Qualifications for Overseers
The topic shifts to church leadership by elders...
The topic shifts to church leadership by elders (3:1–7) and deacons (3:8–13). Timothy’s role in the appointments is less clear than that of Titus (see 5:17–22; Titus 1:5), possibly because the church in Ephesus was more mature and thus better able to manage the process (cp. Acts 6:2–6). The criteria listed here pertain to character rather than function and are partly a response to the local heretics. Reading this letter in the churches would make the criteria public and demonstrate the unfitness of the heretics for leadership.
1This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife,† temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
The church as a household (3:15) overlapped with...
- The church as a household (3:15) overlapped with the family household. An overseer’s capacity to manage in one sphere reflected his capability in the other (see also 3:12; 5:17; Rom 12:8; 1 Thes 5:12).
- The Greco-Roman household was united by familial bonds characterized by mutual responsibilities, roles, and stewardship. The household included the blood relatives living together along with other dependents, such as household servants.
4An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. 5For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. 7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons
The Greek word translated deacon (“servant, assistant, courier,...
The Greek word translated deacon (“servant, assistant, courier, agent”) and its cognates (“service, to serve”) are commonly used for service of any kind (e.g., 4:6; Matt 22:13; John 2:5; 12:26; Rom 13:4; 1 Cor 3:5). As designating an office in the church, it occurs only in 1 Tim 3:8–13; Phil 1:1; and (maybe) Rom 16:1. This passage concentrates on character rather than activities. See also study note on Acts 6:2–6.
8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. 9They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, the women† must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.
12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household. 13For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness
This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself...
This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself until Paul arrives (3:14–15; 4:13).
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things 15in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared† in the flesh,was vindicated by the Spirit,†was seen by angels,was proclaimed among the nations,was believed in throughout the world,was taken up in glory.