I Timothy 3
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Commentaries
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This is a true saying - Πιστος ὁ λογος· This is a true doctrine. These words are joined to the last verse of the preceding chapter by several of the Greek fathers, and by them referred to the doctrine there stated. The office of a bishop - Επισκοπης· The episcopacy, overseership or superintendency. The word ορεγεται, which we translate desire, signifies earnest, eager, passionate desire; and επιθυμει, which we translate desire, also signifies earnestly to desire or covet. It is strange that the episcopacy, in those times, should have been an object of intense desire to any man; when it was a place of danger, awl exposure to severe labor, want, persecution, and death, without any secular emolument whatsoever. On this ground I am led to think that the Spirit of God designed these words more for the ages that were to come, than for those which were then; and in reference to after ages the whole of what follows is chiefly to be understood. A good work - A work it then was; heavy, incessant, and painful. There were no unpreaching prelates in those days, and should be none now. Episcopacy in the Church of God is of Divine appointment, and should be maintained and respected. Under God, there should be supreme governors in the Church as well as in the state. The state has its monarch, the Church has its bishop; one should govern according to the laws of the land, the other according to the word of God. What a constitutional king should be, the principles of the constitution declare; what a bishop should be, the following verses particularly show.
Open source ↗RULES AS TO BISHOPS (OVERSEERS) AND DEACONS. THE CHURCH, AND THE GOSPEL MYSTERY NOW REVEALED TO IT, ARE THE END OF ALL SUCH RULES. (1Ti. 3:1-16) Translate as Greek, "Faithful is the saying." A needful preface to what follows: for the office of a bishop or overseer in Paul's day, attended as it was with hardship and often persecution, would not seem to the world generally a desirable and "good work." desire--literally, "stretch one's self forward to grasp"; "aim at": a distinct Greek verb from that for "desireth." What one does voluntarily is more esteemed than what he does when asked (Co1 16:15). This is utterly distinct from ambitious desires after office in the Church. (Jam 3:1). bishop--overseer: as yet identical with "presbyter" (Act 20:17, Act 20:28; Tit 1:5-7). good work--literally, "honorable work." Not the honor associated with it, but the work, is the prominent thought (Act 15:38; Phi 2:30; compare Ti2 4:5). He who aims at the office must remember the high qualifications needed for the due discharge of its functions.
Open source ↗This is a true saying,.... Some think this clause belongs to the last verse of the preceding chapter; and then the sense is, this is a doctrine that is true, and to be believed, that there is salvation through the birth of a Son, or through the incarnate Son of God, for men and women that believe in him, and continue in the faith of him, and love to him, joined with works of righteousness and holiness. And so the same phrase seems to belong to what goes before in Ti1 4:8. Though it regards what follows in Ti1 1:15 and so it seems that it should be considered here; and is used to excite attention, and suggests that what was about to be said was of moment and importance, and what was without controversy, and unquestionably true. The apostle, having denied to women the work and office of teaching, proceeds to observe, that though this belonged to men, yet not to every man; and therefore he gives the qualifications of such; which might serve as a direction to churches, in the choice of them; as well as be a means of stirring up persons in such an office, to a proper regard to themselves and their work: if a man desire the office of a bishop; which is the same with that of a pastor or elder; and so here the Syriac version renders it, "if a man desires presbytery, or eldership"; and it lies in preaching the word, administering the ordinances of the Gospel, and taking care of the discipline of the church, and in the visiting, inspection, and oversight of it; as the word "episcopacy", here used, signifies; and this work and office may be lawfully and laudably desired, with a view to the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls. Nor should any undertake it, but such who find in themselves an hearty desire, and inclination to it, on such principles, and a real delight and ple…
Open source ↗The two epistles to Timothy, and that to Titus, contain a scripture-plan of church-government, or a direction to ministers. Timothy, we suppose, was an evangelist who was left at Ephesus, to take care of those whom the Holy Ghost had made bishops there, that is, the presbyters, as appears by Act 20:28, where the care of the church was committed to the presbyters, and they were called bishops. It seems they were very loth to part with Paul, especially because he told them they should see his face no more (Act 20:38); for their church was but newly planted, they were afraid of undertaking the care of it, and therefore Paul left Timothy with them to set them in order. And here we have the character of a gospel minister, whose office it is, as a bishop, to preside in a particular congregation of Christians: If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work, Ti1 3:1. Observe, I. The ministry is a work. However the office of a bishop may be now thought a good preferment, then it was thought a good work. 1. The office of a scripture-bishop is an office of divine appointment, and not of human invention. The ministry is not a creature of the state, and it is a pity that the minister should be at any time the tool of the state. The office of the ministry was in the church before the magistrate countenanced Christianity, for this office is one of the great gifts Christ has bestowed on the church, Eph 4:8-11. 2. This office of a Christian bishop is a work, which requires diligence and application: the apostle represents it under the notion and character of a work; not of great honour and advantage, for ministers should always look more to their work than to the honour and advantage of their office. 3. It is a good work, a work of the greatest importance, and designed…
