Paul's Address at Miletus
"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church... Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hasmade you overseers, to shepherd the church of God..." Acts 20:17, 28
Analysis: In a single speech, Paul addresses the same group of men with all three core concepts. They are identified as elders, their function is defined as being overseers, and their primary task is to shepherd the flock. This is the clearest biblical evidence that the terms are interchangeable.
Appointing Leaders in Crete
"...appoint elders in every town as I directed you... For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach..." Titus 1:5, 7
Analysis: Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders and then immediately gives the qualifications for an overseer. The logical connector "For" shows that the reason elders must meet these high standards is precisely because they function as overseers. The two terms refer to the same office.
Peter's Exhortation to Leaders
"So I exhort the elders among you... shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight..." 1 Peter 5:1-2
Analysis: Peter commands the elders to fulfill their duty to shepherd the flock by doing the work of exercising oversight. The shepherding is accomplished by overseeing. Again, all three concepts are woven together to describe the single, unified role of church leadership.
