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).

• A bishop then “must be” not given to wine (Titus 1:7; cf. Leviticus 10:8-11, Isaiah 5:11, Isaiah 5:22, Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:19-20, Proverbs 23:29-35, Proverbs 31:4-5, Hosea 4:11, Micah 2:11, I Thessalonians 5:6-8, I Peter 1:13-16, I Peter 4:1-7, and I Peter 5:8-9).
• A bishop then “must be” no striker [bruiser, ready for a blow; Thayer] (Titus 1:7; cf. II Corinthians 10:1-5 and Hebrews 12:14).
• A bishop then “must be” not greedy of filthy lucre (Titus 1:7; cf. Deuteronomy 16:18-19, Isaiah 1:21-23, Micah 3:9-12, I Peter 5:1-3, and II Peter 2:1-3).
• A bishop then “must be” patient [appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild: — gentle, moderation, patient] (Galatians 5:22-23 and I Thessalonians 2:1-12).
• A bishop then “must be” not a brawler (Proverbs 17:14, Romans 14:19, I Corinthians 11:16-19, and I Peter 3:8-11).
• A bishop then “must be” not covetous (Luke 12:13-21 and Hebrews 13:5-6; cf. Deuteronomy 5:21).

• A “house” [household] speaks to more than just the man’s wife and children (Genesis 18:18-19, Acts 10:7, and Colossians 3:18-4:1).
• A bishop then “must be” one who ruleth well his own house (Acts 10:1-2, Acts 10:45-48, Acts 18:8, and Ephesians 5:22-6:9).
• A bishop then “must be” one that has his children in subjection with all gravity (Titus 1:6). Some notes on Titus 1:6: The word translated “faithful” in the KJV or “children that believe” (ASV 1901) means: “trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: — believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true” (Strong’s # 4103). A faithful father will teach his children to obey the Lord all of their lives (Deuteronomy 4:9-10, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Deuteronomy 6:20-24, Proverbs 22:6, Luke 2:41-52, and II Timothy 3:15). Thus, we are looking at a man who has shepherded his children in the ways of God (Proverbs 2:1-9).
• Do the children display reverence? Do they revere their father? Think about why this matters. Do they obey their father merely because he is harsh and demanding, or because he leads and shepherds them according to God's will (Ephesians 6:4)? How has their obedience come about (Colossians 3:20-21)?
• For the sake of clarity, I am not suggesting that physical discipline is not part of a father raising children correctly (Proverbs 23:13-14).

• Think back to the failure of Eli the priest under the Old Law (I Samuel 3:11-14).
• Remember, one of the words describing this man is “steward” (Titus 1:7), which means household manager. That description is significant (Luke 12:42-43 and I Corinthians 4:2).
• If an elder is to be trusted with caring for the Lord's family, its resources, and its other responsibilities… (I Timothy 5:8)?
• He is to “rule well” (I Timothy 5:17).
• Here is food for thought… The only other times you will find the Greek word for “take care” [ἐπιμελέομαι] in the New Testament is twice in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). vs. 34-35. See Strong’s # 1959

• A bishop then “must be” not a novice [“newly planted, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert - novice”] (Ecclesiastes 10:16, I Corinthians 14:20, and Hebrews 5:12-14).
• As a punishment to the children of Israel, God placed immature princes over them as their rulers (Isaiah 3:1-5).
• A novice is particularly susceptible to being lifted up with pride. We should all realize the danger of pride (Proverbs 16:5, Proverbs 16:18-19, Proverbs 18:12, Proverbs 28:25, Proverbs 29:23, and I Peter 5:5-6).
• Consider the severity of falling into the condemnation prepared for the devil (Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 20:10).

• There will be evil and good reports regarding faithful saints (II Corinthians 6:1-8). Faithful men do not necessarily want everyone to speak well of them (Luke 6:26).
• A bishop then "must be" of good report (Acts 6:1-3, Acts 10:22, Acts 16:1-3, Acts 22:12, and I Timothy 5:9-10).
• Them which are without is in reference to the people of the world (Mark 4:10-11, I Corinthians 5:9-13, and Colossians 4:5-6).
• Having a good report among those who are without helps prevent him from falling into reproach and the snare of the devil. Think of this in light of what Timothy will be told in the second letter we have from Paul to Timothy (II Timothy 2:24-26). This principle can also be illustrated by the warning concerning those who desire to be rich (I Timothy 6:6-10).

