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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 ]