FIRST TIMOTHY
Chapter Three
(vs 1) "Faithful...." -- Important, significant.
"Office" -- It is a position, but more than that it is a
"good work." No more important work than this, for they
"watch in behalf of your souls," -- Heb. 13:17.
"seeketh" -- strong desire, arising out of understanding the
work that is to be done. Not seeketh, as one seeking a
political office.
Acts 20:17-31 -- Paul's instructions. In this passage three
words are used with reference to the same work; these
words are interchangeable with reference to the same
work:
(1) PRESBUTEROS: (vs 17) "elder"; "presbyter." The
word suggests an older man, hence age and
experience
(2) EPISKOPOS: (vs 28) "bishop"; "overseer." The
word suggests supervision, direction, oversight,
hence refers to function.
(3) POIMAIN: (vs 28) "pastor"; "shepherd." The word
suggests nurture, feeding, teaching, thus refers
to tender care and compassion.
(vs 2) Paul now lists the qualifications for an elder, bishop,
pastor. There is no relative importance of the order in
which these are listed. All are important. There is
some overlapping in the list, yet each is important.
"without reproach" -- their character has no obvious flaw.
All (both members and non-members) see this person as
one with high morals and integrity.
"husband of ONE wife" -- Not two, not zero, but one. In every
passage concerning marriage in the New Testament we
find the union of one man and one woman. Never two men,
never two women; never one man and many wives, etc.
"temperate" -- Keeping the appetites and passions under
control. "Sober in all things"-- 2 Tim. 4:5.
"sober-minded" -- not carried away by "every wind of
doctrine." Self control. Careful, sober judgments in
all matters.
"orderly" -- In appearance, yes, but more than that. Of good
behavior, kind, considerate. A gentleman.
"given to hospitality" -- Kind, considerate of the needs of
others. Teaching by example.
"apt to teach" -- Not only willing, but able to teach. He is
to lead others in the right way. Thus, knowing the
truth and dispensing it in a kind and patient manner.
1 Tim. 5:17.
(vs 3) "no brawler" -- ("not quarrelsome over wine"-footnote) There
is perhaps, no more dangerous practice than the use of
strong drink. An elder must be a good example.
"no striker" -- Not one who is ready to fight, not one who is
quarrelsome.
"but, gentle" -- the opposite of "striker." Not bitter, but
kind and considerate.
"not contentious" -- Not one who loves a fight, a quarrel.
NOTE: This does not suggest compromise. The elder must
defend the truth, but even truth and right should
not be sought in a contentious spirit.
"no lover of money" -- Ever a danger. Not an elder because of
any material gain. Cf. 1 Pet. 5:2; 1 Tim. 5:17.
NOTE: One who is overly concerned with material
gains may be easily led into apostasy or idolatry
(vs 4) Knows how to raise and train children to observe the right
way. The same qualities of overseeing the home and the
church are needed. Do his wife and children respect him?
"children" -- It is my personal observation that a plurality
of children is needed to meet this condition.
(vs 5) Obvious conclusion. If a man has no control over his children
how can he oversee the church?
(vs 6) "not a novice" -- Not a new convert to the gospel. One who
has proven himself in serving the Lord.
"lest..." -- A novice would be prone to being filled with
pride -- "puffed up."
"condemnation of the devil" -- the condemnation reserved for
the devil.
(vs 7) "good testimony...without" -- Having the respect of those who
are not members of God's family.
"reproach and snare of the devil" -- One whose morals and
character are questioned could very easily fall to the
snare of satan.
(vs 8) "Deacons" -- "in like manner" to those who are elders. As the
elder is to meet certain qualifications, so is the
deacon. It also is an "office" ("position"). Servants,
helpers, yet more than this.
NOTE: Acts 6:1-6--Thought to be the first appointed to this
office.
"grave" -- serious minded;
"Not double-tongued" -- Truthful; Dependable speech.
"not given to much wine" -- The use of strong drink is
incompatible with the character of a Christian. Our
example should never encourage others to do that which
is contrary with the teachings of God's Word.
One might argue that "social drinking" is permitted
here, just not "much" wine. What if my "social
drinking" influenced someone else to start drinking or
to become an alcoholic, would that be using our
influence properly?
Timothy had to be encouraged by Paul to use a
little wine as medicine. 1 Tim. 5:23.
"Not greedy of filthy lucre" -- No lover of money. Has mind
on spiritual matters, rather than carnal.
(vs 9) "holding the mystery of faith" -- the gospel. Cf. Eph. 3:3ff.
A deacon must have a good knowledge of the scriptures.
"pure conscience" -- A conscience not defiled by sinful
practices. A good moral life.
(vs 10) "be proved" -- Same thought as "not a novice." One who by
conducting himself properly has proven his faithfulness
and ability to serve.
"serve" -- the work of a deacon.
"blameless" -- Having proven his ability and faith.
(vs 11) "Women" -- Most likely the wives of the deacons; although
these characteristic should be present in all of the
women.
"grave" -- serious, not frivolous.
"not slanderers" -- Do not circulate gossip, nor damaging
words about others.
"temperate" -- calm and composed in all things.
"faithful in all things" -- trustworthy.
(vs 12) "one wife" -- same language as that of the elder.
"ruling..." -- same as elders. Proven abilities to rule.
(vs 13) Proven service is recognized by all the members. They that
serve well serve as examples to all the flock. The
deacon is preparing himself to become an elder.
(vs 14) Paul anticipates visiting with Timothy. But, until he does
these things are to be done.
(vs 15) "men" -- ("thou" -- Timothy--K.J.) There is an absence of
the pronoun in the original; thus, either translation
is acceptable. The meaning is the same.
"house of God" -- the people of God. Obviously not the church
building.
"pillar" -- Foundation, support of the truth. Built upon the
rock of Christ Jesus. cf. 1 Cor. 3:11.
"ground" -- preserving, guarding the truth.
(vs 16) "without controversy" -- No argument here. These facts are
not debatable.
"mystery" -- (cf. vs 9). Eph. 3:3ff. That which was
previously unknown, but now is revealed.
"of godliness" -- being like God.
"manifested in the flesh" -- John 1:1, 14; Phil. 2:5-8. God
in the flesh. Seen by men.
"justified in the spirit" -- Deity. Cf. Rom. 1:4.
"seen of angels" -- Angels announced His coming; ministered
to His wants; announced His resurrection; Stood by as
He ascended on high.
"preached...." -- Proclaimed as the Son of God to ALL MEN.
Paul, himself, took the gospel to the Gentiles.
"believed...." -- all nations responded.
"received up..." -- Returned to the glory He had with the
Father before His sojourn on this earth.
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