a single congregation.
The word episkopos occurs five times in the NT: once of Christ (1 Peter 2:25) and in four places of ´bishops´ or ´overseers´ in local churches (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3: 2, Titus 1:7). The verb episkopeo occurs in Hebrews 12:15 (´watching´) and (in some NT MSS) 1 Peter 5:2 (exercising the oversight).
It is generally agreed that the term ´bishop´ in the NT is equivalent to ´elder´. Elders formed the staple ministry of a NT. Church. The word ´bishop´ means ´overseer´ one who watches, one who protects and is gracious towards the one under his care and denotes an office of one kind or another, whether financial, administrative, social, secular or religious. He has a sphere of responsibility, protection and judgement. He is a supervisor and an officer, he inspects and governs and enforces.
The ministry of a ´bishop´ is mainly that of feeding the church of God (1 Peter 5:2). In 1 Timothy 3 lists the qualifications of a ´bishop´ and immediately following lists the qualifications of a ´deacon´. A bishop is a man possessed of high moral qualities, an apt teacher, one in control of his own family, spiritually mature, held in high regard by unbelievers. The necessary qualifications for ´elders´ in Titus 1:5-9, are similar.
In the NT, when ´bishops´ are mentioned or ´elders´, it is always in the ´plural´ / corporate sense. A group/body of ´elders´ is called a ´presbytery´.
1 Timothy 3:1
"For ye as sheep have gone astray, but are now returned unto the shepherd and bishop of your souls."
1 Peter 2:25
In both cases the numbers 1984, 1985 are given in the Strong´s for the word ´bishop´.
1984:
Greek. word episkope, means inspection, superintendence, ´piscopate´. The officer of a bishopric and visitation.
1985:
Greek word episkopos, a superintendent, an officer, in charge of a (or the) church. Bishop and overseer, extra words given were: over, upon, direction, about the times, among, touching, have charge of, beside, on behalf of.
A bishop has oversight of, he is an ´overseer´, 1 Peter 5:2 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof."
The Greek word for ´oversight´ is episkopeo, Strong´s number is 1983, means to oversee, to beware, to look diligently, take the oversight. Extra words given: direction (about the times), have charge of, take aim at (spy), regard, consider, take heed, look at (on), mark.
Presbytery´s:
The group or order of elders which ordained young Timothy, (1 Timothy 4:14). Paul set up churches under ruling bodies of elders (Acts 14:23; 16:4; Titus 1:5 cf.; Acts 15:4,6,23; 20:17,28). A group of - body of elders = ´presbytery´
Deacon:
A Deacon is a minister or servant, one who waits on tables, the Greek word is diakonos. In the NT it is connected with the supply of material needs and service, i.e. Martha (John 2:5-9). Bishops and deacons are sometimes mentioned together, this gives reference to the ruling and serving elements, which together make up the church (1 Timothy 3). E-mail: cfe@connectingforexcellence.com
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