Theory of the Eldership [pp. 702-759]

Theory of the Eldership.
Ephesus alone, but to those at Miletus also, that is, to all
included in that missionary field; and also to those in Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Bithynia, and therefore to presbyters
universally, everywhere.
The official meaning of the term presbyter is further
determined by its application to themselves by the apostles.
Peter calls himself a fellow-presbyter. John also styles himself a fellow-presbyter in the inscription of two epistles. The
controversy at Antioch was referred to "the apostles and
presbyters," (Acts xv. 2.) "It pleased the apostles and presbyters," (vs. 22.) "The apostles, and presbyters and brethren," (vs. 23.) "The apostles and presbyters." (Acts xvi. 4.)
"The apostles and presbyters with the whole church," (xv. 4.)
Now observe the conclusiveness of this usage. The ministerial
commission was first given to the twelve and seventy,* and
their ministerial duty is described by Christ as feeding his
flock. Afterwards, when the ascended Saviour had given
"pastors and teachers" to feed his flock, the term presbyter,
which was endeared by immemorial use, as a term of dignity,
reverence, and affection, was employed, and in connection with
Christ's peculiar description of the office of his ministers"feeding the flock of God"-and is appropriated by the apostles to themselves, and to all other ministers, as fellowpresbyters, and as those who feed the flock of God, over which
the Holy Ghost has made them overseers. Add to this the
universal appointment of presbyters in every church, even
when no other officers are mentioned; their ordination by
imposition of hands; their uniting in ordaining other ministers
by imposition of hands; the reference to them as the only
ministers, as when the apostle James directs any who are sick
to send for the presbyters, and let them pray for them; and
the very emphatic fact, that there is no other name besides
presbyter (and the other terms used interchangeably with it,)
for designating the fundamental and essential office of the
ministry, nor any other delineation of its nature, functions,
responsibilities, and authority.
The office of the presbyters was to watch over all the inter * That their commission was the same as that of the twelve, see Luke x. 1,
10, 17; Matt. x. 17; and Mark vi. 7-14.
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