The Epistles · Chapter 3 of 6

1 Timothy 3

Paul sets out the qualifications for church leaders. A bishop must be blameless, faithful to one wife, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, free from greed, and able to manage his own household well. Deacons likewise must be dignified, sincere, and tested, holding the faith with a clear conscience. Paul writes so the church, God's household and pillar of truth, may behave rightly, and closes with a hymn confessing the mystery of godliness in Christ.

What happens in 1 Timothy 3

Paul takes up the character required of those who lead the church. To desire the office of a bishop is to desire a good work, but the qualifications are demanding. A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, hospitable, and able to teach. He must not be given to wine, violent, or greedy, but patient and not covetous. He must rule his own household well, for a man who cannot manage his home cannot care for God's church. He must not be a new convert, and must have a good reputation with outsiders.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, sincere, not greedy, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience, and first tested before serving. Their wives must be dignified and faithful. Paul says he writes so Timothy will know how to behave in God's household, the pillar and ground of truth. He closes confessing the great mystery of godliness: God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up into glory.

1 Timothy 3 in context

Paul continues instructing Timothy on ordering the Ephesian church, now focusing on its leaders. In a setting where false teachers had arisen, sound and proven character was essential for those who would shepherd the congregation. The qualifications emphasize integrity, self-mastery, and a well-ordered life more than talent or charisma.

The chapter ends with what many scholars regard as an early Christian hymn, a compact confession of Christ that anchors all the practical instruction in the person and work of Jesus.

Main themes of 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3 (KJV)

1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One 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?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For 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. 14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15But 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. 16And 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.

Verses to carry from 1 Timothy 3

“Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.”1 Timothy 3:9

“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.”1 Timothy 3:15

“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.”1 Timothy 3:16

Reflection

Paul measures a leader less by talent than by tested character and faithfulness at home. Whatever your role, these qualities, integrity, self-control, hospitality, freedom from greed, are the marks of a life worth following.

And remember what the church exists to hold up: the mystery of Christ, God manifest in the flesh. Let that confession give weight to your ordinary faithfulness.

A prayer from 1 Timothy 3