What are the names of the elders in different contexts?

According to a 2015 study, the average political leader worldwide is over 60 years old, while the average voter is 44, pointing to the prevalence of elders in leadership. When asking, "What are the names of the elders?" the answer varies greatly depending on the context, which can range from religious and tribal leaders to modern-day international human rights advocates. This diversity highlights how the title of 'elder' signifies wisdom and authority in vastly different societal structures.

Quick Summary

The names of elders are dependent on the specific context, including religion, politics, or cultural traditions. For example, in biblical tradition, the identity of the 24 elders in Revelation is subject to interpretation, while contemporary groups like The Elders organization feature notable figures like Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson. Tribal councils, such as the Mohegan Council of Elders, also feature named members, all of whom wield authority and wisdom within their specific communities.

Key Points

• Biblical elders remain unnamed: The 24 elders in the Book of Revelation are not explicitly named, but are a subject of theological interpretation, often representing figures like the twelve apostles and twelve patriarchs.

• Modern global elders are public figures: An organization called The Elders, founded by Nelson Mandela, includes well-known international leaders like Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson, and Jimmy Carter.

• Tribal elders are named within their communities: Indigenous and tribal cultures, such as the Mohegan Nation, have specific named individuals on their councils who hold respected positions of authority.

• Political elders have historical precedent: While formal gerontocracies are now rare, historical political systems like ancient Sparta’s Gerousia were ruled by named elders.

• The 'Protocols' are a debunked forgery: The document The Protocols of the Elders of Zion is a fabricated, antisemitic text with no factual basis, and its supposed “elders” have no connection to reality.

• Elder roles vary by context: The responsibilities of an elder, from spiritual oversight in a church to addressing global issues with The Elders, are highly dependent on the specific organization or cultural group.

Elders in Christianity and the Bible

Within Christian and biblical texts, the term "elder" refers to positions of spiritual leadership, and the individuals holding these roles are typically not named in a comprehensive list, with a few notable exceptions. The identity of the 24 elders mentioned in the Book of Revelation is particularly a subject of theological debate.

The 24 Elders in Revelation

In the Book of Revelation (4:4), 24 elders are described as sitting on thrones around God's throne, dressed in white with crowns of gold. However, the Bible does not explicitly name these individuals. Several interpretations exist regarding their identity:

• Patriarchs Theory: Some suggest the elders are the 24 patriarchs from the Book of Genesis, such as Adam, Seth, and Noah, who represent the lineage leading to Christ.
• Twelve Tribes/Apostles Theory: A popular view is that the elders symbolize a combination of the twelve patriarchs of Israel (Old Testament) and the twelve apostles of Christ (New Testament), representing the entirety of God's redeemed people.
• Symbolic Representation: Other interpretations view the 24 elders as a symbolic representation of the triumphant and glorified Church throughout the ages, rather than specific named individuals.

Local Church Elders

In many modern Protestant denominations, such as Presbyterianism, elders are ordained church officers who assist ministers in the oversight and governance of the church. While these elders have specific names within their local congregations, there is no universal list of names. Qualifications for elders are outlined in passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, emphasizing godly character over fame.

What are the duties of Christian elders?

• Teach the Word: Elders are expected to be able to teach sound doctrine and refute false teachings.
• Lead by Example: They are called to lead with humility, not by lording their authority over others, and to be examples of Christian living.
• Pray for the Sick: As referenced in James 5:14, elders pray for those who are sick within the congregation.
• Provide Oversight: Elders, also called overseers, shepherd the flock by watching over the spiritual lives of the church members.
• Rule and Administer: Depending on the denomination, elders play a role in the administrative and governing affairs of the church.

The Elders Organization: Modern Global Figures

Unlike religious or historical groups, the international non-governmental organization known as The Elders features named, prominent public figures. This group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 with the goal of tackling global challenges like conflict resolution, human rights abuses, and climate change.

Some of the notable figures who have served as Elders include:

• Kofi Annan: Former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
• Mary Robinson: Former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• Gro Harlem Brundtland: Former Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the World Health Organization.
• Jimmy Carter: Former President of the United States.
• Graça Machel: Former Education Minister of Mozambique.
• Desmond Tutu: South African archbishop and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• Ban Ki-moon: Former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Tribal and Indigenous Elders

In many Indigenous and tribal societies around the world, elders are respected individuals who hold significant authority and responsibility in their communities due to their wisdom, knowledge, and experience. Their names are integral to their specific tribal history and governance, and their roles are deeply rooted in cultural tradition and lore.

