Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People. Elders in the Book of Numbers serve by listening to God’s word, communicating His commandments to the community, and working together to address challenges. They seek God in prayer, help maintain unity after a leader departs, and ensure that the people continue to do so faithfully. Effective elders prioritize ministry, uphold the spiritual message, and lead the community with integrity, faithfulness, and a heart for service rather than personal authority.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Exodus 19:7-8, Joshua 7:6, Joshua 24:31, Matthew 21:23, Acts 14:23, Acts 15:2, 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Timothy 3:2, James 5:14-15, 1 Peter 5:1-2, Titus 1:5-6, 1 Corinthians 7:15,
1. The Elders’ Role in Communicating God’s Covenant
Exodus 19:7-8
7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Moses was about to give the Ten Commandments. He went up the mountain and spoke with the Lord. Then he came back down. After returning, Moses called for the elders. The elders had an important role. They could communicate what God told Moses to the people. This was vital. They went to the people and shared God’s words. The people agreed to obey.
Elders, then, express God’s covenant to the community. They take what God says and set it in front of everyone. The role of elders is clear. Their primary purpose is to convey to the people what God is saying. They are the link between God and the church.
2. Eldership and Collective Prayer in Times of Crisis
Joshua 7:6
6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Elders fall before God in prayer. They seek reasons and answers for problems in the congregation. This comes from Joshua chapter eight. In that story, Achan took a Babylonian garment, gold, and silver. He hid them in his tent. This was a cursed thing. No one else knew about it. Because of this hidden sin, thirty-six men died in the battle of Ai. Israel lost a battle they should have easily won. Joshua was confused and did not know why the defeat happened.
Whose problem was this? Was it only Joshua’s problem, or was it the whole nation’s? It was the entire nation’s problem, not just Joshua’s. To find the answer, Joshua and the elders fell before God. They stayed there until God spoke to them. They worked together in prayer to discover what was wrong.
This teaches that when a problem arises in the church, the eldership must seek God together. They must pray until God reveals the cause and the solution. Eldership is about working together, especially in times of trouble.
3. Elders and Generational Continuity
Joshua 24:31
31 And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
When a strong leader like Moses or Joshua passed away, Israel’s faithfulness to God depended on the elders who outlived them and remembered God’s works. As long as these elders remained, the people continued to serve the Lord faithfully. However, when those elders died and no new leaders carried on the message, Israel quickly fell into trouble, as seen in the period of the Judges.
This passage highlights a crucial lesson for church leaders. After a “set man” (founding or leading pastor) is gone, the health and future of the community rely on the elders who remain. If those elders have received and grasped the core message of the gospel and the kingdom, they can pass it on and ensure the ministry continues to thrive. However, if this message isn’t appropriately imparted, continuity is lost, and the church can quickly drift or decline.
The key point is that elders are essential for lasting ministry. Their role is not just to maintain order but to ensure that the spiritual message and mission are communicated and carried forward into the next generation. Proper communication and training of elders create stability and ongoing faithfulness, both in ancient Israel and in today’s church.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
4. Pitfalls: Elders in Error and the Dangers of Authority
Matthew 21:23
23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
When examining the New Testament, especially the Gospels, you find examples of elders who err. The lesson highlights that there are six traits of these “elders in error,” and most references in the Gospels portray elders who are out of order. The notes indicate that these points are self-explanatory, so the details are not elaborated on in the teaching; however, the importance of recognizing these traits is emphasized.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
5. The Distraction of Authority Versus True Ministry
One prominent trait discussed is that elders in error question authority. For example, in Matthew 21:23, Jesus is teaching in the temple when the chief priests and elders interrupt him. They challenge him by asking, “By what authority do you do these things? And who gave you this authority?” Their genuine concern was not about the well-being or proper ministry for the people. Instead, they were more focused on maintaining control over who had the right to teach or minister. In essence, they were saying, “We didn’t authorize you; who did?”
The key question raised is whether these elders were genuinely interested in the people receiving good teaching and ministry from Jesus himself, or if they were more concerned about retaining their own authority. The conclusion drawn is that elders in error focus on authority and control, rather than genuinely caring for the spiritual needs of the people. In contrast, the proper role of eldership, as seen throughout Scripture, is to minister to people, prioritizing their well-being over personal status or power.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
This observation serves as a warning: leadership should prioritize service and ministry over clinging to authority. When elders or leaders prioritize their own status over the well-being of the people, they err. Proper eldership is characterized by a heart to minister, not by a desire to control.
