| The episcopal
form of government cannot be justified from the Scriptures. The word that is sometimes
translated as "bishop" is the Greek word "episkopos". It means
overseer, and refers to one who has oversight. Peter makes it clear in his letter that all
elders have oversight. He urges the elders to be "shepherds of the flock that is
under their care, serving as overseers" (I Peter 5:1,2). Thus the word episkopos is
simply another name for an elder (cf Titus 1:6,7). |