Overseers and Deacons 1 Timothy 3:1-16 - Bible Study … · Overseers and Deacons 1 Timothy 3:1-16. ... Paul’s instructions to Timothy were that Christians ... Ephesus and called

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Commentary by Ron Thomas. Questions by John C. Sewell.

Overseers and Deacons

1 Timothy 3:1-16




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Overseers and Deacons

Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-16, 1. This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6. Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:




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15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Introduction: I. While Paul left Timothy in Ephesus in order that he might make certain that only sound doctrine was taught.

A. Some expositers also think that Paul left Timothy in Ephesus for the purpose of appointing elders in the church. B. This does not appear to be the case, however, since elders were present already in Ephesus.

1. Acts 20:7, And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 2. Paul had called for them when he was at Miletus. 3. There Paul charged the elders to look after the flock that God had entrusted to them as overseers. 4. Paul made it clear that some would come and try to take that which belonged to God.

II. In any case, Paul’s instructions to Timothy were that Christians would know how to conduct themselves in the “House of God.”




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Commentary:

Bishops

1 Timothy 3:1, This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. I. Paul begins a new focus with these words.

A. Earlier he emphasized the importance of prayer and orderliness in the worship. B. Here he speaks to the leadership of the church.

II. The saying is trustworthy: Paul spoke by inspiration of God.

A. When Paul wrote by inspiration, those who read it were to regard what he wrote as having come from God. B. 1 Corinthians 14:37, If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.

III. If anyone aspires to the office of the overseer, let him know that aspiring to the office of a bishop (KJV, ASV) is a noble work.

A. The GNB translates the verse as one who is eager to be a church leader. B. The word “eager” can, perhaps convey more than aspire, but the sense of it is defined by Strong “as one who reaches out, stretches himself in the direction of becoming an overseer.” C. Because he aspires to be an elder he desires a noble task (work).




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IV. Just how does the New Testament use this word “overseer”?

A. In Acts 20:17, 28, we read: “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him… Pay careful attention to yourselves, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” B. Each one of the italicized words gives an idea of what an “overseer” does. C. The word overseer is translated in the NKJV as bishop. D. When Paul called for the elders of the church in Ephesus, he called for the overseers (or bishops) of the church. E. These three words speak of one office. F. The elders (overseers or bishops) were to care for the church. G. This word care is also translated as shepherd and feed (NKJV and ASV, respectively). H. These three words come from the same Greek word (poimainein) which gives us our English word pastor. I. An elder is a pastor, overseer, and bishop. J. One final point is this: the English word elder comes from a Greek word that can also be translated presbyter.

1. Thus, an elder is a pastor, overseer, bishop, and presbyter. 1 Timothy 3:2, A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to




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teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; I. The Holy Spirit has made clear that one desiring to be an elder must meet each one of these qualifications.

A. There is nothing in the verses that suggest otherwise. B. He must be above reproach (blameless, NKJV).

1. Lenski gives the sense like this: he must be “of such character that no one can rightfully take hold of the person with a charge of unfitness.”

C. Furthermore, he must be the husband of one wife, this means he must be a male – who is married; no female can serve in this capacity.

1. There is much discussion among expositors as to whether the Holy Spirit required the elder/bishop/overseer/ pastor/presbyter to be married. 2. If the word must is to convey its force, then the answer is obvious. 3. On this word “must” Knight said, ouv indicates that an inference is to be drawn. Dei, denotes compulsion in the sense of what is necessary or what one must do…” 4. Yet, later on, Knight denies the force of this word relative to an elder’s being a married man.” …it is exceedingly doubtful that Paul intended these words and the words about children as requirement of an officer of the church.”