In this situation, Jesus—the very one the people and their leaders had been waiting for—was sitting among them. He was teaching, ministering, and healing those in need. Despite this, some of the elders walked in, not to support the ministry, but to question Jesus’ authority. Their concern was not about the good being done, but about who had authorized it.
A personal story is shared to illustrate this point. During a church service, the teacher noticed a man who seemed distant during the lesson about the kingdom of God and the church’s mission. Eventually, the man raised his hand and asked, “Who told you you could do all this stuff?” The tone was confrontational, and after that, the man never returned. This reflects a typical attitude: some people are more concerned with controlling who is allowed to minister than with whether people are being helped.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The core issue here is that these elders, much like the man in the story, were not interested in ministering to people. Instead, they were preoccupied with questions of authority and control. Their attitude revealed a rejection of genuine service and ministry, focusing instead on guarding their own power or position.
This highlights a key trait of “elders in error”: they are more concerned with maintaining authority than with the actual needs and well-being of the people. In contrast, good leadership is defined by a passion for serving and ministering to others—not by defending one’s own status or position.
6. Associating With Judas: Elders and Unfaithful Partnerships
Number four highlights another trait of “elders in error”: they associate with Judas. In the story of Jesus’ arrest, the elders came with the crowd that included Judas, the betrayer, and together they carried out their plan to seize Jesus. The elders had already agreed with Judas, demonstrating a willingness to partner with someone who was working against Jesus’ mission.
This brings up an essential point about discerning loyalty and motives. I, just like Jesus, knew who Judas was. Often, you can sense when someone isn’t truly supportive—it’s usually obvious, not mysterious. Such individuals don’t necessarily announce their intentions; instead, they quietly seek out leaders, trying to gain influence or sway decisions for their own purposes.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
According to the lesson, a “Judas” in any group will always seek out someone in authority to manipulate or win over. This person goes from leader to leader, hoping to find one willing to listen and make a secret deal. I have encountered these kinds of people—Judases—and hope not to deal with more. Yet, even Jesus had a Judas among his closest followers, so no leader should expect to be entirely free from such challenges.
The pattern is always the same: these individuals seek to reverse or misuse authority by leveraging leadership and forming unhealthy alliances. Therefore, a mark of elders in error is that they open themselves up to, and partner with, those bent on division or betrayal, rather than protecting the purpose and unity of the group.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
In this section, I begin to discuss New Testament elders with a focus on their positive qualities and roles. While many details are covered throughout the broader study, I would like to emphasize just a couple of key points here.
7. New Testament Elders: Ordination and Extending God’s Hand
Acts 14:23
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
First, elders are ordained and commended to the Lord. Looking at the Greek word for “ordained,” the idea is that of being a “hand-reacher”—in other words, someone who extends a hand, reaching out on behalf of another. When someone is ordained as an elder, it means they become an extension of the Lord. They are not just taking on a title or position; they are intended to be God’s hands, reaching out to minister to others.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The term “commended to the Lord” further suggests being placed at the side of the Lord, or sitting at his right hand. The concept is that elders are positioned alongside God, close to Him, to act as His representatives among the people. They operate as extensions of the Lord, serving and ministering in His name.
The primary principle I want to convey here is this: the primary purpose of being an elder is to extend the work and love of God to the people. Elders become the channels through which God’s ministry and care are delivered to the church. When we ordain elders, we are essentially designating them as the hands of the Lord within our community.
Acts 15:2
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
There is an essential principle that elders must be involved in major decisions affecting the church. I want to ensure that I present this in a balanced manner. Sometimes, elders don’t need to be involved in every single decision, but when it comes to significant issues—especially those that impact the entire congregation—the elders must be included.
8. Elders, Decision-Making, and Church Unity
A prime example of this is found in Acts chapter 15. At that time, there was a significant dispute about whether circumcision was required for believers in Jesus Christ. Paul and Barnabas, along with others, went to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders to resolve the issue. This shows how, when the church faced a turning point or a doctrinal question with far-reaching effects, elders played a vital role in discerning and determining the way forward.
