_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 3:1. THIS IS A TRUE SAYING.—See note on 1 Timothy 1:15. IF ANY MAN DESIRE THE OFFICE OF A BISHOP.—It is generally admitted that to the latest New Testament times the terms “bishop” and “presbyter” were applied to the same persons. Whether subsequent develo... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 3:8. DEACONS.—Originally dispensers of the Church’s bounty, they came to be regarded as the subordinates of the presbyters. NOT GREEDY.—Like the first purser of the Church. 1 Timothy 3:10. FIRST BE PROVED.—In allusion to what is said of the bishop in 1 Ti... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ 1 Timothy 3:15. HOW THOU OUGHTEST TO BEHAVE THYSELF.—The language seems open to a double interpretation, as the R.V. shows—“how men ought to behave.” Perhaps St. Paul meant that his letter should teach Timothy what men should be in office, as well as the officials t... [ Continue Reading ]