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5. To make this kind of bold statement would require heavy evidence upon the part of one who made it, one would suppose. 6. None was forthcoming. 7. All Knight said was that Paul spoke of what should be the case in the most common of situations. 8. This Greek scholar on his application of this word can be dismissed! 9. Another Greek scholar says the word dei denotes necessity. 10. Yet, he himself denied the force of the word when it comes to the “husband of one wife.” 11. Why does he deny it? 12. It eliminates certain people from serving in the role of an elder. 13. Moreover, he says the two Greek words that give us “husband” and “wife” can be understood as “man” and “woman”. 14. Yet to understand it as he asserts is contrary to the sense of the passage and a plain denial of how every Bible translation translates it! 15. This Greek scholar’s handling of the passage can be dismissed as well.

D. An elder is not only to be a married man, but one who is sober-minded (temperate, NKJV).




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1. This simply means that an elder is to be a clear thinking man, one who can think problems through carefully so as to make good decisions.

2. He is not to be plagued by a cloudy mind.

3. The word temperate gives the sense of abstinence, especially abstinent from wine.

E. He is also to be self-controlled (sober-minded, NKFV).

1. This is similar to sober-minded in that he is “levelheaded.” F. Respectable (of good behavior, NKJV) gives the sense of a level-headed and clear thinking person who has manners and has set his mind so as to relate well to people.

1. He is respectable in his demeanor and not one who overly reacts.

G. To be hospitable means he opens his home to those in need.

1. It is important that he use good judgment and, if necessary, be discriminating. 2. Bringing someone into our home who may harm us is contrary to the spirit of the passage.

H. An elder must be able to teach.

1. Paul uses this same phrase with respect to the preacher.

a. 2 Timothy 2:24, And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,




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2. Whatever the preacher is expected to do in this capacity, the elder must be able to do as well.

I. And he must not be a drunkard (not given to wine, NKJV).

1. That is, satiating himself with beverage that, ultimately, will affect his thinking is forbidden. 2. Barnes says, “It means that one who is in the habit of drinking wine, or who is accustomed to sit with those who indulge in it, should not be admitted to the ministry.”

J. An elder is to not be violent but gentle.

1. This conveys a reactionary demeanor. 2. He is not to be violent physically or verbally. 3. A reactionary man is not going to be a clear-thinking and levelheaded man 4. He just about can’t be. 5. If he is to be an elder, though, he must be gentle, peaceful.

K. He must not be greedy for money (NKJV).

1. Some of the newer translations do not have this phrase in the text, yet the NKJV does. 2. Is there a reason for this?

a. Metzger asserts it to be a gloss derived from Titus 1:7.




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b. Titus 1:7, For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

3. The Textus Receptus as well as many minuscules have a reading that is translated greedy money (filthy lucre). 4. Later, in the same verse, we read that an elder is not to be covetous. 5. This may convey the same idea that we have in not being greedy. 6. The Analytical New Testament translates not greedy for dishonest gain. 7. In any case, that which is gained must be done so honestly.

L. An elder must not be quarrelsome; that is, he must not have a predisposition to fight- - argue. M. He is not to be a lover of money.

1. To be a lover of money is to be consumed by one of Satan’s great devices.

1 Timothy 3:4, 5, One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

I. A man who desires to be an elder must rule (manage, NASV) his own house well.

A. The word rule gives the sense of to direct, to lead.




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B. It is not a dictatorial rule, but a rule by example in behavior, word, and leadership.

C. We don’t want to minimize the word rule.

D. It does not mean by example only; that is, they have no right to rule as a father does his home.

1. This would be a mistaken idea.

2. He must do this well.

3. It is not enough that one rules his family, but he must do so well.

4. The fruit will be seen in those who live under his authority.

E. Since Paul said children are to be submissive, is he to have children?

1. This gets back to the word must (verse 2).

II. A man who would be an elder must meet these qualifications!

III. Paul said elder’s children must be submissive.

A. This verse means he must have children.

1. Titus 1:6, If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

B. Children will become Christians because they see in their parents what is important in life.

C. Perhaps there is a bit of “peer pressure” associated with becoming Christians.




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D. If so, parents must take time to explain that “peer pressure” does not please God, but heart felt obedience will.

