Because some false teachers were now spreading their erroneous
doctrines with assiduity among the believers at Ephesus, and it was
necessary that Timothy (to whom the care of the church there was
committed) should be assisted by some bishops, or elders, and deacons,
well qualified to teach the peopl... [ Continue Reading ]
_A bishop then_ Or an overseer of the flock of Christ, that he may be
capable of such an office; _must be blameless_ In every respect with
regard to his moral character, since any thing which might be amiss in
that would tend to bring a reproach upon his office, and greatly
obstruct his usefulness;... [ Continue Reading ]
_One that ruleth well his own house_ That not only rules it, but rules
it well, and keeps his family in good order: that rules it so as to
promote religion and virtue in all its members; rules it calmly, but
firmly; never using harshness where gentleness and love will produce
the desired effect; _ha... [ Continue Reading ]
_Moreover, he must have a good report_ That is, a fair or good
character, or good testimony, namely, as to the time past; _of them
that are without_ That are not Christians; _lest he fall into
reproach_ By their rehearsing his former life; _and the snare of the
devil_ Which Satan might make a snare... [ Continue Reading ]
_Likewise the deacons_ Of whom see on Acts 6:3, and Philippians 1:1;
_must be grave_ Or _serious_, as some render σεμνους : men of a
steady, decent, and venerable behaviour. No mention is made of
_presbyters_, or elders, as distinct from bishops; evidently because
(as has been observed on 1 Timothy... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let these also_ (The word _also_ implies that the same rule was to be
observed with relation to bishops) _first be proved_ “By the
examination,” says Whitby, “of the soundness of their faith, and
the purity of their former lives: _and then let them_ be admitted to
_use the office of a deacon, being... [ Continue Reading ]
_Even so must their wives_ Namely, the wives of the deacons; _be
grave_ Serious in their deportment; _not slanderers_ Or false accusers
of the brethren and others; _sober_ Or _watchful_, (as
νηφαλεους may be rendered,) for occasions of doing good, and
guarding against every temptation to evil; _fait... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let the deacons_ As well as the bishops; _be husbands of one wife_
That is, such as have shown their temperance by avoiding polygamy and
causeless divorce; (see on 1 Timothy 3:2;) _ruling their children,_
&c. This qualification, which was required in bishops likewise, shows
how anxious the apostle... [ Continue Reading ]
_These things_ Concerning the character of persons fit to be intrusted
with the office of bishops or deacons; _I write, hoping to come to
thee shortly_ It seems evident from hence, that Paul intended to have
come back to Timothy at Ephesus in a little time, but was
providentially called another way;... [ Continue Reading ]