Elders' Oversight of Preachers' Use of Extrabiblical Examples

The role of elders in overseeing preachers' use of extrabiblical examples is rooted in the biblical concept of eldership and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide their congregations. The term "elder" originates from the Hebrew and Greek words denoting age, experience, and authority ^{[1, 2]}.

In the New Testament, elders are entrusted with the care of the flock, and their duties include general superintendence over the spiritual well-being of the congregation ^[3]. one commentary tradition on 1 Peter 5 notes that elders are "alike in office and age" and are expected to exercise humility and a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ ^[7].

The use of extrabiblical examples in preaching is a matter of pastoral discretion, but it is subject to the oversight of elders. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the importance of elders being mindful of their responsibility to watch over the flock and to ensure that the preaching is faithful to Scripture ^[6].

In 1 Timothy 5:19, one commentary tradition notes that accusations against an elder should not be entertained without two or three witnesses, highlighting the importance of accountability and responsible oversight within the church leadership ^[9]. Similarly, the Baptist/Reformed commentary on 1 Peter 5 emphasizes the apostle's exhortation to elders to discharge their office and duty with humility and integrity ^[8].

The biblical basis for the use of examples in preaching is seen in passages such as 1 Peter 5:1-3, where Peter exhorts elders to be examples to the flock. The use of extrabiblical examples can be seen as an extension of this principle, where preachers draw on experiences and illustrations from outside the Bible to illustrate biblical truths ^{[4, 5]}.

However, the use of extrabiblical examples must be done judiciously and with sensitivity to the potential for misinterpretation or distraction from the biblical message. Elders have a responsibility to ensure that preachers are using such examples in a way that is faithful to Scripture and edifying to the congregation.

The Reformed and Presbyterian traditions place a strong emphasis on the importance of eldership and the responsibility of elders to oversee the preaching and teaching in their congregations. The Baptist/Reformed tradition also emphasizes the importance of accountability and responsible oversight within church leadership ^{[6, 7, 8]}.

In practice, elders may need to exercise discernment in evaluating the use of extrabiblical examples in preaching, considering factors such as the relevance and accuracy of the examples, their potential impact on the congregation, and their consistency with biblical teaching. By doing so, elders can help to ensure that preaching is faithful to Scripture and effective in communicating the gospel.

The biblical concept of eldership and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide their congregations provide a foundation for understanding the role of elders in overseeing preachers' use of extrabiblical examples. As the church continues to navigate the complexities of preaching and teaching in diverse cultural contexts, the importance of eldership and responsible oversight remains a vital aspect of its life and ministry ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

Sources

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: 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”
Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Bishop — The word originally signified an "overseer" or spiritual superintendent. The titles bishop and elder, or presbyter, were essentially equivalent. Bishop is from the Greek, and denotes one who exercises the function of overseeing. Presbyter was derived from the office in the synagogue. Of the order in which the first elders or bishops were appointed, as of the occasion which led to the institution of the office, we have no record. The duties of the bishop-elders appear to have been as follows: + General superintendence over the spiritual well-being of the flock”
I Peter “I Peter 5:1 (Rotherham) — Elders, therefore, among you, I exhort—[I] who am their co-elder and a witness of the sufferings of the Christ, who also, in the glory about to be revealed, have, a share;—”
1 Peter “1 Peter 5:1 (NASB) — Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, section 13.15: called Pastors. And next, the word Pastor means Elder not by age, but by of office: as, at all times, they who govern have been called Elders, even among heathen nations. Now the Holy Spirit has retained this metaphor, giving the name Elder to those who are chosen to proclaim the word of God. He likewise calls them Bishops, that is persons who watch over the flock to show that it is not a rank unaccompanied by active exertion, when a man is called to that office, and that he must not make an idol of it, but must know that he is”
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”
1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 5:1: The elders which are among you I exhort,.... The apostle returns to particular exhortations, after having finished his general ones, and which chiefly concern patient suffering for Christ; and having particularly exhorted subjects to behave aright to civil magistrates, servants to their masters, and husbands and wives mutually to each other, here proceeds to exhort "elders" to the discharge of their office and duty; by whom are meant, not the elder in age, or the more ancient brethren in the churches, though they are distinguished from the younger, in Pe1 5:5 but men ”
1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 5:19: Against an elder--a presbyter of the Church. receive not--"entertain not" [ALFORD]. but before two or three witnesses--A judicial conviction was not permitted in Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15, except on the testimony of at least two or three witnesses (compare Mat 18:16; Joh 8:17; Co2 13:1; Jo1 5:6-7). But Timothy's entertaining an accusation against anyone is a different case, where the object was not judicially to punish, but to admonish: here he might ordinarily entertain it without the need of two or three witnesses; but not in the case of an elder, s”

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