Having defined the proper roles for men and women within the church in 1st Timothy 2:8-14, Paul, inspired by God, now turns to those who exercise the roles of overseeing the church. 1st Timothy 3:1–7 describes the requirements of church elders (1st Peter 5:1; Titus 1) also known as pastors (Ephesians 4:11), bishops (1st Timothy 3:2 KJ, NKJ), shepherds (Acts 20:28; 1st Peter 5:2), or overseers (1st Timothy 3:2 NIV, NASB). Remember, all the instructions in 1st Timothy are related to the problems with the false teachers and this stemmed from a lack of biblical male leadership.
1st Timothy 3:1-2 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, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching
Here Paul, inspired by God, begins an extensive list on the qualifications for an elder, or overseer. The first requirement is that a man must desire to serve in this role. This is consistent with what Peter, inspired by God, writes in 1st Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve…
Verse 2 then lists 7 attributes that a man desiring to serve as an elder must possess to a high degree. He must be above reproach or, “blameless (KJ), he must be the husband of but one wife or a “faithful husband” (NIV), he must be temperate or, sober-minded (NKJ), respectable, hospitable, and skillful at teaching. All Christians should aspire to these traits, especially Christian men, but one who desires to be an elder must possess these traits to a high degree.
This week in our continuing series from 1st and 2nd Timothy we will dive into 1st Timothy 3:1-2 and look at each of these traits in detail. praying everyone has a blessed 4th of July weekend!
In Christ,
Gary T.