Early Christian office mentioned in (Phil 1:1), qualifications for which are stated in (1Tim 3:1-7); (Titus 1:5-9), (1Tim 5:17-22). Titus equates bishop and elder (Gk. presbyteros). It is possible that in the church referred to in 1 Timothy bishops evolved from a larger group of elders, gaining preeminence as apt teachers (1Tim 3:1; 1Tim 5:17), while in the churches mentioned in Titus insufficient time had elapsed for such functional distinctions to appear.
Phil 1:1
Salutation
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
1Tim 3:1-7
Qualifications of Bishops
1The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.2Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only o ... View more
Titus 1:5-9
Titus in Crete
5I left you behind in Crete for this reason, so that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, a ... View more
1Tim 5:17-22
17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching;18for the scripture says, “You shall n ... View more
1Tim 3:1
Qualifications of Bishops
1The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.
1Tim 5:17
17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching;
