1 Timothy Chapter 3 Series

I Timothy Chapter 3

I Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

(King James Version)

3:1 This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office of overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task. (Amplified Bible)

A. Bishop = episkope¯ = ep-is-kop-ay' From Strong’s G1980; inspection (for relief); by implication superintendence; specifically the Christian “episcopate”: - the office of a “bishop”, bishoprick, visitation. Total KJV occurrences: 4

B. Bishop = episkope¯ Thayer Definition:

1) investigation, inspection, visitation

1a) that act by which God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds character, of men, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad

1b) oversight

1b1) overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder {old man}

1b2) the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church

Part of Speech: noun feminine A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1980

C. If a man desire - Implying that there would be those who would wish to be put into the ministry. The Lord, undoubtedly, by his Spirit, often excites an earnest and irrepressible desire to preach the gospel - a desire so strong, that he in whom it exists can be satisfied in no other calling. In such a case, it should be regarded as one evidence of a call to this work. The apostle, however, by the statements which follow, intimates that wherever this desire exists, it is of the utmost importance to have just views of the nature of the office, and that there should be other qualifications for the ministry than a mere desire to preach the gospel. He proceeds, therefore, to state those qualifications, and no one who “desires” the office of the ministry should conclude that he is called to it, unless these qualifications substantially are found in him. The word rendered “desire” here (???e´?? orego¯), denotes properly, “to reach” or “stretch out” - and hence to reach after anything, to long after, to try to obtain; Heb_11:16. (Albert Barnes)

D. I do not think it necessary, in a work of this kind, intended for the poor in spirit, and the humble in Christ’s flock; and not likely to fall under the notice of the high in rank, and dignity; the bishops, and shepherds of the fold; to enter into an account of their offices. Indeed, the Apostle hath said all that can be necessary, on the subject. One point only I venture to remark, in what Paul hath here said; namely, he calls the office of a bishop a good work. And a good work, or labor, it most assuredly is, if well followed. The close of the service will show, that the highest, and the lowest office of the ministry of souls, is alike an accountable trust, where men will be answerable as servants, not as lords. Among men, it may be proper, to preserve distinctions of rank, and honor. But in the sight of God, these things lose their very name. Usefulness, diligence, faithfulness, and honesty, are the qualifications then to be accounted for; and none else will stand the examination. It were well, if all who minister in holy things, of whatever rank they move up and down in, among men, were every day, before they enter upon their sacred function, or mingle in family duties, of reading the scriptures, and prayer; to read over in private, what Paul hath here marked down, from the inspiration of God the Holy Ghost. This would serve, under the same Almighty Teacher’s influence, to show, how all ought to behave themselves in the house of God. That as Christ himself, is both the foundation, and pillar of his Church; so, his servants, which minister faithfully in his name, may be found as monumental pillars, bearing inscriptions, to his truth and glory. (Robert Hawker)

E. Because some false teachers were now spreading their erroneous doctrines with assiduity among the believers at Ephesus, and it was necessary that Timothy (to whom the care of the church there was committed) should be assisted by some bishops, or elders, and deacons, well qualified to teach the people, the apostle, after observing what an honourable office that of a Christian bishop is, here describes the qualities and virtues necessary in one who desires to attain it. This is a true saying — Most certain in itself, and worthy of being always acknowledged and attended to; if a man desire, (or earnestly seek, as ??e?eta? signifies,) the office of a bishop — Overseer, or pastor of Christ’s flock, frequently termed presbyters, or elders, in the New Testament. See on Act_20:28; 1Pe_5:1-2; he desireth a good work — An excellent but laborious employment. “A bishop’s office is termed e????, a work, to intimate that he must not spend his life in ease and idleness, but in a continued application to the duties of his office. It is also termed ?a??? a????, a good, or excellent work, because of its honourableness and usefulness. See on 2Ti_2:2. The words ?a??? and a?a??? are often used promiscuously, to denote what is morally good. But when they are distinguished, ?a??? includes also the idea of honour, and ??a??? the idea of profit. (Joseph Benson)