Teks -- 1 Timothy 3:1 (NET)

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3:1 This saying is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.”

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: 1Ti 3:1 - Faithful is the saying

Faithful is the saying ( pistos ho logos ).

Here the phrase points to the preceding words (not like 1Ti 1:15) and should close the preceding paragraph.

Robertson: 1Ti 3:1 - If a man seeketh

If a man seeketh ( ei tis oregetai ).

Condition of first class, assumed as true. Present middle indicative of oregō , old verb to reach out after something, governing the genitive. In N.T. only here, 1Ti 6:10; Heb 11:16.

Robertson: 1Ti 3:1 - The office of a bishop

The office of a bishop ( episkopēs ).

Genitive case after oregetai . Late and rare word outside of lxx and N.T. (in a Lycaonian inscription). From episkopeō and means "over-seership"as in Act 1:20.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:1 - This is a true saying

This is a true saying ( πιστὸς ὁ λόγος )

Better, faithful is the saying . See on 1Ti 1:15.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:1 - Desire

Desire ( ὀρέγεται )

Better, seeketh . Only here, 1Ti 6:10, and Heb 11:16. Originally to stretch forth , to reach after . Here it implies not only desiring but seeking after. Desire is expressed by ἐπιθυμεῖ immediately following. The word implies eagerness, but not of an immoderate or unchristian character. Comp. the kindred word ὄρεξις with its terrible meaning in Rom 1:27.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:1 - The office of a bishop

The office of a bishop ( ἐπισκοπῆς )

o P. Ἑπίσκοπος superintendent , overseer , by Paul only in Phi 1:1. The fundamental idea of the sword is overseeing . The term ἐπίσκοπος was not furnished by the gospel tradition: it did not come from the Jewish synagogue, and it does not appear in Paul's lists of those whom God has set in the church (1Co 12:28; Eph 4:11). Its adoption came about in a natural way. Just as senatus , γερουσία and πρεσβύτερος passed into official designations through the natural association of authority with age, so ἐπίσκοπος would be, almost inevitably, the designation of a superintendent. This process of natural selection was probably aided by the familiar use of the title In the clubs and guilds to designate functions analogous to those of the ecclesiastical administrator. The title can hardly be traced to the O.T. There are but two passages in lxx where the word has any connection with religious worship, Num 4:16; 2Ki 11:18. It is applied to God (Job 20:29), and in N.T. to Christ (1Pe 2:25). It is used of officers in the army and of overseers of workmen. The prevailing O.T. sense of ἐπισκοπὴ is visitation for punishment, inquisition, or numbering.

Vincent: 1Ti 3:1 - He desireth

He desireth ( ἐπιθυμεῖ )

See on 1Pe 1:12.

Wesley: 1Ti 3:1 - He desireth a good work

An excellent, but laborious, employment.

JFB: 1Ti 3:1 - desire

Literally, "stretch one's self forward to grasp"; "aim at": a distinct Greek verb from that for "desireth." What one does voluntarily is more esteemed than what he does when asked (1Co 16:15). This is utterly distinct from ambitious desires after office in the Church. (Jam 3:1).

JFB: 1Ti 3:1 - bishop

Overseer: as yet identical with "presbyter" (Act 20:17, Act 20:28; Tit 1:5-7).

JFB: 1Ti 3:1 - good work

Literally, "honorable work." Not the honor associated with it, but the work, is the prominent thought (Act 15:38; Phi 2:30; compare 2Ti 4:5). He who aims at the office must remember the high qualifications needed for the due discharge of its functions.

