G1985 Overseer 4c5

ἐπίσκοπος episkopos (G1985) bishop, overseer

Philippians 1:1

¹ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Yeshua Messiah, to all the saints in Messiah Yeshua which are at Philippi, with the bishops (episkopos) and deacons.

Bishops comes from the Greek word ἐπίσκοπος episkopos (G1985).  It is in the Bible 5 times.  ἐπίσκοπος episkopos (G1985) is translated bishop 4 times and overseer 1 time.  It literally means to look or watch over.  It is the individual in the congregation that looks diligently or takes the oversight.  They are responsible for ensuring the congregation stays on course.  Peter states in 1 Peter 5:1-3.

¹ The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Messiah, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.  ² Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight, not by constraint, but willingly; not greedy for monetary gain (aischrokerdos), but of a ready mind.  ³ Neither as being lords over heritage, but being examples to the flock.

These are just some of the qualifications for an overseer.  Paul describes the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  Bishop is a term that came into existence long after the First Century.  The early disciples would not have used this term or any term that denoted a title.  Yeshua told us in Matthew 23:7-12.

⁷ And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.  ⁸ But you be not called Rabbi.  For one is your Master, Messiah; and all you are brethren.  ⁹ And call not yourselves father upon the earth.  For one is your Father, which is in heaven.  ¹⁰ Neither be called masters.  For one is your Master, Messiah.  ¹¹ But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.  ¹² And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Yeshua clearly speaks against titles being used in the faith.  This includes those who hold the offices in the Five Fold, Ephesians 4:11.

¹¹ And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

One may hold an office or a position; however they should be addressed by their first name rather than the title.  Therefore, ἐπίσκοπος episkopos (G1985) should be translated overseer and anyone that holds this position should be addressed by their first name.  As such, Philippians 1:1 should be translated:

¹ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Yeshua Messiah, to all the saints in Messiah Yeshua which are at Philippi, with the overseers (episkopos) and deacons.

This variant affects the following Scriptures, the former word is in parenthesis.

1 Timothy 3:2

² An overseer (bishop) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, skillful in teaching;

Titus 1:7

⁷ For an overseer (bishop) must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not eager for gain (aischrokerdes);

1 Peter 2:25

²⁵ For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer (Bishop) of your souls.

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