If the decision in Acts 15 had gone differently, the practice of circumcision might have become necessary for all Christian believers even today. This highlights the great responsibility and influence elders hold when included in foundational decisions.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
So, my main point is this: while elders are not required to weigh in on every minor matter, their involvement is essential whenever the decision is major, especially when it directly concerns or changes the lives of the people. Proper, biblical eldership means participating together in these big, people-impacting choices, ensuring that the church moves forward with wisdom, unity, and accountability.
1 Timothy 5:17
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:17
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and doctrine.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
At first glance, some people have assumed this means that all elders are supposed to “rule”—in the sense of making decisions for the church. But a closer look at the Greek word shows that “rule” here actually means “to stand before.” It’s not about decision-making authority, but about those who stand before the congregation, particularly as teachers and preachers of the word. Not all elders have this role; some serve in different ways. Those who do stand before the people and labor in teaching and doctrine are to be given double honor, which means they’re highly valued and respected for their ministry.
If we dig into the root words, it becomes clear that the primary meaning is to stand in front of or before others. The emphasis is on respecting and honoring those who bear the responsibility of preaching and teaching. “Honor,” in this context, means to value, or even to pay a price—recognizing the importance and sacrifice of those ministering the word of God.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
This brings us to an important distinction in church leadership. Not all elders are required by Scripture to “rule” or “stand before” the congregation. Some serve quietly, behind the scenes, caring, shepherding, and supporting the body. This also helps clarify some confusion that comes from misreading other passages.
1 Timothy 3:2
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.
For example, in 1 Timothy 3:2, the qualifications about being “blameless, the husband of one wife, diligent, sober, and apt to teach” are specifically about the overseer or bishop—not every elder or deacon. The words “overseer” and “bishop” are distinct in the original language, and the text makes a clear separation between these roles and that of other elders.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
So, I do see a difference between elders and overseers. The overseer or bishop is set apart, with a unique responsibility: to oversee the work, making sure that everything in the church is carried out in good order, whether that involves one congregation or many. Meanwhile, the elders are primarily focused on reaching out to people within the body—serving, caring for, and nurturing them. Deacons, in turn, handle practical tasks and support roles—the physical ministry that keeps the church running.
When we talk about “the husband of one wife,” the principle applies similarly: an overseer in the church must meet this qualification, just as the husband is seen as the overseer in the home. Scripture often presents the family as a miniature church, so the standards for church and home run parallel.
The key idea is this: not all elders are called to stand before and teach, and not all are called to rule. Each has a role, and understanding these distinctions helps the church honor, appoint, and release leaders according to Biblical design.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The text makes it clear that not all elders are responsible for ruling or standing in front and teaching. In 1 Timothy 5:17, “let the elders that rule well” indicates that not all elders have this specific role—it’s not required of all. The phrase “apt to teach” is particularly associated with overseers or bishops, rather than every elder or deacon.
We’ve sometimes put this teaching expectation on people when it may not be necessary. The key point is that not every elder is called to make decisions or teach publicly; some serve faithfully in other roles behind the scenes. The idea is to recognize the different gifts and callings among elders, without imposing unnecessary requirements on everyone.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
James 5:14-15
14 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.
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
9. The Character and Functions of Elders
Elders are called to minister healing and the forgiveness of sins to the people. This goes back to the primary ministry of an elder, which has always been, and always should be, serving and caring for the people. When elders lose sight of this, that’s when things start to go wrong.
This passage makes it clear that it is the elders who are to be called in times of sickness. Their role is to pray over the individual, anoint them, and stand in faith.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The result, the Bible says, is that “the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” And if that person has committed sins, those sins will be forgiven through this ministry and prayer. All of this happens because the elders are doing what they are called to do—minister to the people.
So you see, the purpose of an elder is not just some official title or position. It’s about being there for the people—praying when there’s sickness, seeking God for their healing, and being a channel for forgiveness and restoration. That’s what true biblical eldership looks like, and that should always be our focus.
1 Peter 5:1-2
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.
2 Feed 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.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The instruction to elders is straightforward: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight not by constraint, but willingly.” The primary purpose of an elder is to care for the people—feeding, praying, healing, and ministering to their needs. This ministry isn’t about carrying a title or simply filling a role; it springs from who the person is at their core. You cannot force someone to honestly care for and help others. If it doesn’t come from the heart, no amount of organizational structure or assignment will make someone an authentic shepherd to the flock.
