I Timothy

By Joyce Webb 2024

Chapter 3      Verse 1-16

Vs. 1 Paul is writing to Timothy.
He said: If a man wants to be a bishop—he desires a good thing.

(A bishop was a leader in the church. Not all churches nowadays have bishops. Some call the leaders by other names—-such as elders—or deacons —–or board members.)

Vs. 2 There are some requirements to be a chosen as a bishop.

Paul said a bishop should be without blame. He should not have done things or be doing things that people would think was wrong.
He should have one wife.
He should be sober—not someone who drinks too much.
He should behave properly and right.
He should be given to hospitality—meaning someone who opens their home to allow others to come visit, or share a meal, or maybe allow them to stay overnight.
(In other words, he should be friendly, open hearted, generous.)
He should have the ability to teach others.

Vs. 3 He should not be given to wine (meaning too much wine)—-in that country and at that time—a cup of wine was often part of a meal.

(I grew up in a church that preached never to drink any alcoholic drinks—-none—ever.
That is good advice—-if you never touch it—-you will never have a drinking problem.

A person never knows how alcohol will affect them. For some people alcohol becomes addictive quickly.

However, in reading the Bible in various places—I do not see where the Bible says to never, ever drink wine.

In fact, Paul told Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach’s sake. I Timothy 5:23.

The Bible has a number of verses that say — do not drink so much you are drunk. Drunkenness is wrong.

If you never ever touch it—you will never have to worry about becoming drunk.

However, if you do drink—as a Christian—you have a responsibility to keep yourself with discipline when you drink—and not drink much.)

Vs. 3 A church leader:

Not to be a person who strikes out at others—fights with others.
Not a person who is greedy and is much concerned with getting rich.
A person who is patient with others.
Not a person who gets in arguments and or fights.
Not a person who is jealous and has envy for what others have.
Vs. 4 Is a person who can rule or lead his own family well. His children are obedient and well behaved.

Vs. 5 (Because, if a man can not lead and “rule” he own house well —–how can he lead those in the church of God?)

Vs. 6 He should not be “new” to the Christian beliefs. Because if he is a new Christian—and he becomes a leader of others—he may become proud and Satan will tempt him to sin.

Vs. 7 He must have a good report from other people—even from people not in the church—he must have a reputation as a good man—so that they will not fall into temptation and bring a bad name to the church of God.

Vs. 8 Men as leaders as deacons—-have requirements the same as bishops.

They must be serious minded. Not lie or deceive.
Not given to too much wine.
Not greedy nor concerned with getting rich.

Vs. 9 They must be sincere and love the scriptures and have faith.

Vs. 10 You should “prove” this men first before they are allowed to be leaders. You should know that they are good Christian men.

Vs. 11 Their wives should also be serious minded. Not women who gossip and say bad things about others.

They should be faithful in all things.

Vs. 12 The deacons must be husbands of one wife.

Ruling and leading their house and children in a good way.

Vs. 13 As a deacon they have the responsibility to be a leader in faith and they should be bold in their testimony.

Vs. 14 Paul said: I am writing these things to you and I hope to come see you soon.

Vs. 15 But if I can not come right away—then I have written these things so you know how to lead the churches.

Vs. 16 God showed himself in the flesh—in Jesus—he was justified by the Spirit, he was seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, he was believed on by those in the world, he was received up into glory.