Jake
Puritan Board Senior
I noticed this section in the 1645 "Form of Presbyterial Church Government":
My question in particular is with the section which I have bolded. Is this arguing for a case in which there can be only one elder in a church? I have understood from Scripture that a church should always have a plurality of elders, which is also the case in the RP Constitution and also is the case in the OP as far as I know.
If this is the case, could someone point me to examples Scripturally? I cannot seem to find any examples of a church with but a single elder, and the Scripture proofs provided don't seem to help.
Of the Officers of a particular Congregation.
FOR officers in a single congregation, there ought to be one at the least, both to labour in the word and doctrine, and to rule.[35]
It is also requisite that there should be others to join in government.[36]
And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the relief of the poor. [37]
The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the congregation.
These officers are to meet together at convenient and set times, for the well ordering of the affairs of that congregation, each according to his office.
It is most expedient that, in these meetings, one whose office is to labour in the word and doctrine, do moderate in their proceedings. [38]
[35] Prov. 29:18. 1 Tim. 5:17. Heb. 13:7.
[36] 1 Cor. 12:28.
[37] Acts 6:2,3.
[38] 1 Tim. 5:17.
FOR officers in a single congregation, there ought to be one at the least, both to labour in the word and doctrine, and to rule.[35]
It is also requisite that there should be others to join in government.[36]
And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the relief of the poor. [37]
The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the congregation.
These officers are to meet together at convenient and set times, for the well ordering of the affairs of that congregation, each according to his office.
It is most expedient that, in these meetings, one whose office is to labour in the word and doctrine, do moderate in their proceedings. [38]
[35] Prov. 29:18. 1 Tim. 5:17. Heb. 13:7.
[36] 1 Cor. 12:28.
[37] Acts 6:2,3.
[38] 1 Tim. 5:17.
My question in particular is with the section which I have bolded. Is this arguing for a case in which there can be only one elder in a church? I have understood from Scripture that a church should always have a plurality of elders, which is also the case in the RP Constitution and also is the case in the OP as far as I know.
If this is the case, could someone point me to examples Scripturally? I cannot seem to find any examples of a church with but a single elder, and the Scripture proofs provided don't seem to help.