E. There is a two-fold application of this phrase.

1. First, with all dignity (with all reverence, NKJV) can have in view the children.

a. In other words, the father raised them to carry themselves in a proper and respectful manner because of the seriousness of one’s view of God.

2. Second, I think it also has an application toward the father; that is, that he raised his children in a reverent manner, with dignity.

3. Not knowing how to care for ones’ own family, disqualifies a person from being appointed as caregivers of God’s church?

1 Timothy 3:6, 7 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

I. God’s elder must be a man who has been a Christian for a while, but not just a young Christian.

A. He must be a Christian who has a clear understanding of things spiritual as revealed by the Lord.

B. The key phrase here, in this line of thinking, is that he not be a new convert.

C. Why?




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1. Because the possibility of being puffed up (conceited) is ever before the individual.

2. Even though conceit, perhaps, would not be part of the makeup of the new convert, the Holy Spirit said no new convert can be an elder in the Lord’ church.

II. In addition to not being a new convert, the man who would be an elder must have a good reputation with those outside the body of Christ.

A. This implies, of course, that there is some knowledge of this brother by those in the community.

B. The character of the Christian can go far in the community.

C. Because of Aaron’s actions, the people of the land – not to mention the Israelites – had reason to blaspheme the Lord’s name.

1. Exodus 32:25, And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)

D. As Reese said, this has more to do with his life after conversion than before (though, perhaps, some will not make that distinction when they evaluate).

Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8, Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

I. The word deacon means servant. A deacon is a servant.

A. In Acts 6, seven men were used to address a problem in regard to the distribution of help to needy widows.

B. Though deacon is not a word used in this passage, nevertheless, it is customarily thought that these seven where deacons.




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C. An insurmountable case cannot be made for deacon in that passage, but a good case can be made.

D. In any event, deacons are to be in a similar mold as elders.

II. Deacons are to be dignified, reverent.

III. Deacons are not to be double-tongued.

A. Interestingly, this word is not included in the qualifications of elders.

B. However, let us not assume potential elders need not meet this standard.

C. Paul’s list is not intended to be exhaustive, but certainly illustrative of the nature of the person being considered for the eldership office/position.

IV. A deacon is not to be addicted to much wine.

A. This is a little different phrase than Paul used with respect to the elders (not given to much wine, NKJV).

B. The reading of the NKJV can be a bit perplexing.

1. Ecclesiastes 7:16-17, Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

C. However, strong drink is condemned in Scripture.

1. Proverbs 20:1, Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

2. Proverbs 23:29-35, Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds




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without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

D. So, the notion that it is okay to drink wine by today’s standards is to fail to understand the use of the word must.

IV. A deacon must be… These are not optional standards of measurement.

1 Timothy 3:9-10, Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

I. Men who would serve as deacons are men who have a good understanding of God’s Will and must be men who are living the life of Christ.

A. These are not men who have doubts about the faith, but men who are thinking clearly and men who, if called upon, would defend and die for the faith.

B. It appears that before a man will get to this point, he must first be tested (living successfully in a world that seeks to overthrow one’s faith).

II. Having been found blameless on this test that has been administered, deacons must continue to be blameless, pass test after test.




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1 Timothy 3:11, Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

I. This verse is actually a point of controversy.

A. The word wives is often rendered women in other translations (ASV & NASV, for instance).

II. There is some relationship of the women, in this verse, to the deacons; exactly what that relationship is brings about the dispute.

A. What is the correct translation of the word and which word (wives or women) is better suited for the context?

B. The NKJV (ESV, KJV, NIV, & NET) renders the Greek word as wives because, to the translators, this is better suited for the context.

C. Consider that the wife of a potential candidate of deacon (by context) and even an elder can disqualify a man from the position.