I’ve seen firsthand that simply appointing someone as an elder does not transform them into a minister or a trustworthy caregiver. Giving someone a title without the right heart or calling can have the opposite effect, exposing all sorts of flaws and frustrations. Ministry is not a performance or a checklist—it’s about genuinely loving and investing in the community, sometimes even at the cost of revealing your own weaknesses.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Biblically, as with Miriam and Aaron, who saw the flaws of Moses, leadership and genuine shepherding are rooted in who the person truly is, not just their outward role. Eldership is authentic service, not a label imposed from the outside. If you’re not already ministering to people out of who you are, the title of “elder” will not somehow make that happen. Instead, the correct order is: those who minister to people naturally are recognized as elders—not the other way around.
Elders need to be committed to worship and praise. I said this on Sunday morning, and I’ll say it again: if it’s true, if it’s valuable, if it’s something that matters, we should be doing it. And I mean real worship and praise. If it’s not important, then let’s stop pretending—it’s better to leave it alone and focus our energy on what truly is important.
Worship and praise is either a priority or it isn’t. Elders, just like everyone else, must lead in worship and praise if it really matters. If elders neglect these things, it sends the message that it’s not important for anyone. So let’s be honest with ourselves—if we’re not going to do it, we might as well not ask others to do it. But if we decide, as a body, that worship and praise matter, then let’s give ourselves to it wholeheartedly.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Throughout the book of Revelation, elders are pictured as people who fall on their faces in worship. There are multiple scriptures—Revelation 14 (verses 5-8), 7-11, 11-16, 14-3, and 19-4—that show elders engaging in deep worship and praise. If we don’t get this, then we need to make changes. We can’t just keep going through the motions on things that don’t matter. Instead, let’s focus on what the Word shows us is important, and commit ourselves to it.
We have to be willing to stretch beyond what’s comfortable. We have to keep moving forward with God, growing deeper, and truly ministering to Him. In Revelation 5, the elders are described as knowing both the Lamb and the Lion; they hold a harp in one hand (worship) and a bowl of the prayers of the saints in the other. Their lives are centered on worshiping God and ministering to others.
So, the bottom line is this: if worship and praise are important, let’s do them with everything we have. If it’s not important, let’s honestly admit it and move on to what really is. But I’m convinced worship is at the core—and we as elders should lead the way.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Elders need to be committed to worship and praise. I said this on Sunday morning, and I’ll repeat it: if it’s true, if it’s valuable, if it’s something that matters, we should be doing it. And I mean authentic worship and praise. If it’s not essential, then let’s stop pretending—it’s better to leave it alone and focus our energy on what truly is important.
Worship and praise are either a priority or not. Elders, just like everyone else, must lead in worship and praise if it matters. If elders neglect these things, it sends the message that they are not important to anyone. So let’s be honest with ourselves—if we’re not going to do it, we might as well not ask others to do it. But if we decide, as a body, that worship and praise matter, then let’s give ourselves to it wholeheartedly.
Throughout the book of Revelation, elders are pictured as people who fall on their faces in worship. There are multiple scriptures—Revelation 14 (verses 5-8), 7-11, 11-16, 14-3, and 19-4—that show elders engaging in deep worship and praise. If we don’t get this, then we need to make changes. We can’t just keep going through the motions on things that don’t matter. Instead, let’s focus on what the Word reveals as important and commit ourselves to it.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
We have to be willing to stretch beyond what’s comfortable. We must continue to move forward with God, growing deeper, and truly ministering to Him. In Revelation 5, the elders are described as knowing both the Lamb and the Lion; they hold a harp in one hand (for worship) and a bowl containing the prayers of the saints in the other. Their lives are centered on worshiping God and ministering to others.
So, the bottom line is this: if worship and praise are important, let’s do them with everything we have. If it’s not important, let’s be honest about it and move on to what truly matters. However, I’m convinced that worship is at the core—and we, as elders, should lead the way.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
10. Scriptural Qualifications and the True Meaning of ‘Husband of One Wife’
Titus 1:5-6
5 For 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.
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
When I talk about the qualifications for an elder, I want you to see the bigger picture beyond just a single verse. It’s important to remember that the requirements for an elder must be understood alongside the qualifications for a deacon. I believe the natural progression is that, before you can truly be an elder, you will have already served as a deacon, demonstrating faithfulness and character in that role. The traits and standards laid out for deacons are essentially foundational for elders, and you should have met those standards on your journey.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
If you’re considering the step into being an overseer—a role that carries greater responsibility—then it’s my conviction you should have already served faithfully as both a deacon and an elder. This is part of spiritual growth and maturity in the life of a believer, reflecting a healthy process of learning, serving, and assuming increasing responsibility within the church.
