III. Qualifications for Leaders in God’s Household (1 Timothy 3:1-16)

III. Qualifications for Leaders in God’s Household (3:1-16)

3:1 Having addressed the restriction of women from the office of final authority (2:11-15; see also Titus 1:5-9), Paul goes on to explain to Timothy the qualifications for appointing men as overseers. The term overseer is interchangeable in the New Testament with the term elder (see Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7). It is also interchangeable with the office of pastor, because overseers and elders are charged with the pastoral duty of “shepherding” (see Acts 20:17; 1 Pet 5:1-2) and serving as the final human authority in the church. Paul tells Timothy that to desire to serve in this leadership role is a noble aspiration.

3:2-3 Paul then provides a list of qualifications for overseers. Most of these requirements have to do with the character of the man who aspires to exercise spiritual authority in the church. At the top of the list is that he must be above reproach—that is, he must be blameless. There should be no grounds for accusing him of improper behavior. He should also be the husband of one wife—a necessary stipulation in a culture in which men often took more than one wife (3:2).

Furthermore, an overseer must be self-controlled (not enslaved to the desires of the flesh), sensible (wise and balanced in his judgment), respectable (living an ordered and honorable life), hospitable (selflessly willing to share with others), able to teach (capable of communicating God’s truth), not an excessive drinker (not addicted to alcohol), not a bully but gentle (characterized by tenderness), not quarrelsome (not given to starting fights), not greedy (free from the love of money).

3:4-5 As a husband and father, an overseer must be able to manage his own household and lead his children well. After all, if he can’t manage his own home, how will he take care of God’s church? (3:5). To competently manage one’s home or church does not mean that no problems arise. It means that when they do, he takes responsibility for addressing them biblically and properly.

3:6-7 An overseer should not be a new convert, a babe in Christ; instead, he should exhibit maturity after having been a believer for a period of time. Otherwise he may be easily tempted to conceit and pride, which brought the devil’s downfall (3:6). He should have a good reputation among those outside the church and not bring disgrace on Christ’s name and his people (3:7). Though outsiders may not believe what the church teaches, they should be able to respect the overseer for his character and integrity.

3:8-10 After addressing overseers, Paul gives qualifications for deacons (3:8). The Greek word for this role is diakonos, which means “servant.” The deacon is to execute the ministry for the well-being of the people by serving them under the leadership of the overseers / elders. The qualifications for deacon are similar to those of overseers, demanding high-quality character (3:8-9). The only differences are that deacons are not required to be able to teach or to manage the church (see 3:2, 4-5).

Nevertheless, a deacon is to hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (3:9). That is, he must be well grounded in Christian doctrine. Furthermore, potential candidates for deacon should be tested first, demonstrating faithfulness and service in the life of the church before they assume the role.

3:11 The Greek word rendered wives in the CSB could also be rendered “women.” Thus, it could be referring to the wives of deacons or to female deacons (deaconesses). Most likely, Paul speaks here of the latter (see Rom 16:1-2). First, the fact that he returns to deacon qualifications in 3:12 indicates that he is speaking throughout 3:11-13 of the requirements for male and female deacons. Second, it would be odd for Paul to provide qualifications for deacons’ wives but say nothing about overseers’ wives in 3:1-7.

3:12-13 Like overseers (3:2), deacons must be husbands of one wife and be able to manage their children and households well (3:12). Those who function faithfully as deacons and deaconesses have a good standing before God for their selfless service (3:13). He will reward them for their devotion and sacrifice.

3:14-16 When Paul went to Macedonia, he had to leave Timothy in Ephesus (1:3). Though he hoped to return to Ephesus soon, this letter was to provide Timothy with instruction if the apostle was delayed (3:14-15). It focuses on the church’s motivation, Master, mission, and message (3:15-16).

As God’s household, the people of God needed to know how to conduct themselves (3:15). Our motivation for gathering together is that we may learn how to live differently under God’s kingdom rule as members of his family. This includes knowing how to raise up godly church leadership, as Paul has just described (3:1-13). The problem with many Christians is that they are out of kingdom alignment. As a result, they don’t run straight. The job of the church is to bring people into alignment with God’s character.

Paul also reminds Timothy of the Master of the household: it is the church of the living God (3:15). The church is no human institution. Man neither created it nor determines how it is run. The Lord Jesus purchased the church with his own blood (Acts 20:28), and he is the head of the church (Eph 1:22; Col 1:18). It’s his house, and he decides the rules.

Next the apostle describes the church’s mission: It is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). Truth is the fixed standard by which reality is measured. It is God’s perspective on every subject. Truth is absolute and non-negotiable. Jesus told his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The church is tasked with the mission of undergirding and upholding this reality.

Finally, in 3:16, we find the distinctive message or confession of the church—the mystery of godliness, something that was formerly unknown but which has now been revealed. This was a hymn sung by the church in Paul’s day, affirming the good news about Jesus Christ. It sets forth the core beliefs about Christ that need to operate in a believer’s life to promote godliness.

Manifested in the flesh is a reference to the incarnation of the Son of God. Vindicated in the Spirit means Jesus was declared by the Father as his beloved Son, empowered by the Spirit to perform supernatural works, and raised from the dead. Seen by angels reminds us that heavenly beings attended Jesus at his birth, temptation, resurrection, and ascension, signifying divine approval. Preached among the nations refers to the proclamation of the gospel to the world. Believed on in the world refers to faith in Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Taken up in glory references Christ’s ascension into heaven.