In the first century C.E., the apostle Paul told the elders who served in the congregation in Ephesus: “Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son. ”
Esimesel sajandil ütles apostel Paulus Efesose koguduse vanematele: „Pöörake tähelepanu iseendale ja kogu karjale, kelle keskele püha vaim on määranud teid ülevaatajateks, karjastena hoidma Jumala kogudust, kelle ta ostis omaenda Poja verega ”.