Paul begins the next section of his letter to Timothy with his instructions concerning elders or overseers. Understanding this passage is crucial to selecting good and godly leaders for any church. It’s a pretty detailed explanation, more than anything else Paul address in this brief letter.
Take a look at this week’s passage, the beginning of this section, in 1 Timothy 3:1-3:
Paul begins with the phrase, “Here is a trustworthy saying.” This is the second of four uses of this phrase in 1 Timothy alone, and even more in 2 Timothy and Titus. Paul is using this as a statement indicating emphasis. In effect, Paul is saying, “Listen up. This is important.”
Paul begins his description of the overseers or the elders of the church. Timothy probably didn’t need to appoint elders, like Titus had on the isle of Crete. The church in Ephesus was already established and had leaders. Paul is giving Timothy a picture of what those leaders should look like, especially in light of the false teachings he’s already addressed earlier in the letter.
Paul tells Timothy that the task of being an elder is a very noble thing. But just what is an elder or overseer? Paul uses a word that means “to look after the needs of another.” This is a position that involves ministry and leadership. Paul gives several qualities describing this noble task. Let’s take a look at each one.
Above reproach
Since this is such a noble task, there are certain qualities that are required in order to fill this role. The first is to be above reproach. In fact, this is an umbrella for all the qualities that follow. This are not optional. This is essential. And everything that follows gives us an ideas of what it looks like to be “above reproach.”
The husband of but one wife
This phrase has been the victim of much misunderstanding through the years. Some suggest that Paul is prohibiting polygamy, others think that he’s saying second marriages are out of the question. But these don’t make sense. Polygamy wasn’t widespread in Ephesus, so that’s unlikely. And if a man’s wife dies, that doesn’t make him unfit for service in the church. More likely, Paul is referring to marital integrity here. The phrase could be translated as “a one woman man.” Activities such as sexual unfaithfulness, adultery, and fornication are forbidden for all believers, and leaders are being watch even closer. It was important that they remain faithful.
Divorce and remarriage further complicate the issue. An elder must reinforce Jesus’ teaching that a husband and wife were to be committed to one another for life. Flagrant divorce would not serve to communicate this teaching well, and the character of such wouldn’t be classified as above reproach. But there are circumstances where this isn’t the case. I’m not confident that Paul is disqualifying all divorced men here. A man must display that he is a “one woman man,” and be an example for the church to imitate.
Temperate, self-controlled
Paul uses two word here to convey the same idea. And that idea is that church leaders need to be clear headed, thoughtful, prudent, and use good judgment. Rash behavior is the opposite of what Paul is describing here.
Respectable
This word is very similar to the two Paul just listed, but carries enough difference to be noted. While the temperate and self-controlled may or may not be noticed in the public forum, being respectable is a very public characteristic. If a leader of the church isn’t held in high esteem in his community, the question why must be asked. The elder should be virtuous enough to be respected by others, especially non-believers.
Hospitable
The word Paul uses here is literally a “lover of strangers.” This is especially necessary in order to reach out to those who don’t know Christ and bring them into the family of God.
Able to teach
If a man desires to be an elder, he must be able to teach the truths and doctrines of the Christian faith to others. It is necessary to correctly present the Word of God, just as it is necessary to refute false teaching.
Not given to drunkenness
Drunkenness was a very common sight in the Greco-Roman world. And drunkenness does not lend itself well to being self-controlled. While wine was a common drink in the first century for almost everyone, it could still be a problem. That has only intensified in twenty-first century culture, and most alcoholic beverages lend themselves to drunkenness too easily. In my own opinion, even the appearance could be detrimental to a leader’s credibility.
Not violent but gentle
While the word literally implies a physical strike, Paul’s uses of “violent” here more likely means that the leader refuses to lash our irrationally.
Not quarrelsome
Similar to the last phrase, Paul expects the leader to not be contentious. He must instead be peaceable and gentle.
Not a lover of money
A materialistic nature has no place in the life of a church leader. Greed and avarice frequently lead to further sins, and it often doesn’t take long. This warning against greed appears in every list of qualifications for leadership in the New Testament. It’s that important.
Though the description of a godly leader continues through the next several verses, this is where we will stop for this week. And, looking back on the list, it’s a lot to take in.
I don’t know about you, but just reviewing this list has renewed conviction in some of these areas for my life. Because I want to be the best possible leader I can be for God, both so I will please him, and so that I will be an example for others to see.
My prayer is the same for you.
This is a pretty big list already, and there are several more verses to go. Do you see anything in this list that speaks to you and your life? If so, what are you going to do about it? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.