# elder #

## Definition: ##

Elders are spiritually mature men who have responsibilities of spiritual and practical leadership among God's people.

* The term "elder" came from the fact that elders were originally older men who, because of their age and experience, had greater wisdom.
* In the Old Testament, the elders helped lead the Israelites in matters of social justice and the Law of Moses.
* In the New Testament, Jewish elders continued to be leaders in their communities and also were judges for the people.
* In the early Christian churches, Christian elders gave spiritual leadership to the local assemblies of believers.
* Elders in these churches included young men who were spiritually mature.
* This term could be translated as "older men" or "spiritually mature men leading the church."

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Chronicles 11:1-3](en/tn/1ch/help/11/01)
* [1 Timothy 03:1-3](en/tn/1ti/help/03/01)
* [1 Timothy 04:14-16](en/tn/1ti/help/04/14)
* [Acts 05:19-21](en/tn/act/help/05/19)
* [Acts 14:23-26](en/tn/act/help/14/23)
* [Mark 11:27-28](en/tn/mrk/help/11/27)
* [Matthew 21:23-24](en/tn/mat/help/21/23)