1 Timothy 3

Paul lays out the qualifications for elders and deacons in the church. He emphasizes the importance of character, reputation, and family life for these leaders.

image of 1 Timothy 3

16
verses
2
min

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Qualifications for Elders and Deacons

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

Commentary

In 1 Timothy 3, Paul provides instructions to Timothy on the qualifications of church leaders. He begins by emphasizing the importance of selecting leaders who are above reproach, and who have a good reputation among outsiders. He then goes on to list the qualities that a leader should possess, such as being hospitable, self-controlled, and not given to drunkenness. He also emphasizes the importance of having a good family life, and of being able to teach. Paul then goes on to discuss the importance of having deacons in the church. He emphasizes that they should be dignified, not double-tongued, and not given to much wine. He also emphasizes that they should be tested before being appointed to their positions. Finally, Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining good order in the church. He encourages Timothy to set an example for the believers, and to be an example of faith, love, and holiness. Overall, Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy 3 provide a clear picture of the qualifications and responsibilities of church leaders. He emphasizes the importance of selecting leaders who are above reproach, and who have a good reputation among outsiders. He also emphasizes the importance of having deacons who are dignified and tested before being appointed to their positions. Finally, he encourages Timothy to set an example for the believers, and to be an example of faith, love, and holiness.

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FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the 1 Timothy, chapter 3 it would take approximately 2 minutes to finish.

There are 16 verses in 1 Timothy, chapter 3.