Ephesians 4:11-16

Acts 20:17-36

elders “bishops” “pastors”

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

pastors Acts 20:17-36- Paul called for the “elders” from Ephesus [v. 17]- Paul said that the Holy Spirit had made them “overseers” (bishops) of the flock of God [v. 28]- Paul said that God had given them a task: to “shepherd” (pastor) the church of God [v. 28]Paul is clearly speaking to the same men he called from Ephesus:elders, bishops, and pastors are the same according to the Bible

Each term describes a different aspect of their roles

Today’sFocus

“elders”: Spiritual Maturity“bishops”: Spiritual Oversight

We’veSeen

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

pastors “pastors” is from Greek “poimen”- primarily a secular word, denoting a sheep herder• Luke 2:8-20; John 10 - English word “pastor” only appears 1 time in NKJV all the other uses of “poimen” is “shepherd” or some aspect of the work of “shepherding”

• Jn 21:16 [“tend”]; cp. Lk 17:7; 1 Co 9:7; etc.

pastors

• from the O. T. -- “poimen” translates “raah”

- by extension describes work, relationship of elders

Jer 2:8 [“rulers”]; 3:15; 12:10; 23:1-4 – used of leaders

Gen 37:2; 46:34; 1 Sam 17:15 – used of actual shepherds

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

Psalm 23; 80:1-3; Isaiah 40:10-11 – used of the Lord No “office”, but many major leaders “pastors” 1st:Jacob Gn 29-31

Joseph Gn 37:2

Moses Ex 3:1

David 1 Sm 17:15

“pastors” is from Greek “poimen”- primarily a secular word, denoting a sheep herder

Involves diligence, devotion, compassion for flock

pastors

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

Jacob Gn 29-31

Joseph Gn 37:2

Moses Ex 3:1

David 1 Sm 17:15 Involves diligence, devotion,

compassion for flock

These men already possessed these qualities BEFORE

becoming “pastors” of men

pastors

• from the O. T. -- “poimen” translates “raah”

- by extension describes work, relationship of elders

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

Jesus commissioned Peter: Jn 21:15-17 [cp. Mt 9:35-36]

“pastors” is from Greek “poimen”- primarily a secular word, denoting a sheep herder

• from the N. T. -- “poimen” defined by use:

As “pastor”, provides “food” of truth for the flock;cp. 1 Pt 4:11; 2 Pt 1:12-15, 19-21; 1 Pt 5:1-4; Acts 1-11; etc.

As “pastor”, knows the sheep, is known by them, leads them and protects them [cp. Ac 20:28-32; 1 Sm 17:34-35]

pastors

• from the O. T. -- “poimen” translates “raah”

- by extension describes work, relationship of elders

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

Jesus commissioned Peter: Jn 21:15-17 [cp. Mt 9:35-36] Jesus described the work: Jn 10:1-13, 27

“pastors” is from Greek “poimen”- primarily a secular word, denoting a sheep herder

• from the N. T. -- “poimen” defined by use:

“The good shepherdgives his life for the sheep.”

O.T. literally, N.T. figuratively

pastors

• from the O. T. -- “poimen” translates “raah”

- by extension describes work, relationship of elders

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

Jesus commissioned Peter: Jn 21:15-17 [cp. Mt 9:35-36] Jesus described the work: Jn 10:1-13, 27

“pastors” is from Greek “poimen”- primarily a secular word, denoting a sheep herder

Apostles commended others to the work: Ac 20; 1 Pt 5

• from the N. T. -- “poimen” defined by use:

“Shepherd the flock…”; guide, feed, protect, comfort

- Vine’s N.T. Greek: “one who tends herds or flocks (not merely one who feeds them) ...this involves tender care and vigilant superintendence.”

A Biblical Pastor:compassionately cares for (serves) the sheep,

keeping watch when they are most vulnerable,maintaining them for their master’s purpose

Acts 20:27-36 elders “bishops”

“pastors”

- by extension describes work, relationship of elders

- primarily a secular word, denoting a sheep herder

“pastors” is from Greek “poimen”

pastors

- as “pastor”, must be one who is dedicated to the tender care of the flock - day or night - so they can safely return to their master

- as “bishop”, must be one who is a proven leader at home, one to oversee, organize and protect

- as “elder”, must be one who has disciplined and mature spiritual experience to draw from

What have we learned of the roles of these men?

elders “bishops” “pastors”

The “Chief Shepherd” is Jesus Himself

Matt 18:11-13He is seeking for

those sheep which are lost

John 10:15-18, 25-28

He is “the good shepherd”

who has given Himself

to save the sheep!

He calls to those who know His

voice…Would YOU become a lamb of His

today?