Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Timothy 3:1

For πιστός D2* has ἀνθρώπινος, following its Latin version humanus, which is also read by m; g has humanus vel fidelis. see on 1 Timothy 1:15.

1. πιστὸς ὁ λόγος. This formula (see on 1 Timothy 1:15) has been referred (e.g. by Chrysostom) to the words which precede, but it seems better to take it with the terse sentence which follows, viz.: If any man aspires to the episcopate, he desires a noble work. On the force of καλός see on 1 Timothy 1:8; 1 Timothy 2:10 above; it is, however, the word ἔργον upon which stress is laid, not the dignity or the honour of the episcopate, but its proper duties (negotium not otium). There is nothing in the maxim inconsistent with the spirit expressed by Nolo episcopari; unwillingness to undertake so heavy a burden may coexist with a full sense of the gravity and importance of the episcopal function. It is to be borne in mind that at this stage of the Church’s existence, the duties of the ἐπίσκοπος would be rather hazardous than honourable in the sight of men; and a maxim like this might well have arisen from the unwillingness of Christian converts to be raised to so conspicuous a position as that which the official representatives of the Church would necessarily occupy.

ὀρέγεται. Outside 1 Tim. the word is only found in the Greek Bible in Hebrews 11:16; but it is common in profane authors. It conveys no bad sense of ‘grasping,’ and is a true vox media. Aspires to gives its proper force.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Timothy 3:1

Old Testament

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