1 Timothy 3

Qualifications for Church Leaders

¹ Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach; ³ not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

Qualifications for Deacons

⁸ In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹ In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,

was vindicated by the Spirit,

was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations,

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.

Footnotes:

1.“Overseer” (verse 1) translates the Greek word episkopos, which means one who oversees or looks after a group, similar to a bishop or elder in modern terms. This role is crucial in providing spiritual guidance and care to the church.

2.“Above reproach” (verse 2) refers to a life without scandal or public fault. The Greek word anepilēmptos means to be blameless in character and behavior, especially in leadership.

3.“Manage his own family” (verse 4) highlights the principle that leadership in the home reflects one’s ability to lead in the church. The Greek word proistēmi means to guide, protect, and care for.

4.“The devil’s trap” (verse 7) refers to spiritual pitfalls that come through pride or a bad reputation. The enemy uses these traps to lead leaders away from their calling and discredit the church.

5.“Deep truths of the faith” (verse 9) speaks of the core doctrines of Christianity. The Greek word mystērion often refers to truths that were once hidden but have now been revealed through Christ.

6.“Women” (verse 11) could refer to either the wives of deacons or female deacons themselves. The Greek word gynē can mean both “woman” and “wife.” This passage speaks to their character and role in service.

7.“The mystery from which true godliness springs” (verse 16) refers to the gospel, which Paul describes as a profound and awe-inspiring truth revealed through Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension.