Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 3

“Sets his heart on” (GK 3977) means “aspires to.” The word “overseer” (GK 2175) is based on a verb that means “to look upon,” and so “to oversee, care for.” The reference here is to the office of overseer in the church (elsewhere, an overseer is identical to an “elder”; see comment on Tit 1:6). Anyone who aspires to such a position “desires a noble task”—and, we might add, a place of heavy responsibility. One needs to be sure that such a desire is not an expression of pride, but rather that it reflects a deep commitment to the work of the church.

For the church organization that we know in the NT, it is apparent that churches had several overseers . The older translation of “overseer” (GK 2176) as “bishop” has led to misunderstanding, for the NT knows nothing of a single diocesan bishop, such as some contemporary churches have.

Paul lists fifteen specific qualifications of an “overseer” in vv.2–7.

The first is that he must be “above reproach” (GK 455). This word describes someone against whom no charge of wrong doing can be brought. Because it stands at the head of his list, Paul suggests that an overseer should not be subject to criticism in any of the listed characteristics.

The second qualification is that he must be “the husband of but one wife” (cf. also v.12). While some have interpreted this as meaning “married only once,” most commentators agree that it means monogamy—only one wife at one time—and that the overseer must be completely faithful to his wife.

The third qualification is “temperate” (GK 3767). In classical Greek this word meant “not mixed with wine”; in later writers it came to have the broader sense of “temperate” or “sober.”

The fourth qualification of an overseer is “self-controlled” (GK 5409), a word that originally means “of sound mind.” Thus it carried the sense of “selfcontrolled” or “sober-minded.”

The fifth is “respectable” (GK 3177)—the same word as is translated “modestly” in 2:9. The basic meaning of the word is “orderly,” but Greek writers used it in the sense of “respectable” or “honorable.” That fits well here.

The sixth qualification is “hospitable” (GK 5811); this word means literally “loving strangers.” Christians traveling in the first century avoided the public inns with their pagan atmosphere and food that had already been offered to idols (cf. 1 Corinthians 8). They would therefore seek out a Christian home in which to stop for the night. A valuable by-product was that believers from widely scattered areas would get to know each other, thus cementing lines of fellowship. So hospitality was an important Christian virtue in that day. Even in our modern hotel-motel age, it can have its place.

The seventh item is “able to teach” (GK 1434). This implies not only a readiness to teach, but also having the spiritual power to do so, after the overseer has prayerfully reflected on God’s Word and its practical application.

The eighth qualification for an overseer is that he must not be “given to drunkenness” (GK 4232). Aristotle’s use of this and related words suggests that it meant “tipsy” or “rowdy.” It is a sad commentary on the culture of that day that such a warning would have to be given concerning church overseers.

Ninth on the list is “not violent” (GK 4438); the person who drinks too much wine is apt to become involved in drunken brawls.

Paul now gives another positive quality: “gentle” (GK 2117). This word is difficult to translate with one English word; gracious, kindly, forbearing, considerate, magnanimous, and genial are all included (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:1).

The eleventh item is “not quarrelsome” (GK 285). This word means “abstaining from fighting.” Here it is used in the metaphorical sense of “not contentious.” A contentious leader is a sad feature in any church.

Next is “not a lover of money” (GK 921). The love of money (cf. 6:10) is one of the greatest dangers confronting every Christian worker. One who finds that he can make big money in part-time secular work is apt to be diverted from an effective ministry.

The final three stated qualifications are developed in greater length. The first concerns the relationship of an overseer to his family—he must be one who can “manage his own family well.” His children must be obedient and respectful. This implies that the overseer would normally be a married man. Paul follows this up with the logical statement that if one cannot manage his own house, he should not be expected to take proper care of a local congregation. It is an argument from the lesser to the greater.

The final three stated qualifications are developed in greater length. The first concerns the relationship of an overseer to his family—he must be one who can “manage his own family well.” His children must be obedient and respectful. This implies that the overseer would normally be a married man. Paul follows this up with the logical statement that if one cannot manage his own house, he should not be expected to take proper care of a local congregation. It is an argument from the lesser to the greater.