Presbyter (/ˈprɛzbɪtər/) is an honorific title for Christian clergy. The word derives from the Greek presbyteros, which means elder or senior, although many in Christian antiquity understood presbyteros to refer to the bishop functioning as overseer.[1][2] The word presbyter is used many times in the New Testament, referring both to the Jewish leadership and the "tradition of the elders",[3] and to the leaders of the early Christian community.[4]
In modern Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican usage, presbyter is distinct from bishop, and in English it is synonymous with priest.[5] In other Protestant usage, for example, Methodism, presbyter does not refer to a member of a distinctive priesthood called priests but rather to a minister, pastor, or elder.
^Cottrell, Jack (2002). The Faith Once for All: Bible Doctrine for Today. Joplin, Missouri: College Press Pub. p. 419. ISBN 0899009050.
^Bromiley, Geoffrey W. (1979). The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 (Fully revised ed.). Grand Rapids, Michigan: W. B. Eerdmans. p. 516. ISBN 978-0802837813.
^Matthew 15:2: New King James Version
^Acts 15:6: NKJV – Now the apostles and elders came together ...
^"Where in the New Testament are "Priests" Mentioned?". Catholic Answers. Retrieved 2018-09-01.
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