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1 Timothy

Chapter 3

Ordered Leadership in God's Household

Paul turns to the character required of overseers and deacons, describing church leadership not first in terms of influence but of visible steadiness, self-control, tested faithfulness, and good reputation. He then explains why he is writing: so Timothy will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, the church of the living God. The chapter closes by lifting that ordered life into the great confession of godliness.

After instructions about prayer and worship, this chapter narrows in on the people entrusted with the church's visible care. It shows that life in God's household depends on leaders whose conduct fits the truth the church holds.

3 sections·303 words·~1 min read

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1 Timothy 3

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vv. 1-7

Qualifications for Overseers

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T1his is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.

2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.

4An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. 5For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. 7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.

vv. 8-13

Qualifications for Deacons

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D8eacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. 9They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

11In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things. 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household. 13For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

vv. 14-16

The Mystery of Godliness

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A14lthough I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things 15in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great:

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  1. 01vv. 1-7Qualifications for OverseersPaul says that to desire oversight is to desire a noble work, but that work requires a life above reproach: disciplined, hospitable, able to teach, peaceable, and free from the love of money. The overseer must already show steady care in his own household, must not be a recent convert, and must carry a good reputation even with outsiders.
  2. 02vv. 8-13Qualifications for DeaconsPaul says deacons likewise must be dignified, sincere, clear-minded, and free from greed, holding the mystery of the faith with a clean conscience. They are to be tested first, and women likewise are to be dignified, faithful, and restrained in speech. Deacons must manage their households well, and faithful service leads to honorable standing and deepened confidence in the faith.
  3. 03vv. 14-16The Mystery of GodlinessPaul says he writes these things in case his arrival is delayed so that Timothy will know how one ought to conduct oneself in God's household, the church of the living God, which upholds the truth. He then ends with the shared confession that the mystery of godliness is great.
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