Bible Study 1 Timothy 3: 1-16

 

A Commentary of the Book of 1 Timothy

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 1 Timothy 3: 1-16

Text: 

Overseers and Deacons

3 It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of [a]overseer, he desires a good work. 2 [b]An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine [c]or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money; 4 leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not [d]double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [e]Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, leading their children and their own households well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a [f]high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon, 15 but [g]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how [h]one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 And by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was manifested in the flesh,
Was [i]vindicated [j]in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “ It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.”

The use of the expression “trustworthy” reflects the importance Paul attaches to the task of the overseer. An “overseer” was a bishop. He, not she, was responsible for the oversight of the church in general. 

Verse 2: “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”

This verse is setting forth the qualifications for overseer or elder. This expression “above reproach” does not mean “without sin,” which would disqualify everyone, but “above scandalous reproach.” Verses like this one have been used to prohibit polygamy, remarriage after a divorce, or marital infidelity. Given the widespread immorality in the first century, the last interpretation would seem to fit Paul’s focus the best. This is consistent with the view that life begins at the cross. When one is “born again” he or she becomes a new creature in Christ. This would not serve as a defense for past criminal actions committed by the new believer against others, but would serve as a fresh start from a spiritual perspective for offenses against God.

Verse 3: “not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money;”

    Paul provides both positive and negative qualifications. On the “do not” side, he is not to be an alcoholic, or one known to allow alcohol to affect his judgment and he is not to be eager to fight, not just physically but also verbally. On the positive side, he is to be considerate of others, one that seeks to be a peacemaker, and free from being greedy and stingy. He is to be willing to sacrifice for the Gospel message. I remember an older minister from Michigan. He would not pay for heat in his home so he could have more money to give to missions. It gets cold in Michigan, but he was committed to spreading the Gospel.

Verse 4: “leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity”

The elder’s homelife, like his personal life, must be above reproach. He must be one who “rules” (presides over, has authority over) “his own house” (everything connected with his home, not merely his wife and children) “well” (intrinsically good; excellently). The word “submission” is a military term and means that the elder’s children are walking in the faith as well under his authority. A man with an unsaved child has not ruled his house well. If you can’t take care of your own family, how could you be expected to rule God’s family? 

Verse 5: “(but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),”

This is the explanation for the verse above. It is the duty of the husband to lead his wife and children in the ways of God. If the man has done so with his family, we know that he can do the same in the church. However, the contrary is equally true. Failure to produce Godly fruit in the home would disqualify you from a position of authority in the church.

Verse 6: “and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil.”

For a new Christian to move too quickly into a position of authority could be an occasion for pride. The enemy loves to either guilt you or flatter you. The new convert could easily fall into either temptation. The “condemnation of the devil” is the trap of falling into spiritual error and becoming a false teacher. A more mature believer is better equipped for the role of an elder.

Verse 7: “And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

A spiritual leader in the church must have an outstanding reputation in the unbelieving community, even though people there may disagree with his stand for Biblical truths. People that don’t respect you will not want to hear what you have to say, especially on matters of religion. This does not mean that an elder is to be liked by everyone, but rather that the elder will give no cause for others to doubt his credibility or honesty. 

Verse 8: “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain,”

Deacons are officers in the church alongside overseers or elders. They have similar qualifications, but different roles in the church. Elders deal mostly with spiritual matters and deacons with physical matters, e.g. taking care of widows. 

Verse 9: “but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”

The word “mystery” describes a truth previously hidden, but now revealed, including Christ’s incarnation, Christ’s indwelling of believers by the Holy Spirit, the unification of Jews and Gentiles in the church (one new man), the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith, lawlessness, and the rapture of the church. These things while hidden have now been revealed so as to render all without excuse. 

Verse 10: “And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.”

This is probably not a specific testing period, but rather a careful examination of their conduct and their commitment to sound teaching over some period of time so that the church leaders would be able to evaluate their suitability for leadership. To be “beyond reproach” is the same Greek synonym used in verse 2 referencing elders. Deacons were held to high moral standards similar to the office of the elder.

Verse 11: “Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.”

Some translations use “wives” instead of “women,” but "women” is the better translation.This verse abruptly interrupts the verses on deacons. Its meaning is contested. The “women” are probably either the wives of the deacons or themselves deacons. Regardless of the intended audience, the point is that women are to live holy lives with dignity and avoid gossip. Both men and women that work in the church are to be faithful in every aspect of their lives.

Verse 12: “Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, leading their children and their own households well.”

I repeat the notes from verse 2: Verses like this one have been used to prohibit polygamy, remarriage after a divorce, or marital infidelity. Given the widespread immorality in the first century, the last interpretation would seem to fit Paul’s focus the best. This is consistent with the view that life begins at the cross. When one is “born again” he or she becomes a new creature in Christ. This would not serve as a defense for past criminal actions committed by the new believer against others, but would serve as a fresh start from a spiritual perspective for offenses against God.

 Just like the elders, Deacons have qualifications that must be met to serve in the church. If a man cannot rule his house, he is not qualified to lead in God’s house.

Verse 13: “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

“High standing” means that a deacon who serves well will become known as a man who is to be trusted. “Boldness” means confidence and courage in witnessing. The spiritual requirements should be met by both elders and deacons before they are allowed to represent the church of Christ. Paul was instructing his “son in the faith” on how the church was to be operated, specifically leadership qualifications.

Verse 14: “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon,”

The Greek grammar suggests Paul’s meaning is “These things I write, although I had hoped to come to you sooner.” He was delayed in Macedonia, so Paul sent Timothy this letter. It was important to Paul that Timothy have clear instructions in how to oversee the local church. I find no New Testament Scriptural support for denominations. The only assembly recognized in the New Testament is the local church.

Verse 15: “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

Verse 15 explains why he wrote this letter to Timothy, i.e. in case he is delayed. Paul’s intent is to emphasize, to counter the false teachers, that the truth of the gospel is found in and sustained by the body of Christ as manifested in  the local church.

Verse 16: “And by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was manifested in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.”

This verse contains part of an early church hymn, as its uniformity, rhythm, and parallelism indicate. Its 6 lines form a concise summary of the truth of the gospel. “Mystery” refers to something hidden in the Old Testament and now revealed in the New Testament. The hymn isd Christ-centered. It speaks of His birth, His message and His ascension. Too many “worship” songs today focus on anything but Christ. Let us commit to sing about and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.