Note that the terms “elder” (presbyter) and “overseer” (episcopos) are used interchangeably. In time the term episcopos would become the Greek word for “bishop,” and presbyter would become “priest,” but at this stage the two terms were used without distinction for members of a council of elders. The invocation of the Holy Spirit implies not only that there was a process of selection but also a ritual for setting the elders apart for their distinctive service.