• The definition of the term translated “deacons” [διάκονος] is: “Probably from διάκω diakō (obsolete, to run on errands; compare G1377); an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): - deacon, minister, servant” (Strong’s # 1249). Because Strong's lists every possible use of the word together, the definition can be confusing if one does not distinguish between the lexical range of the word and the specific meaning intended by the context. The office described in this context cannot be referring to women generally because the office holder must have wives faithful in all things and he must be "the husband of one wife" (I Timothy 3:11-12). Nor could a deacon be a “pastor” (Ephesians 4:11) as that term means “a shepherd” (Strong’s # 4166). This would apply to those overseeing, which is the work of an elder (I Peter 5:1-4). The two are separate offices as this context proves out.
• Thayer’s definition of the term “deacons” [διάκονος] is: “1) one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister; 1a) the servant of a king; 1b) a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use; 1c) a waiter, one who serves food and drink” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon).
• If you do a word study on the term translated “deacons” [διάκονος] you will find the term is used broadly to describe those who serve in various capacities. In the broad meanings of the term you will find that it applies to those outside of the body of Christ, those within, government officials, males, and females. You will find that this term most often has nothing to do with the office of a deacon. It is used of unmarried men, Phebe, and the worldly government. The term is translated “minister(s)” and “servant(s)” (Matthew 20:26, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43, John 2:5, John 2:9, John 12:26, Romans 13:4, Romans 15:8, Romans 16:1, I Corinthians 3:5, II Corinthians 3:6, II Corinthians 6:4, II Corinthians 11:15, II Corinthians 11:23, Galatians 2:17, Ephesians 3:7, Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 1:7, Colossians 1:23, Colossians 1:25, Colossians 4:7, I Thessalonians 3:2, and I Timothy 4:6).
• Outside of this context you will find the term “deacons,” as it is translated from the same Greek word, just one other time. That other time is when we read that the congregation in Philippi had deacons (Philippians 1:1). Now, to the qualifications.
• “Likewise” means we are going to discuss things of a like manner as to the qualifications of an elder. Therefore, expect some repetition from what we read about the qualifications of elders.
• The deacon must be “grave” [honest; honorable] (Titus 2:2).
• The deacon must be “not doubletongued” [telling a different story] (Exodus 23:1, Psalms 12:1-2, and Ephesians 4:25).
• The deacon must be “not given to much wine” (cf. Titus 2:3). Remember what we looked at when discussing an elder being “not given to wine” (I Timothy 3:3 and Titus 1:7; cf. Leviticus 10:8-11, Isaiah 5:11, Isaiah 5:22, Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 20:19-20, Proverbs 23:29-35, Proverbs 31:4-5, Hosea 4:11, Micah 2:11, I Thessalonians 5:6-8, I Peter 1:13-16, I Peter 4:1-7, and I Peter 5:8-9).
• Sometimes people like to proclaim that “much wine” doesn’t mean a little is wrong. Some go as far as to say only much wine is sinful. That is like saying some naughtiness is okay because of the wording of James 1:21 [superfluity = abundance].
• The deacon must be “not greedy of filthy lucre” (cf. I Timothy 3:3). How about this, don’t be greedy at all (Proverbs 1:19, Proverbs 15:27, Isaiah 56:10-12, and I Timothy 6:6-10).
• The mystery of the faith (Romans 16:25-27 and Ephesians 3:1-11).
• With a pure conscience (I Timothy 1:5).
• Verse 9 demonstrates that Paul is discussing the office of a deacon rather than merely anyone serving in a general sense. The office of a deacon is not defined by the Greek word διάκονος alone, but by the context of I Timothy 3 and Philippians 1:1, where specific qualifications distinguish the office from the broader concept of service.

