26 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
26 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
# elder, older, old
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## Definition:
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The term “elder” or “older” refers to people (in the Bible, usually men) who have grown old enough to become mature adults and leaders within a community. For example, elders might have gray hair, have adult children, or perhaps even have grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
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* The term “elder” came from the fact that elders were originally older men who, because of their age and experience, had greater wisdom.
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* In the Old Testament, the elders helped lead the Israelites in matters of justice and the Law of Moses.
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* In the New Testament, Jewish “elders” continued to be leaders in their communities and also were judges for the people.
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* In the early Christian churches, Christian “elders” gave spiritual leadership to the local assemblies of believers. Elders in these churches sometimes included young men who were spiritually mature.
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* This term could be translated as “older men” or “spiritually mature men leading the church.”
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## Bible References:
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* [1 Chronicles 11:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/1ch/11/01)
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* [1 Timothy 3:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/1ti/03/01)
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* [1 Timothy 4:14](rc://en/tn/help/1ti/04/14)
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* [Acts 5:19-21](rc://en/tn/help/act/05/19)
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* [Acts 14:23](rc://en/tn/help/act/14/23)
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* [Mark 11:28](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/11/28)
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* [Matthew 21:23-24](rc://en/tn/help/mat/21/23)
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## Word Data:
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* Strong’s: H1419, H2205, H7868, G1087, G3187, G4244, G4245, G4850
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