Bishop

A bishop is an ordained member of the Christian clergy who, in certain Christian churches, holds a position of authority.

Bishops in the New Testament

The New Testament uses the word episkopos five times.

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• Acts of the Apostles 20:28
• Epistle to the Philippians 1:1
• First Epistle to Timothy 3:2
• Epistle to Titus 1:7
• First Epistle of Peter 2:25

Words related to episkopos are used in two other verses. Some English Bibles translate this word as bishop (KJV, RSV, NRSV, etc.), while others, attempting to distance themselves from certain types of church hierarchy, use a more neutral alternative, such as "overseers" (NIV, ESV, etc.).

Related Topics:
KJV - RSV - NRSV - Hierarchy - NIV - ESV

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The ministry of these New Testament episkopoi was not directly commissioned by Jesus, but appears to be a natural, practical development of the church during the first and second centuries AD. The portions of the New Testament that mention episkopoi do not appear to be ordering a new type of ministry, but giving instructions for an already existent position within the early church. In places (particularly in the verses from the Epistle to Titus) it appears that the position of episkopos is similar or the same as that of presbyter (πρεσβυτερος), or elder, and, later, priest. The Epistle to Timothy mentions deacons (διακονοι) in a manner that suggests that the office of deacon differs from the office of the bishop, and is subordinate to it, though it carries similar qualifications.

Related Topics:
New Testament - Jesus - Epistle to Titus - Presbyter - Elder - Priest - Deacon

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In the Acts of the Apostles, episkopoi are mentioned as being shepherds of the flock, imagery that is still in use today. The other passages from the New Testament describe them as stewards or administrators, and teachers. In 1 Timothy episkopoi are required to be 'the husband of but one wife'. It is unclear whether this forbids men who have married a second time in series, or polygamists. However, it is clear that the New Testament has no prohibition against bishops marrying and having children.

Related Topics:
Acts of the Apostles - New Testament - 1 Timothy - Polygamists

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It is interesting to note that in the second chapter of the 1 Peter, Jesus is described as 'the Shepherd and Episkopos of your souls' (τον ποιμενα και επισκοπον των ψυχων υμων).

Related Topics:
1 Peter - Jesus

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