In the New Testament, various titles and names are used to describe the roles and functions of ministers within the early Christian church. These titles reflect the diverse responsibilities and spiritual gifts bestowed upon individuals called to serve the body of Christ. The following are some of the key titles and names used for ministers in the New Testament:

1. Apostles: The term "apostle" (Greek: ἀπόστολος, apostolos) refers to those who are "sent out" as messengers or envoys. The original apostles were the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ, including Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). Paul, though not one of the original twelve, is also recognized as an apostle due to his encounter with the risen Christ and his significant role in spreading the Gospel (Romans 1:1). Apostles were foundational to the establishment of the church, as noted in Ephesians 2:20: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone."

2. Prophets: Prophets in the New Testament context were individuals who received and communicated divine revelations. They played a crucial role in edifying, exhorting, and comforting the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophets are mentioned alongside apostles as part of the church's foundation (Ephesians 2:20).

3. Evangelists: Evangelists are those who proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. They are gifted in spreading the Gospel and often work in missionary contexts. Philip is an example of an evangelist in the New Testament (Acts 21:8). Ephesians 4:11 lists evangelists among the gifts Christ gave to the church for its growth and maturity.

4. Pastors: The term "pastor" (Greek: ποιμήν, poimēn) means "shepherd." Pastors are responsible for the spiritual care and guidance of the congregation, akin to a shepherd tending to a flock. They are called to teach, lead, and protect the church community. Ephesians 4:11 includes pastors in the list of ministry gifts.

5. Teachers: Teachers are those who have the gift of instructing others in the truths of the Christian faith. They play a vital role in the discipleship and spiritual growth of believers. James 3:1 highlights the responsibility and accountability of teachers: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

6. Elders: Elders (Greek: πρεσβύτεροι, presbyteroi) are leaders within the church who are tasked with oversight and governance. They are often associated with pastoral care and teaching. The qualifications for elders are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Elders are to be men of integrity, able to teach, and manage their households well.

7. Overseers/Bishops: The terms "overseer" (Greek: ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos) and "bishop" are used interchangeably in the New Testament. They refer to those who have a supervisory role within the church. The qualifications for overseers are similar to those for elders, emphasizing character and ability to teach (1 Timothy 3:1-7).

8. Deacons: Deacons (Greek: διάκονοι, diakonoi) are servants who assist in the practical and administrative needs of the church. The role of deacons is distinct from that of elders, focusing more on service than on teaching or governance. The qualifications for deacons are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

These titles and roles highlight the diversity of gifts and callings within the body of Christ, each contributing to the edification and growth of the church. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of character, spiritual maturity, and a heart for service in those who hold these positions.Colossians 1:24,25
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that we ... are commended by many
distinguished titles, as the ... of teaching, prescribed to all ministers by his ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which he ...
Hence his gospel is the gospel of peace, and his ministers ambassadors of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

Independence of Christianity
... conferential, and an infinite quantity of names, one does ... they have achieved the
highest titles that can ... think if there were different ministers, or different ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/independence of christianity.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... true piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles, as
when the temple is called God's ... has been committed to the ministers of the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Pastoral Epistles
... Epistles do not correspond with the titles used in ... the title "episkopos" only to
the highest ministers of the ... would have put twenty-three proper names into the ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xvii the pastoral epistles.htm

Articles of Religion.
... Of Homilies."The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have ... them
to be read in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and ... Of the Names of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm

Of the Origin of the Word "With," and what Force it Has. Also ...
... of which the Psalmist makes mention in certain titles of the ... any difference to the
connexion of the names whether he ... down in the church by the ministers of the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xxvii of the origin.htm

Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... Register and Chronicle,' is a list of eighty-seven names of Puritan ministers,
including many well ... subjects, and of a useful nature, for the titles of which ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm

Episcopalians.
... appointed, and the manner in which ministers are invested ... Vicars, Curates, Archdeacons,
and such like names, being not ... these are in truth but titles of office ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/episcopalians.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... I seldom see ministers strive so furiously, who shall go ... the appendage of the work
Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think of titles and reputation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

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