How you tell the difference between priests and bishops in the New Testament Greek?

Question

The word presbuterion in the Greek, commonly translated as priest, simply means "one who is older." The word espicopos from which bishop is derived is literally translated as "overseer."

These two words describe the same person - one describing his function, the other describing a property. They are used interchangably.

Answer 1

One who is older would have experience, but may not be able to hold a title position of overseer. The Bishop is a position of power, the priest is a position more of respect.

Answer 2

The Nation of Israel is the only one that have priest in the NT. The word bishop is by the church (the body of Christ) for the overseer. Other words used by the church are pastor, elder and decon. 1 Timothy 3: 1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Ephesians 4: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Titus 1: 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Answer 3

Bishops are those ordained in apostolic succession from the original apostles. As St. Ignatius says the Church gathers around the bishop. Priests are ordained by bishops and may do their duties under the authority of the bishop, such authority having been given by Christ. Christ is the high priest and when the bishop or priest provides the Sacraments they are acting not only under the authority of Christ but are acting "in persona Christi".

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 4

Usually bishops are more conservative than priests.

In Christianity (aka Protestantism), Bishops are democratic administrators, at least at times, vs in European Catholicism where Bishops tend to ruthlessly mimick the European Pope and are quick to badmouth and punish any priest who would ask why male priests cannot marry normal females, raise families, etc., like Dr. Billy Graham, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Robert Schuller, Dr. Oral Roberts, Dr. Jerry Falwell and so on.

Answer 5

No, that is a poor understanding. It is true that in some letters they are in fact used interchangeably, but in some they are clearly distinct. I would recommend reading the apostolic fathers so you can get clarity on the topic. Unfortunately the New Testament writers were unaware people would be reading them with exacting doctrinal precision 1900 years later. If they knew they were writing a text book or a dictionary, they would have been more careful and maybe added illustrations.

Answer 6

Bishop is " higher in rank"

Answer 7

How can you be so sure about that?