The word comes from the Greek word Episkopos, which means an overseer, or a superintendent. The moral, spiritual, and leadership qualities required by the man chosen in New Testament times by the Holy Spirit to be an overseer of a congregation, or an 'elder', are set out both in Paul's first letter to Timothy, and also in his letter to Titus:

"The reason I [Paul] left you in Crete was that you might… appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless-not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (Titus 1:5-9).

It seems that there is no distinction in the Bible between an elder and a bishop. In this age we do not have direct Holy Spirit guidance in the choice of those who serve, but the Holy Spirit guides us now through the written word. This catalogue of qualities, duties and situations is given to us for our guidance in the selection of all who would serve the Lord now, whatever title we give to their service. All Christians need to develop these qualities for God's service.

(See also MINISTER).

Baal
Babylon
Baptism
  1. "Baptism for the dead"
  2. Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Barbarians
Beelzebub
Beginning
  1. The Creation of the World
  2. The New Creation in Christ
Begotten
Believe, Belief, Believer
Bible
Bishop
Blasphemy
Blessedness
Blessing
Blood
Body
  1. The physical body
  2. The spiritual body
  3. The body of Christ
  4. "The body of Moses"
  5. "Spiritual bodies"
Born
Bread
Breaking Bread
Brothers and Sisters
Burial