Commentary
by Walter Albritton
The Biblical
Qualities Expected of
1 Timothy 3:1-13;
Key Verse: They
must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. – 1
Timothy 3:9
After
Pentecost, the early church began to grow rapidly. Some of the Apostles offered
leadership, especially Peter. Paul, however, quickly emerged as the dominant
leader of the expanding church. The new church needed structure and a game plan
for local leadership. Paul provided both structure and a strategy for
leadership in the Pastoral Epistles, his letters to Timothy and Titus.
Through his
missionary travels, and his letters, Paul kept up with the struggling young
church. He recognized the need for capable leaders and outlined the qualities
needed by those chosen to serve.
Some leaders
were given the title “elder,” while others were called “deacon.” The word
“elder” is sometimes translated in English as “overseer,” or “bishop.” In the
first century, an elder or bishop did not have authority over several churches,
as is the case today. In the beginning, the “elder” served as the pastor, or
shepherd, of the congregation.
The word
“deacon” comes from the Greek word meaning “servant.” Deacons assisted the elders
in the work of the church. In a sense, the elder preached and taught the Word,
while the deacon demonstrated or acted out the gospel. Deacons did this by
meeting the needs of the church members, especially widows, orphans, and the
needy.
In recent years,
the
Paul offers a
long list of the qualities required of an elder. They are:
1. The
desire for noble service. To desire, or set one’s heart on, the work
of an elder is an honorable thing, since it is a noble ministry. Perhaps,
between the lines, Paul is saying that the office should not be sought by
anyone with a selfish ambition.
2.
Known for Integrity. The
elder should be a person of honor and have a good reputation. To be “blameless”
or “above reproach” does mean “perfect.”
3.
The husband of one wife. Faithfulness
in marriage is necessary. Unfaithfulness in marriage disqualifies one from
serving as an elder. This requirement is often debated but the bottom line is
that a quality marriage is necessary for good leaders.
4.
Disciplined. Personal
discipline is required. To be vigilant, sober, and temperate, is to be
self-controlled. One who cannot control his own desires cannot expect to lead
others.
5.
The gift of hospitality. The
church is not an exclusive club. A good leader will care about strangers and
readily welcome others to share the benefits of the redemptive fellowship. As a
traveling evangelist, Paul knew what it was like to receive the gift of hospitality
from others.
6.
Able to Teach. The
work of the elder requires the ability to teach the truth of the gospel.
7.
A wise and healthy user of wine. Wine
was a common drink in the first century. However, drunkenness was not
acceptable for an elder of the church.
8.
Gentle, not quarrelsome. A good
leader must be a temperate person who is not given to violence or brawling.
9.
Not Covetous. Paul
understood that an elder must not be a greedy person or a lover of money. Paul
warned Timothy that it is “the love of money” that is the root of evil.
10. A
good manager of his family. The orderly leadership of one’s family, or
household, is necessary before one can be expected to give leadership to the
“household” of God.
11. Spiritual
Maturity. Recent converts are not qualified to serve
as elders. The obvious reason is the danger of pride in being elevated so
quickly to a leadership role. There is no substitute for a certain degree of
spiritual growth for one to lead others successfully.
12. A good reputation in the community. An effective
church leader must have the respect of outsiders in the community. Without such
respect, an elder may become an easy prey to the devil’s snare of pride.
The
qualities required of deacons are similar to those expected of elders. Both
have different functions in the church but those chosen for service must be
persons of noble character and a good reputation.
Churches
have certain obligations to their leaders, and these Paul underlines. Leaders
deserve honor as well as pay. Those who labor with integrity, fulfilling their
duties honorably, are worthy of their reward.
All
leaders will receive criticism. Accusations must be supported by two or three
witnesses. This is a wise rule and when it is followed, there is less
disruption of the Lord’s work in our churches.
Churches
must have good leaders if they are to prosper. May God give us the wisdom to
choose the finest persons of character and honor as our leaders, and never
settle for anything less! In addition, may we support our leaders with fervent
prayer and loving affirmation!
+ + + + (Contact Walter at walbritton@elmore.rr.com)