1 Timothy 3:1-7
1: It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
2: An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3: not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.
4: He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity
5: (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),
6: and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.
6: and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.
7: And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
An overseer was also called an elder. Sometimes referred to as bishop or presbyter elsewhere. It is a position of the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) not a man-made position. Paul said if anyone desired this office it was a fine work he desired to do. He then gave qualifications for overseers which indicated that although the Holy Spirit makes someone an overseer, he must be recognized and accepted by the people, or current overseers, in order to serve in that position. It is not a position of employment, but a calling of God in which one’s entire life and character is brought into.
Timothy was serving in an apostolic capacity in Paul’s absence. Paul knew the original apostles would most likely pass away before the Lord’s return (at least he knew he would) so there had to be a way to appoint elders in the churches to shepherd the church of God which the Lord purchased with His own blood. He knew “savage wolves” would come to try and destroy the flock (Acts 20:28-29).
The overseer must be above reproach—having nothing to be shameful or disgraced about. He was to be the husband of one wife. Some say this means not a polygamist, others that it was preferable that he was only married once. In any case, he was to be above reproach. The character and behavior traits of verses 2-3 describe a person who is not hot-tempered or impulsive. Not dishonorable, addicted, or prone to fight, but one who is even-tempered, deserving of respect. He describes a person who has integrity, is wise and cautious in his decisions, able to teach, and welcoming to guests and strangers. This is one who is approachable, honorable, trustworthy, and self-controlled. He was not to be covetous or tempted by money.
He was to be proven first by looking at how he managed his household, and his children. Some say having a wife and children as opposed to being single was preferable, since much is learned in family relationships. If one is called to this position but not yet at this level of qualification, teaching them rather than excluding them would seem the path to take. He was not to be a new convert to the faith. He needed to have some experience and maturity in the Lord. Especially in dealing with temptations such as pride and self-centeredness. He must be able to maintain a good reputation with those outside the church. Not falling back into his former way of life, as well as knowing how to treat those outside the faith.
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An overseer was also called an elder. Sometimes referred to as bishop or presbyter elsewhere. It is a position of the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) not a man-made position. Paul said if anyone desired this office it was a fine work he desired to do. He then gave qualifications for overseers which indicated that although the Holy Spirit makes someone an overseer, he must be recognized and accepted by the people, or current overseers, in order to serve in that position. It is not a position of employment, but a calling of God in which one’s entire life and character is brought into.
Timothy was serving in an apostolic capacity in Paul’s absence. Paul knew the original apostles would most likely pass away before the Lord’s return (at least he knew he would) so there had to be a way to appoint elders in the churches to shepherd the church of God which the Lord purchased with His own blood. He knew “savage wolves” would come to try and destroy the flock (Acts 20:28-29).
The overseer must be above reproach—having nothing to be shameful or disgraced about. He was to be the husband of one wife. Some say this means not a polygamist, others that it was preferable that he was only married once. In any case, he was to be above reproach. The character and behavior traits of verses 2-3 describe a person who is not hot-tempered or impulsive. Not dishonorable, addicted, or prone to fight, but one who is even-tempered, deserving of respect. He describes a person who has integrity, is wise and cautious in his decisions, able to teach, and welcoming to guests and strangers. This is one who is approachable, honorable, trustworthy, and self-controlled. He was not to be covetous or tempted by money.
He was to be proven first by looking at how he managed his household, and his children. Some say having a wife and children as opposed to being single was preferable, since much is learned in family relationships. If one is called to this position but not yet at this level of qualification, teaching them rather than excluding them would seem the path to take. He was not to be a new convert to the faith. He needed to have some experience and maturity in the Lord. Especially in dealing with temptations such as pride and self-centeredness. He must be able to maintain a good reputation with those outside the church. Not falling back into his former way of life, as well as knowing how to treat those outside the faith.
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