Clarke: 1Ti 3:1 - This is a true saying

This is a true saying - Πιστος ὁ λογος· This is a true doctrine. These words are joined to the last verse of the preceding chapter by several of the Greek fathers, and by them referred to the doctrine there stated

Clarke: 1Ti 3:1 - The office of a bishop

The office of a bishop - Επισκοπης· The episcopacy, overseership or superintendency. The word ορεγεται, which we translate desire, signifies earnest, eager, passionate desire; and επιθυμει, which we translate desire, also signifies earnestly to desire or covet. It is strange that the episcopacy, in those times, should have been an object of intense desire to any man; when it was a place of danger, awl exposure to severe labor, want, persecution, and death, without any secular emolument whatsoever. On this ground I am led to think that the Spirit of God designed these words more for the ages that were to come, than for those which were then; and in reference to after ages the whole of what follows is chiefly to be understood

Clarke: 1Ti 3:1 - A good work

A good work - A work it then was; heavy, incessant, and painful. There were no unpreaching prelates in those days, and should be none now. Episcopacy in the Church of God is of Divine appointment, and should be maintained and respected. Under God, there should be supreme governors in the Church as well as in the state. The state has its monarch, the Church has its bishop; one should govern according to the laws of the land, the other according to the word of God

What a constitutional king should be, the principles of the constitution declare; what a bishop should be, the following verses particularly show.

Calvin: 1Ti 3:1 - It is a true saying // If any one desireth the office of a bishop // He desireth an excellent work

1.It is a true saying Chrysostom thinks, that this is the conclusion of the preceding doctrine. But I do not approve of the opinion; for Paul commonly makes use of this form of expression as a prelude to what he is about to introduce, Besides, in the former discourse there was no need of so strong an affirmation; but what he is now about to say, is somewhat more weighty. Let these words, therefore, be received as a preface intended to point out the importance of the subject; for Paul now begins a new discourse about ordaining pastors, and appointing the government of the Church.

If any one desireth the office of a bishop ⁴⁶ Having forbidden women to teach, he now takes occasion to speak of the office of a bishop. First, that it may be more clearly seen that it was not without reason that he refused to allow women to undertake so arduous a work; secondly, that it might not be thought that, by excluding women only, he admitted all men indiscriminately; and, thirdly, because it was highly proper that Timothy and others should be reminded what conscientious watchfulness ought to be used in the election of bishops. Thus the context, in my opinion, is as if Paul had said, that so far are women from being fit for undertaking so excellent an office, that not even men ought to be admitted into it without distinction.

He desireth an excellent work The Apostle affirms that this is no inconsiderable work, such as any man might venture to undertake. When he says that it isκαλός, I have no doubt that he alludes to the ancient Greek proverb, often quoted by Plato, δύσκολα τὰ καλά, which means that “those things which are excellent, are also arduous and difficult;” and thus he unites difficulty with excellence, or rather he argues thus, that it does not belong to every person to discharge the office of a bishop, because it is a thing of great value.

I think that Paul’s meaning is now sufficiently clear; though none of the commentators, so far as I perceive, have understood it. The general meaning is, that a selection ought to be made in admitting bishops, because it is a laborious and difficult charge; and that they who aim at it should carefully consider with themselves, whether or not they were able to bear so heavy a burden. Ignorance is always rash; and a mature knowledge of things makes a man modest. How comes it that they who have neither ability nor wisdom often aspire so confidently to hold the reins of government, but because they rush forward with their eyes shut? On this subject Quintilian remarked, that the ignorant speak boldly, while the greatest orators tremble.

For the purpose of restraining such rashness in desiring the office of a bishop, Paul states, first, that this is not an indolent rank, but a work; and next, that it is not any kind of work, but excellent, and therefore toilsome and full of difficulty, as it actually is. It is no light matter to be a representative of the Son of God, in discharging an office of such magnitude, the object of which is to erect and extend the kingdom of God, to procure the salvation of souls which the Lord himself hath purchased with his own blood, and to govern the Church, which is God’s inheritance. But it is not my intention at present to make a sermon, and Paul will again glance at this subject in the next chapter.

