[Greek] ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos), [Latin] episcopus, [German] bischof: overseer, bishop, guardian; Acts 20:28, Php.1:1, 1Tim.3:2, 1Pet.2:25
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used in both a religious and secular sense, means overseer, watcher, onlooker, protector, patron, god, officeholder, govt. employee.
- Religious: the gods often provided protection for individuals, peoples, classes, and cities.
- Secular: merchants, govt. officials, scouts, spies, and watchers
Homer’s Iliad 22.254: “Let us call the gods to witness, for they shall be the best witnesses and guardian of our covenant.”
Plato’s Laws 6.762: “If any one of the officers themselves commits any such act, it will be proper for all the Sixty to keep an eye on him.”
Plato’s Laws 9.872: “Justice, the avenger of kindred blood, acting as overseer, employs the law and has ordained that the doer of such a deed must of necessity suffer the same.”
Old Testament: This term refers to God and man (supervisor).
- God: Judge of the ungodly, The One who sees in the heart and soul
- Man: governors, officers, temple supervisors, priest, Levites, guardians of morals and souls