1 Timothy 3 Study Notes

3:1 The terms overseer, elder, and pastor are all used in the NT to refer to the same office. “Overseer” emphasizes the task of watching over the congregation (Heb 13:17).

3:2-7 These verses do not give a job description for the pastor. They describe the character of a person who would serve in this office. The list is not intended to be exhaustive, but it envisions a person of mature Christian character (see also Ti 1:5-9).

3:2 The meaning of husband of one wife is widely debated. It probably does not refer to the issue of divorce. It could be a prohibition of polygamy, but most likely it refers to marital faithfulness in general. Able to teach is the one requirement in this list that is not necessarily required of all believers. It is also not required of deacons. Thus, it is a distinguishing mark of the pastor (Ti 1:9).

3:3 The requirement of not being an excessive drinker here and “not drinking a lot of wine” in v. 8 should probably be taken as synonymous.

3:4-5 The management of one’s own household is highlighted by the greater amount of discussion given to it. The home is the proving ground of Christian character. This complements the picture of the church as “God’s household” (v. 15).

3:6 The point of this verse is not that new believers tend to be more proud, but that quickly elevating a new convert to a leadership position might result in sinful pride.

3:7 A good church leader is one who has demonstrated his character even to those outside the church. Such is the result of being the kind of man described in vv. 1-6.

3:8 Deacons are the other office of the NT church, in addition to the pastor or elder. Likewise suggests a link between the lists of qualifications. There are striking similarities between the qualifications for pastor/overseer and for deacons. One key distinction is that deacons are not required to be able to teach.

3:9 The word mystery (Gk musterion) is a common Pauline word. It refers to the gospel (1Co 2:7; 4:1; 15:51; Eph 3:4-13; Col 1:25-26; 2:2; 4:3).

3:10 The testing described here would presumably be done by the church under the leadership of the overseers.

3:11 The Greek word behind wives here can mean “women” or “wives.” Context (e.g., v. 2) suggests “wives” is the proper translation choice.

3:12 On husbands of one wife, see note at v. 2.

3:13 This verse highlights the value and importance of the office of deacon by stating two results of good service in this role. Good standing refers to respect and appreciation from the church toward those who serve the church in this way. Great boldness probably refers to the increase in confidence in the faith that comes from serving and seeing the truths of the gospel proven in ministry.

3:14 Paul wanted them to know of his interest in coming to see them soon, but he also wanted them to know that might not be possible.

3:15 This is a significant verse in the letter. It states Paul’s reason for writing and provides a threefold description of the church’s identity and mission. Household refers to the church as God’s family with reference to the governing of the family. The phrase church of the living God highlights the church as the gathering where God most clearly shows his presence. The church as the pillar and foundation of the truth means that God has entrusted to the church the task of promoting and protecting the gospel.

3:16 Again, the word mystery refers to the gospel (v. 9). This verse contains a poetic exposition of the gospel.