Elders as Intercessors in Prayer Ministry
Elders, in both Old and New Testament contexts, are figures of authority and respect within their communities, often taking on leadership roles [2, 6]. In the Old Testament, the term "elder" (Hebrew: zaqen) frequently denoted a person clothed with authority, such as the "elders of Israel" who held significant rank and attended Moses on important occasions [2, 6]. For instance, seventy elders were selected to bear the burden of the people alongside Moses [2]. The New Testament similarly recognizes elders as leaders within the church, with passages like 1 Peter 5:1 referring to "the elders which are among you" [3, 5, 9]. These elders are exhorted to lead effectively, particularly those who labor in preaching and teaching [4].
The role of intercession, or praying on behalf of others, is a significant aspect of Christian prayer ministry. The Bible provides numerous examples and commands for intercessory prayer, including Christ's own example in Luke 22:32 and John 17:9-24 [1]. Believers are commanded to offer intercessory prayers for kings, those in authority, ministers, the Church, and all people [1]. This practice extends to specific groups such as the sick, persecutors, and even enemies [1].
While the New Testament does not explicitly state that elders alone are intercessors, James 5:14 instructs, "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." This passage highlights a specific instance where elders are called upon to intercede for the sick, suggesting a particular responsibility in prayer ministry. The concept of intercession is also deeply rooted in the understanding of Christ's priestly office, where he continually intercedes for believers in heaven [7]. The Holy Spirit also intercedes for believers, working within their minds and hearts [8].
The historical understanding of elders' roles often includes their spiritual leadership and care for the congregation, which naturally encompasses prayer. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist commentator, notes Moses's prayer for a successor, demonstrating a leader's concern for the continuation of God's work through prayer [10]. This reflects a broader principle that those in leadership, like elders, are expected to pray for the well-being and spiritual flourishing of those they lead.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Elder — A name frequently used in the Old Testament as denoting a person clothed with authority, and entitled to respect and reverence (Gen. 50:7). It also denoted a political office (Num. 22:7). The "elders of Israel" held a rank among the people indicative of authority. Moses opened his commission to them (Ex. 3:16). They attended Moses on all important occasions. Seventy of them attended on him at the giving of the law (Ex. 24:1). Seventy also were selected from the whole number to bear with Moses the burden of the people (Num. 11:16, 17). The "elder" is the keyst”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Peter 5:1 — The 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:”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 5:17 (BSB) — Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:1 (KJV) — The 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:”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Elder — The term elder, or old man as the Hebrew literally imports, was one of extensive use, as an official title, among the Hebrews and the surrounding nations, because the heads of tribes and the leading people who had acquired influence were naturally the older people of the nation. It had reference to various offices. (Genesis 24:2; 50:7; 2 Samuel 12:17; Ezekiel 27:9) As betokening a political office, it applied not only to the Hebrews, but also to the Egyptians, (Genesis 50:7) the Moabites and the Midianites. (Numbers 22:7) The earliest notice of the elders acti”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Intercession of Christ — Christ's priestly office consists of these two parts, (1) the offering up of himself as a sacrifice, and (2) making continual intercession for us. When on earth he made intercession for his people (Luke 23:34; John 17:20; Heb. 5:7); but now he exercises this function of his priesthood in heaven, where he is said to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:12, 24). His advocacy with the Father for his people rests on the basis of his own all-perfect sacrifice. Thus he pleads for and obtains the fulfilment of all the promises of the everlas”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Intercession of the Spirit — (Rom. 8:26, 27; John 14:26). "Christ is a royal Priest (Zech. 6:13). From the same throne, as King, he dispenses his Spirit to all the objects of his care, while as Priest he intercedes for them. The Spirit acts for him, taking only of his things. They both act with one consent, Christ as principal, the Spirit as his agent. Christ intercedes for us, without us, as our advocate in heaven, according to the provisions of the everlasting covenant. The Holy Spirit works upon our minds and hearts, enlightening and quickening, and thus determini”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 5 (introduction): EXHORTATIONS TO ELDERS, JUNIORS, AND ALL IN GENERAL. PARTING PRAYER. CONCLUSION. (Pe1 5:1-14) elders--alike in office and age (Pe1 5:5). I . . . also an elder--To put one's self on a level with those whom we exhort, gives weight to one's exhortations (compare Jo2 1:1-2). Peter, in true humility for the Gospel's sake, does not put forward his apostleship here, wherein he presided over the elders. In the apostleship the apostles have no successors, for "the signs of an apostle" have not been transmitted. The presidents over the presbyters”
- Numbers (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Numbers 27:15: Here, I. Moses prays for a successor. When God had told him that he must die, though it appears elsewhere that he solicited for a reprieve for himself (Deu 3:24, Deu 3:25), yet, when this could not be obtained, he begged earnestly that the work of God might be carried on, though he might not have the honour of finishing it. Envious spirits do not love their successors, but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may flourish, and the interests of God's kingdom am”