Verse By Verse Through First Timothy

Chapter Three

I Timothy 3:1 “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”

• The word “desire” [ὀρέγομαι] is defined as: “to stretch oneself, that is, reach out after (long for): - covet after, desire” (Strong’s # 3713). Also translated: “coveted after” (I Timothy 6:10) and “desire” (Hebrews 11:16).
• The word “bishop” [ἐπισκοπή] is defined as: “inspection (for relief); by implication superintendence; specifically the Christian “episcopate”: - the office of a “bishop”, bishoprick, visitation” (Strong’s # 1984). Also translated: “visitation” (Luke 19:44 and I Peter 2:12) and “bishoprick” (Acts 1:20).
• Based on Titus 1:5-9, we know “bishop” is another term for an elder.
• If the desire is right, the work of an elder is good (I Peter 5:1-2). The man is desiring the work of oversight (ἐπισκοπή), not merely a title. The question is about why a man desires this office.
• The desire to be an elder should not be for material gain (I Peter 5:2). Elders are going to be trusted with the Lord’s money (Acts 11:27-30). Elders can be supported financially (I Timothy 5:17-18). If you read the aforementioned reference, you see they can be supported because they are laboring. They are doing the WORK of an elder, not just holding office. Thus, they will be in charge of the very funds from which they are authorized to receive support. Hasn’t that been a problem in the past (John 12:1-6)? What often motivates false teachers (II Peter 2:1-3)?
• The very structure of the work creates an opportunity for corruption. In times past, those in authority became corrupt (I Samuel 8:1-3, Isaiah 1:23, Isaiah 56:10-12, and Micah 3:9-11).
• The man desiring to serve as an elder should not be looking to exercise dominion over the saints (I Peter 5:3). Does this man just want to have the preeminence (III John 1:9-11)?
• There is a great work and a heavy weight in this office (Hebrews 13:7; 13:17).
• The desire should be rooted in a willingness to serve God's people, protect the flock, and labor for the spiritual welfare of the saints (Acts 20:28-31 and I Peter 5:1-4).

• A bishop then “must be” blameless [unrebukeable] (Titus 1:6; cf. Luke 1:5-6, II Corinthians 7:2, Ephesians 1:3-4, I Timothy 6:14, and II Peter 3:10-14).
• A bishop then “must be” the husband of one wife (Titus 1:6; cf. Matthew 19:5-6).
• A bishop then “must be” vigilant [circumspect; sober; Titus 2:2] (Ephesians 5:15-17).
• A bishop then “must be” sober. Similar to the previous qualification of “vigilant,” this concerns being sound in mind (Titus 1:8; cf. Proverbs 4:23-27 and II Timothy 1:7). These qualities are especially important because elders make decisions affecting souls (Acts 20:28-31).
• A bishop then “must be” of good behavior [modest; cf. I Timothy 2:9]. This points to a life that is orderly, respectable, and well-regulated (Titus 2:7-8 and Hebrews 13:14-16). This points to the man being inwardly qualified rather than gaining the office through outward appearance (I Samuel 16:7; cf. Matthew 23:25-28).
• A bishop then “must be” given to hospitality (Titus 1:8; cf. Romans 12:10-13, Romans 16:23, Hebrews 13:1-3, Philemon 1:20-22, and I Peter 4:8-11).
• A bishop then “must be” apt to teach (Titus 1:9-14; cf. Acts 20:28, I Timothy 1:3-7, II Timothy 2:23-26, Hebrews 5:12-14, and Hebrews 13:7).