Here a question arises: “Is it lawful, in any way, to desire the office of a bishop?” On the one hand, it appears to be highly improper for any one to anticipate, by his wish, the calling of God, and yet Paul, while he censures a rash desire, seems to permit it to be desired with prudence and modesty. I reply, if ambition is condemned in other matters, much more severely ought it to be condemned in “the office of a bishop.” But Paul speaks of a godly desire, by which holy men wish to employ that knowledge of doctrine which they possess for the edification of the Church. For, if it were altogether unlawful to desire the office of a teacher, why should they who spend all their youth in reading the Holy Scriptures prepare themselves by learning? What are the theological schools but nurseries of pastors?

Accordingly, they who have been thus instructed not only may lawfully devote themselves and their labors to God by a voluntary offering, but even ought to do so, and that too, before they have been admitted unto the office; provided that, nevertheless, they do not thrust themselves forward, and do not, even by their own wish, make themselves bishops, but are only ready to discharge the office, if their labors shall be required. And if it turn out that, according to the lawful order; they are not called, let them know that such was the will of God, and let them not take it in that others have been preferred to them. But they who, without any selfish motive, shall have no other wish than to serve God and the Church, will be affected in this manner; and, at the same time, will have such modesty that they will not be at all envious, if others be preferred to them as being more worthy.

If any one object, that the government of the Church is a matter of so great difficulty, that it ought rather to strike terror into the minds of persons of sound judgment than to excite them to desire it. I reply, that the desire of great men does not rest on confidence of their own industry or virtue, but on the assistance of

“God, from whom is our sufficiency,”

as Paul says elsewhere. (2Co 3:5.) At the same time, it is necessary to observe what it is that Paul calls “the office of a bishop;” and so much the more, because the ancients were led away, by the custom of their times, from the true meaning; for, while Paul includes generally all pastors, they understand a bishop to be one who was elected out of each college to preside over his brethren. Let us remember, therefore, that this word is of the same import as if he had called them ministers, or pastors, or presbyters. ⁴⁷

Defender: 1Ti 3:1 - bishop

The office of "bishop" (Greek episkope) apparently refers to the same office as that of elder or pastor or overseer. The same word is translated "overseers" in Act 20:28 in Paul's address to the Ephesian "elders" (Act 20:17). Similarly, Peter, addressing the "elders" (Greek presbuteros), signifying older men, or at least older in the faith in the churches to whom he was writing, urged them to "feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, ... being ensamples to the flock" (1Pe 5:1-3). The elders are shepherds (which is the same word as pastors) to the flock, consisting of the constituents of their local church. By whatever name they were called, each church, evidently, had one or more "bishops," or pastors, to teach God's Word to the people and to oversee the ministry and testimony of the church as a whole. Pastors (Greek poimen - same word as for shepherds) seem to have been those elders who were particularly responsible for teaching the Word to the congregation, feeding the flock with food from the Scriptures. Note "pastors and teachers" in Eph 4:11. Also see 1Ti 5:17, speaking both of "elders that rule well" and "especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.""

TSK: 1Ti 3:1 - is a // the office // bishop // desireth

is a : 1Ti 1:15, 1Ti 4:9; 2Ti 2:11; Tit 3:8

the office : 1Ti 3:2-7; Act 1:20; Phi 1:1; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 2:25

bishop : Act 20:28; Heb 12:15; 1Pe 4:15, 1Pe 5:2 *Gr.

desireth : Pro 11:30; Luk 15:10; Rom 11:13; Eph 4:12; 1Th 5:14; Jam 5:19, Jam 5:20

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 1Ti 3:1 - This is a true saying // If a man desire the office of a bishop // desireth

1Ti 3:1 The office of a bishop is to be esteemed a good work.

1Ti 3:2-7 The qualifications requisite in a bishop,

1Ti 3:8-13 and in deacons.

1Ti 3:14,15 Why Paul wrote these instructions to Timothy.

1Ti 3:16 The important truths of the Christian revelation.

This is a true sayingpistov , a faithful saying, that which none can dispute, of which none ought to doubt.