Mohegan Council of Elders Example For example, the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut has a named Council of Elders. As of recent elections, this council included individuals like Beth Regan, Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, Susan Meehan, and Bruce Bozsum. Their names are publicly known within their community and are associated with specific responsibilities, such as advising on cultural matters, resolving disputes, and passing down traditional knowledge.

Comparison of Elder Contexts

Feature	Christian Elders	The Elders (Organization)	Tribal Elders
Naming Convention	Generally unnamed in Scripture; names are specific to local congregations and not universally cataloged.	Named, high-profile individuals selected from global leadership and advocacy circles.	Named individuals within a specific tribe or nation, with a known history and standing.
Source of Authority	Based on biblical qualifications (e.g., godly character, ability to teach) and appointment within a specific church tradition.	Based on recognized status as respected global figures, leveraging collective experience for peace and human rights.	Based on cultural and traditional recognition of wisdom, experience, and knowledge, often with a long history of community service.
Scope of Influence	Primarily within a local church or denominational structure.	Global, focused on addressing international crises and advocacy.	Specific to their tribe or community, with a focus on local governance, cultural preservation, and dispute resolution.
Accountability	Accountable to God and to the local congregation for their spiritual oversight.	Accountable to their mission, fellow Elders, and the global public for their advocacy and actions.	Accountable to their tribe or community, drawing on centuries of tradition and wisdom to guide their decisions.

Historical and Political Elders

In some societies, the term "elder" has been used in a political context, though it is less common today. The concept of rule by the elderly, or gerontocracy, has historical roots in ancient Greece, with the Spartan Gerousia serving as a prime example. Medieval England also used the term "alderman" (literally "elder man") for local political leaders. Today, while many politicians are significantly older than the average voter, formal gerontocracies are rare.

The Mythical "Protocols of the Elders of Zion"

It is important to mention the infamous historical forgery known as The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. This antisemitic text, first published in Russia in 1903, falsely claims to document a Jewish conspiracy for global domination. It has been widely debunked by investigators, who traced its origins to earlier literary works, and is recognized as a fabricated conspiracy theory rather than a genuine account of any group of named elders. This highlights how the concept of “elders” can be distorted for malicious purposes.

Conclusion

The names of the elders are not universal or singular; they depend on the specific context being referenced. In a religious sense, such as in the Bible, the identities of figures like the 24 elders in Revelation are subject to theological interpretation rather than definitive naming. In modern international relations, specific, named individuals like Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson are members of a human rights organization called The Elders. Culturally, named elders like those on the Mohegan Council represent the wisdom and history of their Indigenous communities. Meanwhile, historical and political elders have been named in past forms of governance, while the forged Protocols of the Elders of Zion serves as a cautionary tale of misrepresenting the concept of elders for malicious ends. Ultimately, the question “What are the names of the elders?” requires a clarification of which group is being discussed.

An authoritative outbound link on the topic:

For more information on the modern group of leaders, The Elders offers comprehensive profiles of its members and their work in human rights, justice, and peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the 24 elders in the Bible?

The Bible does not provide a definitive list of names for the 24 elders in the Book of Revelation. The most common interpretation is that they represent the entirety of God's redeemed people, often symbolizing the 12 patriarchs of Israel combined with the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.

Who are the members of the organization called The Elders?

The Elders is an international NGO composed of distinguished public figures. Past and present members have included Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson, Jimmy Carter, Gro Harlem Brundtland, and Desmond Tutu.

Do tribal elders have names?

Yes, tribal elders have names and are publicly known within their specific communities. For example, the Mohegan Council of Elders includes named individuals who serve as cultural advisors and leaders.

Is the term 'elder' always based on age?

While the term 'elder' implies experience, it is not always strictly based on chronological age. In many contexts, such as Christianity, the qualifications are more focused on character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity, though older members are often sought.

What is the difference between a church elder and a pastor?

The distinction varies by denomination, but in some traditions, 'elder,' 'overseer,' and 'pastor' are used interchangeably to refer to the same leadership office. In other cases, a pastor (or 'teaching elder') may be set apart for ministerial duties, while lay elders focus on ruling and administrative functions.

What is the origin of the 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion'?

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion is a fabricated antisemitic text first published in 1903 by the Russian secret police. It is a forgery and not a legitimate document from any real group of named elders.

What roles do elders play in different societies?

Roles differ widely. Christian elders provide spiritual oversight and teaching. Members of The Elders organization engage in global diplomacy and human rights advocacy. Tribal elders serve as custodians of knowledge and lore, advising on governance and resolving disputes.