[MarkBsnr]

Not quite. The NT Greek used the term “episkopous” (or the appropriate form), which has the sense of an overseer and the modern English “bishop” is derived from that.

While the Greek “presbyterous” (or the appropriate form) is used to refer a broader group, “older man” or “elder”, particularly in a spiritual sense.

Ah, but is not the presbyter the priest? A third ordained place, between the ordained deacon and the ordained bishop - as is used in the Church and in many Protestant denominations?

In my haste, I may have included the reference in Titus in haste.

[count-your-change]

“Ah, but is not the presbyter the priest?”

No, not at all. Peter and Paul were certainly familiar with Jewish and pagan priesthoods but they don't use the term “hiereus” (priest) to describe leaders in the Christian church except in their future role as heavenly kings and priests under the high priest, Christ.

And Paul chastised those who wanted to take up the role before then.

The terms bishop (overseer), deacon (servant or minister), presbyter (elder or older man) were descriptive of the work done and level of responsibility not titles anymore than apostle was a title, Apostle.

In deed other groups have priests and attach titles to their position, but that hardly fits the sense of what Jesus said about each Christian being a servant, a “diakonos” at Matt. 23:8-12.