1 Timothy 3:1-7

Qualifications of Bishops

Paul turned from leadership in worship to leadership in the church. Men are not to be drafted into this work against their will but must desire this work. Spain says the word desire "means to long for or eagerly desire. Such desire and aspiration is commendable when it issues from a heart filled with love for Christ and his church." The bishop is an overseer or shepherd of God's people, thus the same as pastor. In Acts 20:1-38, Paul called for the elders of the church in Ephesus in verse 17 but referred to their job as that of being bishops, or overseers, over the flock of God in verse 28. The office of bishop is not an honorary one but is referred to by Paul as a task. An elder does not have to be sinlessly perfect, but certainly should have a good reputation. The A. S. V. uses the words "without reproach" and Roberts says, "In the meaning of the original a man is blameless when no charge which had not been corrected can be brought against him." This qualification may actually refer to how a man meets the rest of the items listed.

A bishop must be a one-woman man, or one who has kept God's marriage law. He must also be vigilant, or temperate, which suggests self control. This man must keep his desires in check as Paul told the Corinthians he had to keep his body under him (1 Corinthians 9:27). He further should be a sober-minded man, or one who knows how to be serious when such is called for. Good behavior implies a well-ordered outward life that reflects the inward Lordship of Christ. A man given to hospitality would be concerned about the needs of others (Matthew 25:31-46). He must be a man well acquainted with God's word and ready to use it to the benefit of the flock of God (1 Timothy 3:1-2).

An elder cannot be a man who is addicted to the use of wine. Neither can he be a man with a quick temper that would cause him to strike someone in anger. Also, he cannot be a lover of money who would do anything for personal gain (6:10; Colossians 3:5). A man who is "gentle" is sensitive to the feelings of others and ready to listen. Elders must not be argumentative or constantly seeking a word fight, which is the meaning of “quarrelsome.” A constant desire to possess those things that belong to others is not a characteristic desirable in elders (1 Corinthians 5:10).

Naturally, a man's leadership experiences at home will play a crucial role in how he will lead the church. His children should respect and be subject to him. That the plural form "children" can be Biblically used of people with only one child is evident from a simple reading of Genesis 21:7. If one cannot direct his own family at home, how could he possibly be expected to direct the family of God (1 Timothy 3:3-5)?

An inexperienced Christian should not be considered for the office of bishop because he might fall prey to pride (1 Corinthians 13:4). A man who assumed too much self importance because he was selected as a leader by God's people would find himself in the same condemnation as the devil (Revelation 20:10). Even those outside the body of Christ should recognize the potential elder as a good man. Non-members do not exercise authority in the church because of this statement. Instead, it recognizes our desire to reach the world and the fact that it will be hindered by our selecting leaders who are known as scoundrels to those we try to teach. The snare of the devil may either be a snare laid by him or the same one he fell into. In either case, it would lead to a bad result for the one in it (1 Timothy 3:6-7).