Office

From Anstey’s Doctrinal Definitions:

This term has to do with church government—assembly administration (1 Tim. 3:1, 10, 13¹This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (1 Timothy 3:1)
¹⁰And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (1 Timothy 3:10)
¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:13)). It is something that is carried out purely on a local level. There is no such thing in Scripture as an office over a national or world-wide federation of assemblies.

The Bible teaches that there are two such administrative offices in church government:

• An overseer (Acts 14:23; 20:17-35²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)
¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. ¹⁸And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, ¹⁹Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: ²⁰And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, ²¹Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. ²²And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: ²³Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. ²⁴But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. ²⁵And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. ²⁶Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. ²⁷For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. ²⁸Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. ²⁹For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. ³¹Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. ³²And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. ³³I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. ³⁴Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. ³⁵I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:17‑35); 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 5:17-18¹This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) ⁶Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:1‑7)
¹⁷Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. ¹⁸For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5:17‑18); Titus 1:5-9⁵For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: ⁶If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. ⁷For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; ⁸But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; ⁹Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:5‑9); Heb. 13:7, 17, 24⁷Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)
¹⁷Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
²⁴Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. (Hebrews 13:24); 1 Peter 5:1-4¹The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: ²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; ³Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. ⁴And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:1‑4); Rev. 1:20²⁰The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20)).

• A deacon [minister] (Acts 6:3³Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (Acts 6:3); 1 Tim. 3:8-13⁸Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; ⁹Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. ¹²Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:8‑13)).

Overseers are those who “take the lead” in guiding the local assembly in its administrative affairs and are particularly occupied with the spiritual state of the flock (1 Thess. 5:12-13¹²And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; ¹³And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:12‑13); Heb. 13:7, 17, 24⁷Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)
¹⁷Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
²⁴Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. (Hebrews 13:24); 1 Cor. 16:15-18¹⁵I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) ¹⁶That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. ¹⁷I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. ¹⁸For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. (1 Corinthians 16:15‑18); 1 Tim. 5:17¹⁷Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. (1 Timothy 5:17) – J. N. Darby Trans.). The KJV refers to these men as “Them which have the rule over you,” but this expression could be misleading and might convey the mistaken idea that there is a special caste of men who are “over” the flock—i.e. the clergy. It should say, “Those who take the lead among you.” This shows that they are not to “lord” it over the flock (1 Peter 5:3³Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:3)). This work does not necessarily refer to leading in public teaching or preaching but to the administrative affairs of the assembly. To confuse these two things is to misunderstand the difference between gift and office, which are two distinct spheres in the house of God. Some of those who take the lead may not teach publicly at all, but it is very good and helpful when they can (1 Tim. 5:17¹⁷Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. (1 Timothy 5:17)). These men should know the principles of the Word of God and be able to lay them out so that the assembly might understand the course of action that God would have it to take in a particular matter (Titus 1:9⁹Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9)).

There are three words used in the epistles to describe these leaders in the local assembly:

• Firstly, “elders” (Presbuteroi). This refers to those advanced in age. It implies maturity and experience in spiritual matters (Acts 14:23; 15:6; 20:17²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)
⁶And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. (Acts 15:6)
¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17); Phil. 1:1¹Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (Philippians 1:1); 1 Tim. 5:17-19¹⁷Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. ¹⁸For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. ¹⁹Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (1 Timothy 5:17‑19); 1 Peter 5:1-4¹The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: ²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; ³Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. ⁴And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:1‑4)). However, not all aged men in the assembly necessarily function in the role of leaders (1 Tim. 5:1¹Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; (1 Timothy 5:1); Titus 2:1-2¹But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ²That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. (Titus 2:1‑2)).

• Secondly, “overseers” (Episkopoi). This refers to the work that they do—shepherding the flock (Acts 20:28²⁸Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28); 1 Peter 5:2²Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:2)), watching over souls (Acts 20:31³¹Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:31); Heb. 13:17¹⁷Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)), and giving admonition (1 Thess. 5:12¹²And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (1 Thessalonians 5:12)).

• Thirdly, they are called “leaders [guides]” (Hegoumenos). This refers to their spiritual capacity to lead and guide the saints (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24⁷Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)
¹⁷Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
²⁴Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. (Hebrews 13:24)).

These are not three different positions in the assembly, but rather, three aspects of one work that these men do. This can be seen in the way the Spirit of God uses these terms interchangeably. (Compare Acts 20:17¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17) with 20:28, and Titus 1:5⁵For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5) with 1:7.) In the book of Revelation those in this role are referred to as “stars” and also as “the angel of the [local] church” (Rev. 1-3). As “stars” they are to bear witness to the truth of God (the principles of His Word) as light bearers in the local assembly, providing light on various subjects that the assembly might be confronted with. This is illustrated in Acts 15. After hearing of the problem that was troubling the assembly, Peter and James gave spiritual light on the matter. James applied a principle from the Word of God and gave his judgment as to what he believed the Lord would have them to do (vss. 15-21). As “the angel of the church,” they act as messengers to carry out the mind of God in the assembly in the performance of the thing. This is also illustrated in verses 23-29.

