1 Timothy 3 (NIV)
In this chapter, Paul is giving Timothy instruction on how to choose leadership for the church. This is a good instruction to remember, as leaders have a tendency to make leaders based more on need rather than qualifications. As a result, many times leadership is the biggest problem in a church and this can cause hardship in the congregants. The congregants trust their leadership and it is very important to only appoint those who are qualified and tested in the interest of keeping the people safe. The two letters to Timothy and the one to Titus contain a scripture-based plan for church government, which can also be used as an instruction to ministers. Timothy was left at Ephesus to take care of those the Holy Spirit had appointed there. The Ephesians had a strong connection to Paul and didn’t really want him to leave, since he had established the church there. Paul trusted Timothy with the task of keeping things in order.
You will notice as we study this scripture that the modern church has gone back to the basics and modeled itself more to the original design of the church as God appointed it.
Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
Overseer – Greek word ἐπισκοπή (episkopē)
Strong: G1984
GK: G2175
inspection, oversight, visitation; of God, visitation, interposition, whether in mercy or judgment, Lk. 19:44; 1 Pet. 2:12; the office of an ecclesiastical overseer, 1 Tim. 3:1; from the Hebrew, charge, function, Acts 1:20
The overseer is translated in some denominations as “bishop”. This is one who has been appointed by God, and it is a ministry that requires work. This person is responsible for a particular congregation of Christians.
In the New Testament, a bishop is a person who functions as a teaching leader among a local group of Christians. The Greek term episkapos has also been translated as “episcopal,” “elder,” “overseer,” or “pastor.” All refer to the same office and are therefore synonyms.
In the earliest churches, their leaders were simply referred to as “elders.” For example, in Acts 20:17 we read, “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.” In Philippians 1:1, Paul introduces his letter “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.” Apparently, there were originally only two leadership positions in the church: elders (or bishops) and deacons.
Now that we know that overseer refers to the pastor of the local church, you can understand why it is so important that they hold these qualities in their personal lives. They are responsible for the spiritual growth of a congregation of believers, and will be held accountable to God as to whether they have done the job God appointed them to do. They are given the task of taking lives from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to the power of God. This is why a pastor should be certain that he (or she) is called by God and not seeking some position or recognition. It is a “good work” but comes with great responsibility. Those in this position need to be above reproach in their personal and spiritual lives.
8 In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Deacons in the Greek: διάκονος (diakonos)
Strong: G1249
GK: G1356
one who renders service to another; an attendant, servant, Mt. 20:26; 22:13; Jn. 2:5, 9; one who executes a commission, a deputy, Rom. 13:4; Χριστοῦ, Θεοῦ, ἐν κυρίῳ, etc. a commissioned minister or preacher of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 6:4; a minister charged with an announcement or sentence, 2 Cor. 3:6; Gal. 2:17; Col. 1:23; a minister charged with a significant characteristic, Rom. 15:8; a servitor, devoted follower, Jn. 12:26; a deacon or deaconess, whose official duty was to superintend the alms of the Church, with other kindred services, Rom. 16:1; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12
The deacons were the “heads of ministry” in the early church. They collected the offerings, fed the widows, took care of the sick and the poor. These were our modern day ushers, greeters, children’s teachers, bible study teachers, worship ministry, etc. These people are also supposed to be of a similar integrity. If they are not humble, they will think higher of themselves and possibly even try to split the church by appointing themselves as pastors. They must teach only what they are asked to teach by their leadership, they must be honest with money so they are not tempted to steal the offering. They are to serve, not looking for a title or a position, and they are to be of good integrity so they are respected by the people. This scripture refers to the women as well, because they also served both alone and alongside their husbands. The deacons also hold a responsibility to the congregation to be an example of Godly service and humility.
Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,[d]
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
As you can see, the churches that Paul started were set with a leadership design with an Apostle (who planted the church), an Overseer (who teaches the church), and Deacons (who serve the church). Our church is designed in the same manner. If there is an assistant pastor appointed, it is someone who is training for their own ministry and they are not assigned to the same church they are trained in.
Footnotes:
a 1 Timothy 3:4 Or him with proper
b 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
c 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
d 1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit
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