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 peopl... [ Continue Reading ]
_A bishop then_ Or an overseer of the flock of Christ, that he may be capable of such an office; _must be blameless_ In every respect with regard to his moral character, since any thing which might be amiss in that would tend to bring a reproach upon his office, and greatly obstruct his usefulness;... [ Continue Reading ]
_One that ruleth well his own house_ That not only rules it, but rules it well, and keeps his family in good order: that rules it so as to promote religion and virtue in all its members; rules it calmly, but firmly; never using harshness where gentleness and love will produce the desired effect; _ha... [ Continue Reading ]
_Moreover, he must have a good report_ That is, a fair or good character, or good testimony, namely, as to the time past; _of them that are without_ That are not Christians; _lest he fall into reproach_ By their rehearsing his former life; _and the snare of the devil_ Which Satan might make a snare... [ Continue Reading ]
_Likewise the deacons_ Of whom see on Acts 6:3, and Philippians 1:1; _must be grave_ Or _serious_, as some render σεμνους : men of a steady, decent, and venerable behaviour. No mention is made of _presbyters_, or elders, as distinct from bishops; evidently because (as has been observed on 1 Timothy... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let these also_ (The word _also_ implies that the same rule was to be observed with relation to bishops) _first be proved_ “By the examination,” says Whitby, “of the soundness of their faith, and the purity of their former lives: _and then let them_ be admitted to _use the office of a deacon, being... [ Continue Reading ]
_Even so must their wives_ Namely, the wives of the deacons; _be grave_ Serious in their deportment; _not slanderers_ Or false accusers of the brethren and others; _sober_ Or _watchful_, (as νηφαλεους may be rendered,) for occasions of doing good, and guarding against every temptation to evil; _fait... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let the deacons_ As well as the bishops; _be husbands of one wife_ That is, such as have shown their temperance by avoiding polygamy and causeless divorce; (see on 1 Timothy 3:2;) _ruling their children,_ &c. This qualification, which was required in bishops likewise, shows how anxious the apostle... [ Continue Reading ]
_These things_ Concerning the character of persons fit to be intrusted with the office of bishops or deacons; _I write, hoping to come to thee shortly_ It seems evident from hence, that Paul intended to have come back to Timothy at Ephesus in a little time, but was providentially called another way;... [ Continue Reading ]