Although I may focus on a single key verse about elders, I believe all the biblical passages that describe the requirements of a deacon are still relevant and should be included in our understanding. The scriptural qualifications for leadership build upon each other. If we grasp this, we’ll see that an elder isn’t just someone who meets isolated standards, but someone who has consistently grown, served, and proven themselves dependable in every area of ministry leadership.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Many of us have come to realize that after coming to faith, traditions of men can sometimes shape our understanding of Scripture—sometimes in ways that aren’t even biblical. The teaching that an elder must be “the husband of one wife” has often been twisted by traditions of men and of elders to refer strictly to divorce, creating unnecessary barriers for people who have experienced divorce. I want us to examine the Scriptures honestly, not just accept traditions handed down to us. If you’re willing, I encourage you to seek what the Spirit truly says in these verses.
I have seen much hurt—so many believers who have gone through divorce feel like they’re under a cloud, always doubting whether God still loves them or can use them. This isn’t what God intended. Through our traditions, we have put a ceiling on such people, saying, in effect, “You can come this far, but no further.” That limitation does not match the heart of God.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
My Lord calls us to draw near, to come all the way into fellowship and ministry. He doesn’t impose arbitrary ceilings. The idea that someone can’t serve as an elder or serve in church just because they have been divorced is a tradition of men, not a command from God. If you read the passage carefully, you’ll see this restriction is not there—you have to “dig it up” from somewhere outside the text itself.
Now, let’s examine the actual qualifications. There are three: to be blameless, to be “the husband of one wife,” and to have children who believe.
Looking at “blameless,” the Greek word means “unaccused”—it’s about having a good reputation, rather than being under accusation. When we study how words are used in the original language, we see a deeper pattern. My intent here is to show you, with careful word study, that the Scripture’s requirement is about integrity and faithfulness—not about disqualifying someone for a past divorce.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
In summary, our traditions have added burdens and limitations that the Bible doesn’t command. The text calls for character and faithfulness, not a perfect marital record. The goal is to restore those who have been wounded by harmful interpretations and lift every ceiling that keeps God’s people from serving fully in His kingdom.
As we continue to examine the root word definitions, we find that it relates to debt. What blameless deals with is debt. The word is from a root word there, that word there, meaning to call in a debt, bring to account. Now, the NASB Bible translates this as ‘be above reproach, namely, if any man is above reproach.’ And so the word reproach there, if you look it up in an English dictionary, means to be criticized adversely, especially in a fault. Keep reading with me.
A deacon should regulate his house well. I think “regulate” is a better term than “rule.” Some people want to rule, but they do not wish to regulate. The home should not be in financial trouble. Financial trouble brings reproach on the home. It is the same for elders. If an elder has financial problems, it brings reproach on the church. This does not mean a person with financial issues can never serve. It means that, at that time, he should not serve as an elder. Once the financial problem is resolved, the person can serve again. The key is avoiding reproach on the church. Leadership requires good management, both at home and in the church.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The second qualification for an elder is about being blameless in the area of debt. I’m not talking about normal debt—things like a house, a car, or some credit card use. Those are not the issue here. What I’m referring to is excessive debt. This kind of debt brings reproach on a person’s reputation. It causes people to think poorly of you. It shows a lack of responsibility or good character.
This is what it means to be blameless. If your debt situation raises questions about your judgment or credibility, it disqualifies you from serving as an elder. The goal is to avoid anything that gives others a bad impression or damages your reputation within the community.
The phrase “husband of one wife” has been a controversial requirement for elders and deacons for a very long time. Whenever people discuss who can become an elder or a deacon, the question of divorce almost always comes up. However, I want to challenge the notion that this requirement is solely about divorce. The real question should be: Does this person have one wife now, not what happened in the past?
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The Greek word for “one” here is mia. This word appears many times in the New Testament. If we examine all 58 uses, we should be able to discern what the Holy Spirit wants us to understand. The word itself doesn’t point to divorce; it simply means “one” or “first.” It is not about whether someone has been divorced, but whether he is committed to one wife now.
A Strong’s Concordance is a valuable tool for understanding words in the Bible. It helps you look up every word from the original languages—Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic—used in the King James Version. It provides each word’s meaning, spelling, and all the places it appears. This helps you see exactly what a word means in context, rather than relying solely on tradition or assumptions.
