In the Old Testament an elder was a senior or older member of the tribe or family (see Deuteronomy 5:23). A similar hierarchy obtained in many neighbouring peoples (see Numbers 22:7), and is still a feature of Middle Eastern society today.
There also appears to have been a 'standing committee' of seventy who were known as the 'elders of Israel', who represented Israel before Moses and conveyed his instructions to the nation. In New Testament times, the elders of Israel, together with the Scribes and Pharisees opposed and obstructed the teaching of Jesus: "But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed." (Matthew 27:20).

The elders at the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 16:4) would have been the older and more experienced converts. Titus was instructed by Paul to "ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5, KJV).

There was no practical difference in the early church between an elder (Greek - presbuteros) and a bishop (episkopos). They were both responsible for the oversight of the congregation.

Earth
Ecclesia
Egypt
Elder
Elect, Election
Elohim
Everlasting
Evidence
Evil
Evil Spirit
  1. Bodily illness or disability, or mental affliction
  2. Jealousy, anger, or violence
  3. Suspicion and hatred
Exile
Exodus