Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 3:4

"one that ruleth well his own house, having [his] children in subjection with all gravity;" — 1 Timothy 3:4 (ASV)

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.