1 Timothy 3:1-13

3:1-13 | The spiritual health of the church is determined by the quality of its leadership. This is even more true when the church is threatened by false teaching, as the one in Ephesus was. Paul’s words here are meant to guide Timothy in choosing qualified, exemplary leaders (pastors and deacons). See also Titus 1:5-9.

3:1 | Biblical leadership is a paradox; instead of telling people to claw their way to the top, Jesus said, “if anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Pual uses two different Greek works to describe desires. One means “reaches out after or aspires to.” The second suggests the idea of an inward longing for something. These words together portray the right attitude for people in ministry – those who eagerly pursue ministry and service do so because they deeply long to do God’s will.

3:2-7 | As Paul outlines a plan for church governance (see also Titus 1), he begins with the pastor or bishop (the Greek word is also translated “elder”). This person is responsible for the oversight and spiritual care of the church and must be able to teach. These qualifications – which include concise descriptions of a leader’s marriage, family life, public and private behavior, attitude and reputation – all fall under the charge to be blameless. The word must reveals that living this kind of life is a prerequisite for leaders.

3:4-5 | The character of a leader is as evident at home, among family, as it is in the official duties of the church. If those who want to lead the church cannot control their own households, how can they expect to watch over God’s household? Godly leadership begins at home.

3:6 | This requirement that a pastor not be a novice reflects Paul’s admonition to “not lay hands on anyone hastily” (5:22). In both statements, Paul urges Timothy to be careful about the people he appoints to leadership. If spiritually immature believers are put in positions of authority in the church, they will be more susceptible to error and false teaching and perhaps to pride and sin. Cultivating maturity, wisdom, and character takes time.

3:7 | Because the church reflects Christ to an unbelieving world, its testimony is critical. And leadership is the first place the outside world will look when it forms its opinions about the household of God.

3:8-13 | The qualities for deacons (meaning “ones who serve”) are virtually identical to those for the bishop or elder, except that a bishop is expected to be able to teach. Like the bishop, the deacon must be one whose heart is impelled by Christ, whose character is formed by Christ, and whose mind is focused on Christ.