# Overseer

An overseer is a person who is in command of other people. In the Old Testament, overseers made sure workers did their work well (see: Genesis 39:4; 2 Kings 25:19). In the New Testament, the word “overseer” is used to talk about leaders of the early Christian church (see: Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:7). Overseers were also called “elders.” They cared for the spiritual needs of the church. They made sure Christians were taught the right things about God. 

See: Elder; Deacon; Local Church; Spirit

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Paul wrote that an overseer is similar to a shepherd (see: Acts 20:28-29; see also 1 Peter 5:1-3). An overseer cares for Christians in the local church in the same way a shepherd cares for his sheep. He cares for them by giving them the things they need both physically and spiritually. He also protects them from those who teach them the wrong things about God. 

Jesus is also called an overseer (see: 1 Peter 2:25). He cares for those who believe in him.