• A deacon is first to be proved [tested; examined; tried] (II Corinthians 8:16-24; note especially verse 22).
• Christians should be self-tested (II Corinthians 13:5 and Galatians 6:4).
• Having been proved and found blameless, he may then serve as a deacon (I Corinthians 4:1-2).
• Christians in general are to be blameless (Ephesians 1:3-4). This is one of the reasons Jesus died on the cross and was risen on the third day (Colossians 1:22-23).

• The qualifications for elders say nothing about an elder's wife. This instruction is unique to the qualifications of deacons and therefore deserves careful consideration.
• The wife of a deacon must be grave [honorable; honest] as all Christians must be (Romans 12:17).
• The wife of a deacon must not be a slanderer (Exodus 20:16, Exodus 23:1, and Matthew 15:18-20).
• The wife of a deacon must be sober just as we see with other Christians (Titus 2:2 and I Peter 5:8).
• The phrase "faithful in all things" is comprehensive (Matthew 25:45-46 and Luke 16:10-12). This is not merely faithfulness to her husband, but faithfulness in every area of Christian conduct.
• Women have long had influence over their husbands. Some have used that for good (Acts 16:13-15 and II Timothy 1:5), while others have for evil (Genesis 3:6 and I Kings 21:25).

• As we saw regarding elders (I Timothy 3:2), a deacon must be the husband of one wife (I Corinthians 7:1-2).
• Also like we saw with elders (I Timothy 3:4-5), the deacon is to rule his children and own house well (Ephesians 5:22-6:9).

• Those who serve well obtain for themselves a good standing [Strong's # 898: "a grade of dignity”]. Consider the principle of a steward (Luke 16:10-12 and Luke 19:12-27).
• Those that execute the office of a deacon well get bolder, more confident in the faith of our Lord. Just think about how being tried and having experience aids in such a way (James 1:2-4).

• Talking to brethren in person is much better than having to write (Acts 15:36, Romans 1:13, Romans 15:30-32, I Corinthians 11:34, I Thessalonians 2:17-3:10, II Timothy 1:4, II John 1:12, and III John 1:13-14).
• We will see more “till I come” specifics in the next chapter (I Timothy 4:13-16).
• Paul was “hoping” to see Timothy shortly. He acknowledged it could be long before that occurred. We know from other letters, he was not always able to do as he had planned (Romans 15:19-24 and I Thessalonians 2:18).
• Since part of an evangelist's work is to set things in order and appoint elders (Titus 1:5), these instructions prepared Timothy to conduct himself properly in the Lord's church.
• The church, which is the people (I Corinthians 12:27), is the house of the living God (I Corinthians 3:17, II Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2:19-22, and Hebrews 3:1-6).
• The church is the pillar (cf. Revelation 3:12) and support of the truth (II John 1:2-4 and III John 1:1-8).
• One major way the church upholds the truth iis through her existence. Through Christ and the Gospel message (Mark 16:15-16 and Colossians 1:5-6), God's promise to bless all nations was fulfilled (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:18). Those who obey become one body in Christ, revealing the mystery formerly hidden but now made known (Ephesians 2:11-3:11, Romans 3:29, and Romans 12:1-5).
• The church also upholds the truth by supporting those who preach then Gospel. Evangelists, such as Timothy, depend upon faithful congregations for support in preaching the Gospel (I Corinthians 9:1-14 and II Corinthians 11:8).

• There is no controversy among the saints regarding Jesus coming in the flesh (John 1:1-15, Romans 1:1-7, Romans 9:1-5, Galatians 4:4-5, and Hebrews 2:9-18).
• God revealed Himself in the flesh (John 1:29 and I John 3:1-5).
• Those that rejected the fact that our Lord came in the flesh are labeled antichrists (II John 1:7; cf. I John 2:18, I John 2:22, and I John 4:2-3).
• He was justified in the Spirit (Romans 1:4 and I Peter 3:18-20).
• He was seen of angels (Matthew 4:11, Matthew 28:1-7, and Luke 22:43).
• Jesus was preached unto the Gentiles (Acts 15:7 and Colossians 1:23).
• He was believed on in the world (Colossians 1:5-6).
• He was received up into glory (Acts 7:55, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 8:1, and Hebrews 12:1-2).