If a man desire the office of a bishop if a man desire any office to which belongs an oversight of the church of God. The Greek word episkoph signifies in the general an oversight of others; here the following discourse restrains it to an oversight of persons and affairs in the church. The apostle by this phrase determines this employment lawful, and under due circumstances to be desired, and saith of it, that he who desireth it

desireth kalon ergon , a good work a noble employment; it is a work, the office of the ministry in the church is and ought to be a work. The titles of gospel ministers are not mere titles of honour, and of all works or employments, the ministry is the most noble employment. We (saith the apostle) are stewards of the mysteries of God, ministers of Christ, 1Co 4:1 ; ambassadors for Christ, in Christ’ s stead, 2Co 5:20 ; God’ s angels or messengers to churches, Rev 2:1 . It being so good, so great, and noble an employment, it is no wonder that God hath restrained women, the weaker and more ignoble sex, from invading it, for all men are not fit for it, but only such as are hereafter described.

PBC: 1Ti 3:1

For comments on 1Ti 3:1-7 See GG: 19,25 June 20, 2004

Work - I am amazed at the first qualification, often not actually considered a qualification at all. He desires a good "work." Emphasize the word "work" and you get Paul’s point.

Any man who does not approach his calling to the ministry with the foundational premise that God has called him to "work" has missed his calling. An early definition for the word "ministry," used in the New Testament for both offices of minister and deacon, is to work in the dust. In an agrarian culture the idea was clear. You work in the field with such zeal and constancy that you stir up a dust, but continue to work in the dust. Here you also find the leading idea of work associated with both offices in the church.

Neither office includes the qualification that one who holds the office sits back and directs others to do his work. He leads by example, by working.

SEE also PB: 1Ti 3:8

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Haydock: 1Ti 3:1 - He desireth a good work

He desireth a good work. No doubt but the work, or office, and charge of a bishop is good; but the motive of desiring to be a bishop not always good. However, in those days, the desire could scarce be grounded on temporal advantages. (Witham)

Gill: 1Ti 3:1 - This is a true saying // if a man desire the office of a bishop // he desireth a good work

This is a true saying,.... Some think this clause belongs to the last verse of the preceding chapter; and then the sense is, this is a doctrine that is true, and to be believed, that there is salvation through the birth of a Son, or through the incarnate Son of God, for men and women that believe in him, and continue in the faith of him, and love to him, joined with works of righteousness and holiness. And so the same phrase seems to belong to what goes before in 1Ti 4:8. Though it regards what follows in 1Ti 1:15 and so it seems that it should be considered here; and is used to excite attention, and suggests that what was about to be said was of moment and importance, and what was without controversy, and unquestionably true. The apostle, having denied to women the work and office of teaching, proceeds to observe, that though this belonged to men, yet not to every man; and therefore he gives the qualifications of such; which might serve as a direction to churches, in the choice of them; as well as be a means of stirring up persons in such an office, to a proper regard to themselves and their work:

if a man desire the office of a bishop; which is the same with that of a pastor or elder; and so here the Syriac version renders it, "if a man desires presbytery, or eldership"; and it lies in preaching the word, administering the ordinances of the Gospel, and taking care of the discipline of the church, and in the visiting, inspection, and oversight of it; as the word επισκοπη, "episcopacy", here used, signifies; and this work and office may be lawfully and laudably desired, with a view to the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls. Nor should any undertake it, but such who find in themselves an hearty desire, and inclination to it, on such principles, and a real delight and pleasure in it; and such an one

he desireth a good work: the office of a bishop, elder, or pastor of a church, "is a work", and a very laborious one; wherefore such are called labourers in the word and doctrine: it is not a mere title of honour, and a place of profit, but it is a business of labour and care; yet a good one, a famous and excellent one; it being an employment in things of the greatest excellency in themselves, and of the greatest usefulness for the good of men, and the honour of God; as the doctrines, ordinances, and discipline of the Gospel; and so must be excellently, honestly, pleasantly, and profitably a good work.