Overview
Qualifications for Overseers (Verses 1-7):
Paul starts by saying that aspiring to church leadership is a noble task. He then lists the qualifications, which are more about character—being above reproach, faithful in marriage, sober-minded, etc.—than skills. This section is a roadmap for those who lead or aspire to lead within the church.
Deacons and Their Roles (Verses 8-13):
After tackling the overseers, Paul turns his attention to deacons. Similar to overseers, the criteria focus on integrity, sobriety, and faithfulness. Deacons must hold to the faith and must be tested before serving, underscoring the importance of proven character.
Purpose and Summary (Verses 14-16):
Paul closes the chapter by stating his intention—providing guidance on how to conduct oneself in God’s household. The final verse is a doxology that centers on the mystery of godliness, serving as a reminder of why these standards are essential: because the church represents the living God.
This chapter serves as a key reference for anyone involved in ministry leadership. It highlights the gravity and sanctity of these roles within the church community.
Paul starts by saying that aspiring to church leadership is a noble task. He then lists the qualifications, which are more about character—being above reproach, faithful in marriage, sober-minded, etc.—than skills. This section is a roadmap for those who lead or aspire to lead within the church.
Deacons and Their Roles (Verses 8-13):
After tackling the overseers, Paul turns his attention to deacons. Similar to overseers, the criteria focus on integrity, sobriety, and faithfulness. Deacons must hold to the faith and must be tested before serving, underscoring the importance of proven character.
Purpose and Summary (Verses 14-16):
Paul closes the chapter by stating his intention—providing guidance on how to conduct oneself in God’s household. The final verse is a doxology that centers on the mystery of godliness, serving as a reminder of why these standards are essential: because the church represents the living God.
This chapter serves as a key reference for anyone involved in ministry leadership. It highlights the gravity and sanctity of these roles within the church community.
1 Timothy 3
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
End of 1 Timothy 3
1 Year Plan: Sept 28 - Isa 48, Isa 49, 1 Ti 3 [next day]
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
End of 1 Timothy 3
1 Year Plan: Sept 28 - Isa 48, Isa 49, 1 Ti 3 [next day]
Got a Question or Comment?
