Today's Bible Chapter
1 Timothy Chapter 3
1 Timothy 3:2 – Qualifications of Elders
Therefore, it is a necessity the overseer be:
without reproach,
a husband of one wife,
temperate,
sensible,
orderly,
hospitable,
skillful in teaching,
| 1 | Therefore, it is a necessity the overseer be: Paul launches into one of his lists. Here he lists 15 requirements before a mature Christian man may be appointed as an overseer/elder. After considering these qualifications one can appreciate what kind of man Paul is talking about. There are few men with these characteristics. We understand that Paul is aware all men are sinners so these requirements are not a search for perfection. [James 3:1-3] Authorized Church officials – apostles, prophets, teachers – when considering a candidate for this office will examine whether the mature Christian man is characterized by these in a balanced and reasonable manner. Location and culture may place higher, or stricter, values on some of these. For additional details on the following compare the work NAZARENE COMMUNITY 2000© and the notes on Titus 1:5ff. |
| 2 | Without reproach: Or, whom no one can criticize [BAR]. The Greek is AN-EPI-LEMBTON [Strong’s Concordance #423, not arrest, inculpable, blameless]. Or, without reproach, irreproachable, blameless character, no fault can be found, no grounds for accusation, irreprehensible. Others have been so described, including Job. [Luke 1:6; Philippians 2:15] Compare 1 Timothy 6:14. All Christians should be without reproach, but the elder more so. Paul does not consider the foolish accusations of the super critical and judgmental, or those with a hidden agenda, who would find fault in every man. |
| 3 | A husband of one wife: Or, MOF: he must be married only once. A parallel is found in the widow of 1 Timothy 5:9 where she is “the wife of one husband,” that is married only once – never divorced and remarried. Thus, this man may be married, not a polygamist, but if his wife has died, or he is divorced from her, he has not remarried. Note this is not a requirement of a deacon or deaconess. |
| 4 | Temperate: The Greek is NEPHALION [Strong’s Concordance #3524 (from 3525), remain sober, circumspect, discreet. Or, self-controlled, moderate. This is a moderate and balanced man, not given to extremes]. |
| 5 | Sensible: The Greek is SOPHRONA [Strong’s Concordance #4998, sound mind, moderate as to opinion and passion]. Or, prudent, master of himself, discreet, self-restrained, serious-minded. Compare Romans 12:3. [1 Peter 4:7] Most people recognize a sensible man when they see one. Good sense and reasonableness characterize this man. |
| 6 | Orderly: The Greek is KOSMION from cosmos [Strong’s Concordance #2887, by arrangement, or orderly]. Or, good behavior, respectable, dignified, unruffled, well-ordered, having respect for order. This is a man whose life is not in disarray. He knows how to organize himself and others. He is consistent, trustworthy, and on time. Compare Romans 4:12; Galatians 5:25; Philippians 3:16. |
| 7 | Hospitable: The Greek is PHILO-XENON [Strong’s Concordance #5382, fond of guests or strangers, friendly]. Or, BAS: opening his house freely to guests. The Middle Eastern peoples were renowned for their hospitality to strangers and this is featured in the Bible in several examples. [Genesis 18:1ff; Genesis 19:1ff; Judges 19:1ff; 1 Kings 17:8ff; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:33ff; Acts 28:7] Amidst such a people the Christians themselves were well known for their kind hospitality. So, the elder must be head and shoulders above the average Christian as an example to others. [Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2] Judging from the Bible’s general description of hospitality, the elder must be a man who opens his home to entertain strangers, guest, and the needy. |
| 8 | Skillful in teaching: The Greek is DIDAKTIKON [Strong’s Concordance #1317, instructive, didactic, apt to teach]. Or, skilled in teaching, a gift for teaching, qualified to teach, a good teacher. “Teacher” was a special office among elders though all elders should be capable of instructing others. [1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; James 3:1] Some men, for a variety of reasons, lack the character or qualifications to teach. Such a man needs time and experience in the Word of God. He needs to have learned patience and love in his course of Christian living. Some men can teach an audience of thousands but lack one-to-one abilities; while another man is quite able in a one on one situation, falters when before thousands. Both are teachers. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 5:17 and 2 Timothy 2:24. The early Church trained men to become qualified teachers. [2 Timothy 2:2] Such a man will have studied the teaching manner of Jesus well. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 1 Timothy 3:2 as the theme verse of chapter three – “Requirements of Those Who Minister in God’s Household.” Paul now addresses the 15 requirements a Christian man must meet before being appointed as an elder [or, overseer]. [1-7] An examination of this list will indicate what a sterling man this is. Paul also gives the qualifications of a man or woman who would become a servant or deacon in the Church. [8-13]
The main thrust of Paul’s counsel is that Timothy would know “how one ought to conduct oneself in God’s House.” [14-16] Paul then is overcome in his spiritual emotions as he expresses something of a hymn: Christ became visible in the flesh. He was vindicated as a spirit-being. He was seen by angels. He was preached among the non-Jews. The world believed in him, and then he was taken up in glory.
Abba our Father bless those who conduct themselves properly in God’s Household.
[30 July 2002]
Notes from the People’s New Testament by B. W. Johnson -
A married man, and having only one wife. In those loose times of divorce, men might be converted who had successively several wives. Divorce for unscriptural reasons would not free a man from his first, lawful wife. Hence the limitation to those who had only one living wife. I do not think there is any reference to re-marriage after the death of a wife.
