Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 3:15

"but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." — 1 Timothy 3:15 (ASV)

Paul was hoping to visit Timothy soon. But just in case he was delayed, he wants his young associate to know “how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household.” The apostle’s rules for church members and their leaders are what we find in chs. 2–3. God’s “household” (GK 3875) or “the church of the living God” has primary reference here to the local congregation, although the general church of Jesus Christ may also be in view.

This church is “the pillar and the foundation of the truth.” “Pillar” (GK 5146) and “foundation” (GK 1613) both emphasize the certainty and firmness of “the truth” that is revealed in God’s Word. Each local church must support and strengthen the truth by witnessing to the faith and by living exemplary lives.