In summary, the requirement that an elder or deacon be “the husband of one wife” is not meant to focus on someone’s past—such as divorce—but to ask if they are currently living faithfully with one wife. Studying the Greek and utilizing reliable tools, such as Strong’s Concordance, makes this clear and helps us avoid misunderstandings or legalism.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Most people are unfamiliar with how to utilize a Strong’s Concordance effectively. It is a valuable study tool, but it can be confusing. I do not want just to throw words and meanings around. My goal is for you to understand this as well as I do. If anyone questions what we’re doing, I want to be able to say, “Here is our position. Study it yourself. Try to disprove it.”
Now, let me show you how to use a Strong’s Concordance effectively. For example, on page 28, look at the right column. If you look up a word—let’s say, number 3391—this is what you will see. At the top, the Strong’s lists the number, then shows the Greek word itself. Next, it gives the English spelling, followed by the pronunciation. After that, it tells you about the history of the word and its tenses. Then, you will determine if it has a root word, and if it does, identify the corresponding root number. Sometimes it will just say “primary word,” meaning it has no earlier root. Finally, you get the primary definition.
After that, you can see how the word is translated in different places in the Bible. This is how to study with Strong’s Concordance properly. If you know how to use it, you can settle what a word means and have confidence when others ask about your beliefs.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
A common mistake is to treat all the words listed after the primary definition in Strong’s as definitions. They are not. Those extra words just show how the word is translated in the King James Bible. These translations are not in order of importance or frequency. They are usually listed alphabetically.
Let’s look at how a Strong’s Concordance entry works. First, you find the Strong’s number—here, it’s 3391. Many other Greek and Hebrew study books also utilize these numbers, making them standard in biblical studies.
Next, you see how the word is spelled in its original language. After that comes the English spelling and how to pronounce the word. Then you get information about the word’s “strength” and history. This is where you find out about the root word the entry comes from. The root is vital. It’s like the root system of a tree—knowing the root helps you understand the real meaning of the word.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
I think the root meaning is even more important than the exact form in a verse. Once you know the root, you can then examine the primary definition. In this case, “one” comes first, and “first” comes second. The order tells you what the primary and secondary senses of the word are. For “mia,” the primary definition is “one,” and the secondary meaning is “first.”
Tradition has taught us that “the husband of one wife” means “the husband of the first wife.” But this is not what the text says. The primary meaning of the word is “one,” not “first.” That’s important to understand what Paul was teaching. If Paul meant “the husband of the first wife” or someone who was never divorced, he would have used the Greek word for divorce. He would have made it clear and said, “A man never divorced.” But he did not do that. Instead, he used language that means a man should have only one wife.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Let’s look at the Greek word “mia.” This word is sometimes translated as “one,” sometimes as “first,” and occasionally in other ways. In the King James Bible, all the possible translations like “a,” “certain,” “one,” “first,” and so on, are listed in alphabetical order. But those are not definitions. They simply illustrate how the translators used the word in various contexts. The real definition is found at the top—“one” or “first.” “One” comes first and “first” comes second. The difference matters for how we interpret Paul’s intent.
When I study Greek words, I always go back to the root. It’s like looking for your roots in a family tree. The root gives the true sense of the word. For “mia,” the root is “heis,” which means simply “number one.” There is nothing in the root about “first” or “divorced.” It is just the numeral “one.”
If you look at all the ways this word “heis” is translated—“a,” “one,” “one another,” “only,” “some,” and so on—nowhere is it defined as “first” in the way traditions have taught. The original meaning does not imply that Paul wanted to disqualify someone who had been divorced. He simply wanted elders and deacons to be committed, one-woman men.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
In summary, the biblical instruction says “one wife,” not “first wife.” The focus is on faithfulness and commitment, not on divorce history. Understanding the Greek roots shows that tradition has often added meaning that is not found in the text itself.
Does the Greek word mean “some”? In the King James Version, the word heis (meaning “one”) is sometimes translated as “some.” For example, in Mark 4:8, it says the seed brought forth “some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundred.” But the Greek points to “one”—one thirty, one sixty, one a hundred. This difference changes how you understand the verse. If you read “some,” it sounds like it’s talking about a group of seeds. If you read “one,” the meaning is about each specific soil bringing forth a certain amount.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
What have I tried to show by bringing all this out? I have tried to establish that the root meaning of “husband of one wife” is simply “one.” The word does not mean “first” or “some.” It means one—and that’s what the Scripture is saying: husband of one wife. The meaning is straightforward.
