1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:1 In listing the qualifications for the overseer of a church, Paul emphasizes character rather than specific duties. The list describes a person of mature Christian character whose faith has had a tangible impact on his behavior. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElements... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:2 The meaning of HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE is widely debated. The Greek phrase literally states, “of one woman [wife] man [husband].” (1) Many scholars understand this to mean “having the character of a one-woman man,” that is, “faithful to his wife.” A similar phrase is used... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:4 Good management of one’s OWN HOUSEHOLD is in keeping with Paul’s picture of the church as “the household of God” (v. 1 Timothy 3:15). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:7 WELL THOUGHT OF BY OUTSIDERS. See 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 5:7, 1 Timothy 5:14; 1 Timothy 6:1. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:8 Along with elders (vv. 1 Timothy 3:1), deacons have specific responsibilities in the NT church (see Philippians 1:1). LIKEWISE (1 Timothy 3:8) suggests a link between the lists of qualifications for elders and deacons, and there are striking similarities. One key diff... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:9 MYSTERY refers here to the entire revealed content of God’s plan of salvation through Christ (see 1 Corinthians 4:1; Ephesians 3:4; Colossians 1:26; Colossians 2:2). WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE. Deacons must understand the gospel, and their behavior must be consistent wit... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:10 Deacons should be TESTED, presumably under the leadership of the overseers. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:11 As the esv footnote indicates, the Greek word for “wives” can mean either “women” or “wives.” The text could refer to: (1) the wives of deacons (THEIR WIVES); (2) women who serve with men as deacons (the word “their” is not a distinct word in the original Greek); or... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:12 HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE. See note on vv. 2–3. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:13 GOOD STANDING. Respect and appreciation from the church. GREAT CONFIDENCE. Probably refers to the increase in confidence that comes from seeing the power of the gospel regularly proven in ministry. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:14 Purpose of Writing: Behavior in the Church. Paul states the purpose of his letter and reveals its central focus. HOW ONE OUGHT TO BEHAVE in the church summarizes the instructions to groups in the church (1 Timothy 2:1; 1 Timothy 5:1), the instructions to Timothy, and... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:15 Paul provides one of the key NT descriptions of the church’s identity and mission. He often uses HOUSEHOLD and related words to describe the church and its ministry (see Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 4:17). The church is like a family, with similar responsi... [ Continue Reading ]
1 TIMOTHY—NOTE ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:16 Paul offers a poetic exposition of the gospel—perhaps a hymn—whose source is unknown. MYSTERY OF GODLINESS. See note on v. 9. GREAT INDEED, WE CONFESS. This introduction may be calling on the Ephesian church to affirm this statement and its doctrinal implications. Th... [ Continue Reading ]