Considering Additional Elders

As we discuss adding paid and unpaid elders in the church, Calvin’s commentary on Acts 15:32 give us some direction and a warning.

Acts 15:32, “And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.” Now, Calvin is right to understand this prophetic role as “edifying the Church by doctrine, exhortation, and consolation” not by predicting future events. Calvin’s wisdom, therefore, applies directly to elders and their primary function of building up the church by teaching sound doctrine and correcting error (Titus 1:9).

We must note that Luke saith that they exhorted the Church, because they were prophets; for it is not a thing common to all men to enter such an excellent function. Therefore, we must beware, lest any man pass his bounds; as Paul teacheth, 1 Cor. vii. 20; and Ephesians iv. 1, that every one keep himself within the measure of grace received. Wherefore, it is not in vain that Luke saith that the office of teaching is peculiar; lest any man, through ambition, being void of ability, or through rash zeal, or through any other foolish desire, coveting to put out his head, trouble the order of the Church. Calvin’s Commentary Volume 14 page 82

The direction Calvin encourages is to honor and pursue those prophets who enter such an excellent function of building up the church through doctrine, exhortation, and consolation. We need more faithful elders. The warning Calvin gives concerns unfit men who will trouble the church. In Calvin’s list, only one characteristic deals with ability. If a man is void of the ability to teach then he will trouble the church in the office of elder. He who lacks the ability to teach is necessary to the growth of the church (see Ephesians 4:16) but is harmful if placed in the wrong position. Calvin’s list deals mainly with issues of the heart. Ambition, zeal, foolish desire, and coveting all speak of the wrong motive often found in men able to teach but unfit for the office of elder.

May God give us wisdom, humility, and direction as we seek the Lord’s will for his church.