Now, let’s examine the Greek word “mia.” In the New Testament, mia is used 64 times. The King James translates it as “one” in 56 of those times. Only eight times is it translated as “first.” These “first” references are phrases like “the first day of the week” or “first admonition.”
The reason is simple. “One day of the week” makes sense in Greek, but in English, we say “the first day of the week.” So the King James uses “first” to make it easier to understand. The translation is based on how we talk. The original Greek meaning is still “one.”
This all shows that when the Bible says things like “husband of one wife,” it means “one,” not “first” and not “some.” Even though our English translations sometimes adjust words for our language, the root meaning in the Greek is clear and direct.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
The scripture says, “husband of one wife.” The Bible could have said “first wife” if that was the intended meaning. But it didn’t. The translators sometimes use “first” to make English more straightforward; however, in this case, the Greek word means “one.” The text is not about divorce; it is about faithfulness to one woman.
Paul was saying he wants a “one-woman man.” In his time, polygamy was accepted. Some men had two, three, or even more wives. But you can’t be truly faithful to more than one wife. If I had three wives, I couldn’t give any one of them all my heart.
The same principle applies to ministry. If a person tries to serve two or three churches, he won’t be faithful to any one of them. You can’t minister to a group if your heart is divided. If you keep moving around or have too many commitments, you cannot have a profound impact on people’s lives.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
So, Paul’s meaning is straightforward. Be faithful to one wife. Be settled and planted where God wants you. Commit your heart to one place and one group of people. That is steadfast faithfulness and faithful ministry. We have made this into a significant issue, but the heart of the message remains simple: loyalty and devotion.
1 Corinthians 7:15
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
This verse talks about believers who are married and the situation when an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave. God does not want us fighting and accusing each other. He does not enjoy endless meetings or pointing fingers at people because of divorce or separation. God wants us to have peace. I can’t go around beating someone up or making them doubt their salvation just because they have been married before. That’s not what God desires. If the unbeliever leaves, let them leave—God wants peace, not bondage or shame.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Now, look at what Paul is saying. If he gives this clear freedom in 1 Corinthians 7:15, he wouldn’t then go to Titus 1:6 and put the very same people back into bondage, telling them they can’t ever serve in leadership again because of a divorce. That would be a contradiction. Paul set people free in one place; he would not bind them up again in another.
The real issue is the harmful traditions we have made. These are traditions of men—or traditions of elders—that put heavy burdens on people. This is like when the religious leaders in Jesus’ day accused his disciples of not following traditions that made the Word of God empty. Likewise, the church’s man-made rules have hurt many believers. These traditions have held people back, put a ceiling on their lives, and caused them to doubt God’s love and their own place in the church.
Paul says, if the unbeliever leaves, let them leave, and the believer is not under bondage. But what have we done? We’ve put them back in bondage with our traditions. That is not God’s heart. God desires restoration, peace, and genuine freedom for all His people.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
I have written all this so that if anyone has questions, there is a record. I want people to be able to read it and decide for themselves. The keyword here is the Greek word for “divorce,” which is translated as “put away” in the King James Bible. It is used sixty-three times in the New Testament. You can find it, for example, in Matthew 5:32.
If Paul wanted to say that divorced men could not be elders or deacons, he would have used this word. Paul knew this term well. He was direct and plain. But Paul doesn’t say, “If you have been divorced, you’re disqualified.” He says, “the husband of one wife.” The focus is not on whether someone has ever been divorced but on his current faithfulness—faithful to one woman.
Here’s what matters: faithfulness. A man can’t be faithful to more than one woman, just as it is impossible to be faithful to more than one church. Divided loyalty is the problem. That is what Paul is teaching about. Again, I repeat: the word for divorce is used many times in the Bible. Paul knew exactly what it meant. If he had wanted to say a divorced man can’t serve, he would have used the correct word. He didn’t.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Now, as a church, what have we done? Many in the church have treated people who have been divorced as second-class. I know men and women who love God deeply but feel like outsiders because of a divorce. That is wrong. We have put limits and ceilings on their service. We need to repent—not just in emotion, but in how we think and act. I’m not saying this just to stir feelings. I’m saying we need to change our minds and treat divorced people with the grace God shows all of us.
