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10 lines
717 B
Markdown
10 lines
717 B
Markdown
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# elder
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## Definition
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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 usually older men who had the wisdom to lead.
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* In the Old Testament, the elders helped lead Israel, participating in matters of social justice and in religious matters such as maintaining the Law of Moses.
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* In the New Testament, Jewish elders continued to be leaders in their communities and also acted as judges for the people.
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* In the early Christian churches, Christian elders gave spiritual leadership to the assemblies of believers.
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* Sometimes these Christian elders were younger men who were spiritually mature.
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