32 Bible Verses about elders, in the church

And when they came to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they told them all that God had done by them.

Which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

A dissension therefore arising, and Paul and Barnabas having no small dispute with them, it was resolved that Paul and Barnabas, and some others, should go up to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem about this question.

And as they passed through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees that had been made by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.

And the next day Paul went in with us to James: and all the elders were present.

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood.

But he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

to wit, if any one be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery, or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless as the steward of God, not self-willed, not passionate, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of sordid gain:

And when they had appointed them elders in every church, praying and fasting, they recommended them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order what remained, and ordain elders in every city as I directed thee:

to wit, if any one be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery, or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless as the steward of God, not self-willed, not passionate, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of sordid gain: but hospitable, benevolent, sober, just, holy, temperate;read more.
holding fast the faithful word, according as he hath been taught, that he may be able both to instruct in sound doctrine, and to convince gainsayers.

It is certain, if any one is desirous of the episcopal office, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of sordid gain, moderate, not quarrelsome,read more.
not covetous, governing his own family well, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if any one know not how to govern his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not one newly converted, least being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil. He ought also to have an honorable testimony from those that are without, least he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Let the elders, who preside well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those that labour in preaching and teaching.

(for if any one know not how to govern his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, sober, prudent, grave,

Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.read more.
Watch therefore, remembering that for the space of three years I ceased not by night and by day to warn every one with tears.

holding fast the faithful word, according as he hath been taught, that he may be able both to instruct in sound doctrine, and to convince gainsayers.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God that is among you, taking the episcopal charge of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with a ready mind: nor as lording it over the people, but being examples to the flock.read more.
And when the sovereign Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive an unfading crown of glory.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Let the elders, who preside well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those that labour in preaching and teaching. For the scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn:" and, "The workman is worthy of his hire." Receive not an accusation against an elder, unless from two or three witnesses.read more.
Those that offend reprove before all, that others also may fear.

Be ruled by those that are your guides, and submit to them: for they watch for your souls; (as those that must give an account) that they may do it with joy and not with uneasiness: for this were unprofitable for you.

And we entreat you, brethren, to respect those that labour among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and instruct you;

Remember your guides, who spake the word of God to you; whose faith imitate, considering the happy end of their conversation.

And around the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw twenty four elders sitting, clothed in white garments; and they had upon their heads crowns of gold.

having also a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and there were names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

And one of the elders said to me, Weep not;---Behold the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose its seven seals. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four animals, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb, as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.

And the four and twenty elders, who sat before God on their thrones, fell on their faces, and worshipped God,

and they sung as it were a new song before the throne; and before the four living ones, and the elders: and none could learn the song, but the hundred and forty four thousand, who are redeemed from the earth.

who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sitteth on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy art thou, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and by thy will they exist, and were created.

And when He had taken the book, the four animals, and the twenty four elders, fell down before the Lamb, having every one harps and golden vials full of perfumes, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open its seals; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.read more.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round the throne and the animals and the elders: and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And I heard every creature in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all that are in them, saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for ever and ever. And the four animals said, Amen: and the twenty four elders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth to endless ages.

And all the angels stood round the throne, and round the elders, and the four animate beings; and fell on their faces before the throne, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and strength be ascribed to our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders said unto me, Who are these that are clothed in white robes, and from whence did they come?

And the four and twenty elders, and the four animals fell down and worshipped God that sat upon the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.