«Recent scholarship has reevaluated the meaning of the terms 'overseer' and 'elder.' Merkle analyzes the contribution of recent scholarship, and thoroughly examines the biblical text to discern the meaning of these terms. He demonstrates persuasively that the view offered by J. B. Lightfoot remains the most convincing.» (Thomas R. Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky) «Benjamin L. Merkle sheds new light on a much-discussed issue.

This book is a useful and interesting read for all New Testament students.» (E. Earle Ellis, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas).