BISHOP

An overseer, one who has the charge and direction of any thing. The most common acceptation of the word in the New Testament, is that which occurs Ac 20:28 Php 1:1, where it signifies Christ "the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls," 1Pe 2:25. Paul describes the qualities requisite in bishops, 1Ti 3:2 Tit 1:7, etc.; Christ himself is their great exemplar.

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bishop. bishop, ouer-seer, or prelate

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Bishop. Bishop
An overseer. In apostolic times, it is quite manifest that there was no difference as to order between bishops and elders or presbyters (Acts 20:17-28; 1 Pet. 5:1, 2; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3). The term bishop is never once used to denote a different office from that of elder or presbyter. These different names are simply titles of the same office, “bishop” designating the function, namely, that of oversight, and “presbyter” the dignity appertaining to the office. Christ is figuratively called “the bishop [episcopos] of souls” (1 Pet. 2:25).

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BISHOP. → (An overseer, a supervisor) Php 1:1; Ac 20:28; 1Ti 3:2-7; Tit 1:5-11 → A TITLE OF JESUS 1Pe 2:25
* See ELDER

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The word originally signified an "overseer" or spiritual superintendent. The titles bishop and elder, or presbyter, were essentially equivalent. Bishop is from the Greek, and denotes one who exercises the function of overseeing. Presbyter was derived from the office in the synagogue. Of the order in which the first elders or bishops were appointed, as of the occasion which led to the institution of the office, we have no record. The duties of the bishop-elders appear to have been as follows: General superintendence over the spiritual well-being of the flock. (1 Peter 5:2) The work of teaching, both publicly and privately. (1 Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 5:17) The work of visiting the sick, (James 5:14) Among other acts of charity, that of receiving strangers occupied a conspicuous place. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) Peter calls Christ "the shepherd and bishop of your souls." (1 Peter 2:25)

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bishop. Bishop, n. a spiritual head of a diocese, a liquor

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Bish″op (�), n. [[OE. bischop, biscop, bisceop, AS. bisceop, biscop, L. episcopus overseer, superintendent, bishop, fr. Gr. �, � over + � inspector, fr. root of �, �, to look to, perh. akin to L. specere to look at. See Spy, and cf. Episcopal.]] 1. 1. A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director.
Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Pet. ii. 25. It is a fact now generally recognized by theologians of all shades of opinion, that in the language of the New Testament the same officer in the church is called indifferently “bishop” ( � ) and “elder” or “presbyter.” J. B. Lightfoot. 2. 2. In the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Anglican or Protestant Episcopal churches, one ordained to the highest order of the ministry, superior to the priesthood, and generally claiming to be a successor of the Apostles. The bishop is usually the spiritual head or ruler of a diocese, bishopric, or see.
Bishop in partibus (R. C. Ch.), a bishop of a see which does not actually exist; one who has the office of bishop, without especial jurisdiction. Shipley. — Titular bishop (R. C. Ch.), a term officially substituted in 1882 for bishop in partibus. — Bench of Bishops. See under Bench. 3. 3. In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of the highest church officers or superintendents.
4. 4. A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a representation of a bishop's miter; — formerly called archer.
5. 5. A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons, and sugar. Swift.
6. 6. An old name for a woman's bustle.
If, by her bishop, or her “grace” alone, A genuine lady, or a church, is known. Saxe.