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1 Timothy 3

World English Bible

WEB

1This is a faithful saying: someone who seeks to be an overseer desires a good work. 2The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; 3not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; 5(for how could someone who doesn’t know how to rule his own house take care of God’s assembly?) 6not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money, 9holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless. 11Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, and faithful in all things. 12Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly, 15but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

1 Timothy Chapter 3 provides essential guidelines for church leadership, emphasizing the qualifications for those who aspire to be overseers and deacons. The chapter begins by stating that desiring the role of an overseer is a noble task, but it also outlines specific character traits and moral standards that must be met. An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. These qualities reflect the importance of integrity and spiritual maturity in leadership, as they serve as examples to the congregation. The chapter also highlights the necessity of managing one’s household well, as a leader’s ability to govern their family is indicative of their capability to lead the church (#overseer, #leadership).

The text further discusses the role of deacons, who are also required to meet certain standards, including being dignified, not double-tongued, and holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. The qualifications for both overseers and deacons underscore the importance of character and faithfulness in service to the church. Paul concludes the chapter by reminding Timothy of the significance of the church as the household of God, the pillar and foundation of truth. This chapter serves as a vital reminder that church leadership is not merely a position of authority but a calling to reflect Christ’s character and serve the body of believers with humility and grace (#deacon, #church).

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Referenced by

  1. Exodus 18:21v1Exodus 18:21 outlines the qualities of leaders, paralleling the qualifications for church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, emphasizing integrity, capability, and fear of God.
  2. Titus 1:9v2Both passages outline the qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing the importance of holding firmly to sound doctrine and being able to teach.

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