1 Timothy 3:1
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The emerging church needed organized leadership to maintain doctrinal purity and practical order. While charismatic leadership (apostles, prophets) had guided the earliest churches, settled pastoral oversight became necessary as apostles died and churches matured. The offices of elder/bishop and deacon provided this ongoing leadership structure.
"Bishop" (episkopos) was used in Greco-Roman culture for civic officials who supervised public affairs. Paul adapts this term for church leaders who oversee congregations. The qualification list that follows would have been recognizable to ancient readers as similar to requirements for civic officials, though with distinctly Christian content—moral character and spiritual maturity matter more than social status or rhetorical skill.
Timothy's task in Ephesus included appointing qualified elders to counter false teaching and lead the church faithfully. Paul's affirmation that aspiring to this office is good encouraged qualified men to pursue it while the subsequent qualifications ensured only those truly prepared would be appointed. The balance between encouraging aspiration and maintaining standards remains relevant for churches today.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your church identify, encourage, and prepare men who demonstrate calling and gifting for eldership?
- What motivations drive your own ministry aspirations—godly desire to serve or ungodly ambition for recognition?
- In what ways do you view church leadership as demanding work requiring divine enabling rather than honorific position?
Analysis & Commentary
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Paul introduces the second "faithful saying" in the Pastorals, affirming that aspiring to church leadership is noble. "If a man desire" (ei tis oregetai, εἴ τις ὀρέγεται) suggests legitimate aspiration, not mere ambition. "The office of a bishop" (episkopēs, ἐπισκοπῆς) literally means "oversight"—the role of overseeing, shepherding, and leading the church. "Bishop" (episkopos) and "elder" (presbyteros) refer to the same office in the New Testament, used interchangeably.
"He desireth a good work" (kalou ergou epithymei, καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ) describes leadership as "work"—active service requiring effort, not merely honorific position. "Good" (kalos, καλός) means noble, excellent, beautiful—leading Christ's church is glorious labor. This positive affirmation counters potential hesitation: aspiring to spiritual leadership, when properly motivated and qualified, is commendable.
However, the qualifications Paul lists (vv. 2-7) demonstrate that desire alone doesn't qualify someone for leadership. Godly aspiration must be matched by biblical qualifications, congregational recognition, and divine calling. The church needs leaders; noble aspiration to serve in leadership is good; but only those meeting rigorous biblical standards should be appointed.