In the past, people have raised issues about elders who have been divorced, making it a controversy. I hadn’t written my views down then, but now I have. If anyone asks, I can give them this to read. Let the teaching stand on its own, and let’s move forward with grace and clear understanding.
For nearly thirty years, I have been walking with the Lord. Sometimes, people become confused and feel as though their past mistakes—or a divorce—have put them beyond forgiveness. But that is not what Scripture teaches. Either Jesus forgives all sins, or none of us has hope. If someone argues that a divorced believer can never be fully restored, they are saying the blood of Christ isn’t enough for that one thing. That is simply not true.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Many churches treat divorce, or some past failures as if they are unforgivable. But that is not biblical. The Bible does not set divorce up as a special category of sin that God cannot forgive. Divorce is only mentioned in the context of “the hardness of hearts,” as Jesus said. The law about divorce was given because people’s hearts were stubborn, not because God wanted it that way.
When Christians are married and truly live for God together, that is ideal. Even so, there can be failures and brokenness. We should always encourage people to work things out and find God’s will for their lives. However, we must not become legalistic or judgmental, creating human rules that exceed what Jesus said.
The main point here is about grace and restoration. Eldership is about ministering to people. It is not about disqualifying those whom God has already forgiven. We must have an eldership that welcomes, restores, and serves people, not one that puts up barriers or labels some mistakes as unforgivable. That is what the heart of faithful ministry looks like.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
When the elders in Matthew 21 questioned Jesus’ authority, they showed that they were not true spiritual leaders. If they had known God, they would have recognized Jesus and His authority. Only those who walk in a genuine relationship with God can truly acknowledge the authority that comes from Him. Pretenders cannot see absolute spiritual authority.
This leads to a bigger point. Nowhere in Scripture do I see God putting limits or ceilings on anyone. God wants us to grow and mature. He wants us to move past childish attitudes. He wants us to become mature in unity and love, ready for ministry.
Psalm 133 gives a picture of this. It talks about the blessing of unity among brothers. The oil is poured on Aaron’s head and runs down his beard and his robes. The beard in the image means he’s a mature man, not a child. Unity, blessing, and anointing come on a mature body. It is from this place of maturity and unity that God commands His blessing—even life forevermore.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
God’s purpose is not for us to spend our energy searching for faults or stirring up problems. Instead, He wants us to focus on ministering to people. The message in my heart is clear: go after the real enemy, not after each other. Stand together and defeat the things that truly oppose God’s people.
God desires elders—not just in one church, but everywhere—who love deeply and serve others with compassion. The goal is to have a body of believers who care for one another, bringing ministry, healing, and encouragement to God’s people. That’s what genuine, mature spiritual leadership looks like.
If someone is an elder, faithfully ministering to people and living as the husband of one wife, then I am satisfied they meet this essential qualification. Once that box is checked, I move on to other matters. I aim to settle this issue in our hearts and move forward. I know I spent time on background and word studies, but we must get this deeply rooted in us. We need this teaching to be established and not repeated again and again—we need it to be settled and done.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Now, let’s talk about elders and their families. If an elder is married, he and his wife work together as a team. They are joined together, and unity in marriage is expected. If an elder had more than one wife, he could not stay focused or faithful. Faithfulness to one wife is crucial—having more than one divides loyalty and weakens ministry.
It’s all about the home. To determine if someone is a good overseer, consider three key areas: finances, marriage, and children. Are his finances in order? Do he and his wife have a loving, healthy relationship? How are their children? Do they believe? Do they serve and function in the body of Christ? Effective leadership at home often indicates that an individual can lead well in the church.
If I can’t handle things at home—such as finances, marriage, and parenting—I won’t be able to shepherd God’s people. These things are linked; they can’t be separated. The home is the training ground for church leadership. The husband is the head of the home, and the wife is under his care; however, everyone is ultimately under Christ’s authority. Blessing comes from the whole home working in order.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Ultimately, I am convinced that this is what the Word of God teaches. We have carefully studied and divided the truth. If people have questions or doubts about how we appoint elders, I can point them to this teaching. Examine it. Challenge it. I am confident it stands on the foundation of Scripture, and I do not want to be in error. Let’s settle this together and lead with confidence.
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
Book Of Numbers Elders: How to Guide God’s People
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