There is no official appointment of elders/overseers/guides to this work today, as there was in the early Church (Acts 14:23²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23); Titus 1:5⁵For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5)), because there are no apostles (or delegates from apostles) on earth to ordain them. This does not mean that the work of oversight cannot go on today. The Spirit of God is still raising up men to do this work (Acts 20:28²⁸Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)). These men do not appoint themselves to this role, nor are they appointed by the assembly, as is the case so often in the Church today. These surely would be those whom an apostle would ordain if one were here today. The assembly will know them by their devoted care of the saints, their knowledge of Scriptural principles, and their sound judgment—and should recognize them as such, even though they have not been officially appointed.

In Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders, he gave a description of the character and work of an elder/overseer/guide, using himself as an example (Acts 20:17-35¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. ¹⁸And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, ¹⁹Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: ²⁰And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, ²¹Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. ²²And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: ²³Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. ²⁴But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. ²⁵And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. ²⁶Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. ²⁷For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. ²⁸Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. ²⁹For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. ³¹Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. ³²And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. ³³I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. ³⁴Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. ³⁵I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:17‑35)). He carefully outlined what they are to be:

• Consistent (vs. 18)

• Humble (vs. 19).

• Compassionate (vs. 19).

• Persevering (vs. 19).

• Faithful (vs. 20).

• Committed (vss. 21-24).

• Energetic (vss. 24-27).

Then he outlined what they are to do:

• Shepherd the flock (vs. 28).

• Watch against two ever-present dangers: of wolves entering in and men drawing disciples away after themselves (vss. 29-31).

• Use the resources God has given for that work: prayer and the Word of God (vs. 32).

• Be engaged in a ministry of giving in a practical sense (vss. 33-35).

The second administrative office in the local assembly is that of a "deacon." This pertains to the work of attending to the temporal affairs of the assembly—material things, financial things, etc. (Acts 6:3³Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (Acts 6:3); 1 Tim. 3:8-13⁸Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; ⁹Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. ¹²Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:8‑13)). The word, "deacon" means "servant" and can be translated "minister." As an example, when Barnabas and Paul went out on their first missionary journey, "they had also John to their minister" (Acts 13:5⁵And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. (Acts 13:5)). The word "minister" in this case can be translated "servant" or "attendant," and refers to the same type of work. Hence, John Mark helped Barnabas and Paul in temporal things on the mission field. In the case of the deacon in 1 Timothy 3, however, it is in connection with temporal things that pertain to the local assembly.

Acts 6:1-5¹And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ²Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ⁴But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. ⁵And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (Acts 6:1‑5) illustrates this. A practical need of administrating temporal things arose in the assembly at Jerusalem. The apostles in that assembly said, "It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables." The word "serve" here is the same root word as "deacon." Certain men, therefore, were appointed to take care of "the daily ministration" (or distribution of funds) and to "serve tables," so that the apostles would be free to carry on their work of ministering the Word.

The Church today, sad to say, has taken the term "minister" away from its Scriptural meaning and use and has attached it to the man-made position of a clergyman with official titles of "Minister" and "Pastor." The place and work of a minister has been converted into a prominent position of preaching and teaching in the Church—often with a staff of people attending upon the preacher. In Scripture, it is quite the opposite; a minister is a servant of those who would preach and teach! (Acts 13:5⁵And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. (Acts 13:5); Rom. 16:1¹I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: (Romans 16:1))

One notable difference in the qualifications of an overseer and a deacon is that there is no mention of the deacon being "apt to teach." It does say that he is to hold "the mystery of the faith," which indicates that he is to know the truth—as all the saints should—but there is no mention of him being able to teach or preach. Another notable difference between these two offices is that while overseers are not to be chosen by the assembly for their work, the assembly is to choose its deacons. Again, this is seen in Acts 6. The apostles instructed the assembly at Jerusalem to choose the men whom they felt were best suited for that work. There is wisdom in this: who better would know the character of these persons than those who walk in fellowship with them on a daily basis? It should also be noted that even after the assembly chose those men, it did not ordain them, because the assembly (whether then or now) has no power of ordination. The assembly brought those whom they chose to the apostles who then officially appointed them to that office. An example of this work can be seen in the "brother" who was well-reported for his trustworthiness being "chosen of the churches" to help in handling the collection and the bringing of it to the poor saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:18-19¹⁸And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; ¹⁹And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: (2 Corinthians 8:18‑19)).

If this temporal work is carried out faithfully, the deacon/minister will gain opportunities in other areas of service—particularly in the verbal testimony of the gospel (1 Tim. 3:13¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:13)). The well-ordered life and faithful work of a deacon/minister in the house of God becomes a testimony to all around that he is one who can be trusted. This is illustrated in the lives of Stephen and Philip in Acts 7-8. These men were deacons in the assembly at Jerusalem (Acts 6:5⁵And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (Acts 6:5)), and having done their work faithfully, they waxed bold in the faith and testified of the Lord before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7) and in the city of Samaria (Acts 8). Stephen had a gift in teaching, and Philip was a gifted evangelist (Acts 21:8⁸And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. (Acts 21:8)). But this does not mean that all deacons have such public gifts.