1 Timothy 3:4

4 He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect.

1 Timothy 3:4 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:4

One that ruleth well his own house
His family, wife, children, and servants; and is not to be understood of his body, and of keeping of that under, and of preserving it chaste and temperate, as appears from what follows:

having his children in subjection with all gravity;
keeping a good decorum in his family; obliging his children to observe his orders, and especially the rules of God's word; and not as Eli, who did not use his authority, or lay his commands upon his sons, nor restrain them from evil, or severely reprove them for their sins, but neglected them, and was too mild and gentle with them; 1Sa 2:23 3:13
but like Abraham, who not only taught, but commanded his children and his household, to keep the way of the Lord; ( Genesis 18:19 ) and so should those act who are in such an office as is here treated of; and should not only rule well in their families, preside over them, go before them, and set an example to them, and keep their children in obedience and subjection; but this should be "with all gravity": not only in the master of the family, but in the children; who as their father is, or should be, should be brought up in, and used to gravity in words and in dress; and in the whole of their deportment and conversation. This may he observed against the Papists, who forbid marriage to the ministers of the Gospel.

1 Timothy 3:4 In-Context

2 An elder must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach.
3 He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money.
4 He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect.
5 (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God's church?)
6 But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.