1 Timothy 3:5

5 (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God's church?)

1 Timothy 3:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:5

For if a man know not how to rule his own house
Which is an affair of less importance, and more easy to be done; not requiring so much resolution, prudence, care, and thought:

how shall he take care of the church of God?
preside over it, rule in it, provide for it, and see that everything is in its proper place, and done according to the will of God. The argument is from the lesser to the greater.

1 Timothy 3:5 In-Context

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.

7 An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil's trap.