Open source ↗3:1-13 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. 3:1 trustworthy saying: See study note on 1:15. • a church leader: The translation assumes that “overseer” and “church leader” (see study note on 5:17-18) are the same office (see Titus 1:5-7). In the Greco-Roman world, an overseer was a religious, civic, or military supervisor.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ὀρέγομαι (orégomai, G3713) — to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for) ἐπισκοπή (episkopḗ, G1984) — inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian… ἐπιθυμέω (epithyméō, G1937) — to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise) καλός (kalós, G2570) ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Open source ↗ἐπίσκοπος (epískopos, G1985) — a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist ἀνεπίληπτος (anepílēptos, G423) — not arrested, i.e. (by implication) inculpable ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) μία (mía, G3391) — one or first γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife νηφάλεος (nēpháleos, G3524) — sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect σώφρων (sṓphrōn, G4998) — safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion) κόσμιος (kósmios, G2887) — orderly, i.e. decorous φιλόξενος (philóxenos, G5382) — fond of guests, i.e. hospitable διδακτικός (didaktikós, G1317) — instructive ("didactic")
Open source ↗μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… πάροινος (pároinos, G3943) — staying near wine, i.e. tippling (a toper) πλήκτης (plḗktēs, G4131) — a smiter, i.e. pugnacious (quarrelsome) αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdḗs, G146) — sordid ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐπιεικής (epieikḗs, G1933) — appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild ἄμαχος (ámachos, G269) — peaceable ἀφιλάργυρος (aphilárgyros, G866) — unavaricious
Open source ↗προΐστημι (proḯstēmi, G4291) — to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise καλῶς (kalōs, G2573) — well (usually morally) ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate οἶκος (oîkos, G3624) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑποταγή (hypotagḗ, G5292) — subordination μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole σεμνότης (semnótēs, G4587) — venerableness, i.e. probity
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not προΐστημι (proḯstēmi, G4291) — to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate οἶκος (oîkos, G3624) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family… πῶς (pōs, G4459) — an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect,… ἐπιμελέομαι (epimeléomai, G1959) — to care for (physically or otherwise) ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía, G1577) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… νεόφυτος (neóphytos, G3504) — newly planted, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert ("neophyte") ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not τυφόω (typhóō, G5187) — to envelop with smoke, i.e. (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit ἐμπίπτω (empíptō, G1706) — to fall on, i.e. (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… κρίμα (kríma, G2917) — a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime")) διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… καλός (kalós, G2570) μαρτυρία (martyría, G3141) — evidence given (judicially or genitive case) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἔξωθεν (éxōthen, G1855) — external(-ly) ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not ἐμπίπτω (empíptō, G1706) — to fall on, i.e. (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὀνειδισμός (oneidismós, G3680) — contumely παγίς (pagís, G3803) — a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation)
Open source ↗ὡσαύτως (hōsaútōs, G5615) — as thus, i.e. in the same way διάκονος (diákonos, G1249) — an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties);… σεμνός (semnós, G4586) — venerable, i.e. honorable μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… δίλογος (dílogos, G1351) — equivocal, i.e. telling a different story προσέχω (proséchō, G4337) — (figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… οἶνος (oînos, G3631) — "wine" (literally or figuratively) αἰσχροκερδής (aischrokerdḗs, G146) — sordid
Open source ↗ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… μυστήριον (mystḗrion, G3466) — a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. καθαρός (katharós, G2513) — clean (literally or figuratively) συνείδησις (syneídēsis, G4893) — co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. δοκιμάζω (dokimázō, G1381) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πρῶτον (prōton, G4412) — firstly (in time, place, order, or importance) εἶτα (eîta, G1534) — a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover διακονέω (diakonéō, G1247) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively)… ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ἀνέγκλητος (anénklētos, G410) — unaccused, i.e. (by implication) irreproachable
Open source ↗ὡσαύτως (hōsaútōs, G5615) — as thus, i.e. in the same way γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife σεμνός (semnós, G4586) — venerable, i.e. honorable μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) νηφάλεος (nēpháleos, G3524) — sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole
Open source ↗ἔστω (éstō, G2077) — be thou; also , third person of the same; let them be διάκονος (diákonos, G1249) — an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties);… ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) μία (mía, G3391) — one or first γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife προΐστημι (proḯstēmi, G4291) — to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate οἶκος (oîkos, G3624) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family… καλῶς (kalōs, G2573) — well (usually morally)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… διακονέω (diakonéō, G1247) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively)… καλῶς (kalōs, G2573) — well (usually morally) περιποιέομαι (peripoiéomai, G4046) — to make around oneself, i.e. acquire (buy) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… καλός (kalós, G2570) βαθμός (bathmós, G898) — a step, i.e. (figuratively) grade (of dignity) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… παῤῥησία (parrhēsía, G3954) — all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee ἐλπίζω (elpízō, G1679) — to expect or confide ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee τάχιον (táchion, G5032) — more swiftly, i.e. (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;