D. The Holy Spirit elsewhere does not regard a position of leadership for women as He does for men.

1. Philippians 1:1, Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

III. The qualifications compare to the character of the elders and deacons.

A. This would make sense if a wife is in view.

B. If this was a position of leadership, why would the men be required to be married, but not the women?

C. This, too, lends itself to interpreting this verse as a reference to wives.




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1 Timothy 3:12, Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

I. The deacon is to be married and he is to have children.

A. The fact that he is to manage his children well implies he has to have children.

B. Since managing the children is a requirement of the Holy Spirit, it would be presumptuous of a church to fail to require male candidates to be married and have children.

C. A deacon is not simply a warm bodied male; he must be a male who is holy and lives a life of holiness.

1 Timothy 3:13, For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

I. There are two noteworthy promises in this verse; viz., …

A. First, those men who serve well are deacons gain a good standing for themselves.

1. A good standing in the eyes of whom? There are two answers to this: first, in the eyes of his brethren (perhaps even those outside the church) and, second, in the eyes of God.

2. To serve well as a deacon is to serve the people and to serve the lord.

B. A second promise Paul mentions is that he will also have great confidence in the faith.




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1. Reese said, “Consciousness of a job well done will give him greater confidence and boldness in imparting to others the faith that is in Jesus Christ.”

1 Timothy 3:14, 15, These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

I. In chapter 1, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus in order that he not allow men to teach a contrary doctrine.

II. In chapter 2, Paul instructed Timothy about public worship

III. In chapter 3, Paul instructed Timothy concerning leadership in the Lord’s church.

IV. Now he makes it clear as to why he wrote what he did.

A. Paul calls the church the household of God.

1. The NKJV uses the word house rather than household.

2. In any event, the idea is that God is the builder of that house, His house.

a. Matthew 16:18, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

B. Furthermore, it is the buttress of truth (the NKJV has “the pillar and ground,” while the NASV has “pillar and support”).

1. This gives the idea that the church of our Lord holds up the truth.

a. Ephesians 3:9-12, And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the




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beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

2. Each congregation of the Lord’s church must insist on the purity of the word being taught and preached.

3. When a congregation fails in that duty given them by the Lord, will the truth be upheld?

1 Timothy 3:16, And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

I. There is some textual dispute regarding the phrase He was. Some translations read God was… (KJV, NKJV).

A. Which is correct?

1. Both have their proponents, but in either case, the contextual reference is to Jesus Christ.

2. This translation said “Jesus” was vindicated by the Spirit.

II. Was he vindicated (justified) by or in the Spirit?

A. Should “Spirit” be understood as the Holy Spirit or Jesus’ own inner spirit.

B. Vindicated may be a better translation than justified.




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C. As man sought to overcome the purpose of God, Jesus vindicated the Father’s will

1. Romans 3:4, God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

III. “Jesus” was also seen by angels. The Greek word that gives us angels can be translated either “messengers” or “angels”.

A. If “messengers,” then the post resurrection appearances would come to mind.

1. 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

B. However, angels saw Him as well.

1. Mark 1:13, And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

2. Matthew 22:43, He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

3. Matthew 28:2, And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

IV. In either case, His glorious name was proclaimed to a world living in sin - that they might have hope.




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Questions

1 Timothy 3:1-16

1. Why did Paul leave Timothy in Ephesus? ______________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the qualifications of bishops? ________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Are these qualifications absolute or relative? Explain your answers. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What are the duties of bishops? ______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




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5. What are the qualifications of deacons? ________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What are the duties of deacons? ______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Can the wives of candidates for the offices of bishops and deacons disqualify their husbands? If so, how? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What reward do deacons who serve well obtain? Define, explain the meaning of these terms. ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




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9. How are we to conduct ourselves in the house of God? What is the house of God? ______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Explain the mystery of godliness. What is involved in this mystery? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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Overseers and Deacons 1 Timothy 3:1-16 - Bible Study … · Overseers and Deacons 1 Timothy 3:1-16. ... Paul’s instructions to Timothy were that Christians ... Ephesus and called