ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Timothy 3

1 Tim. 3:1–7 In listing the qualifications for the overseer of a church, Paul emphasizes character rather than specific duties. The list describes a person of mature Christian character whose faith has had a tangible impact on his behavior.

1 Tim. 3:1 The terms overseer, “elder,” and “pastor” (or “shepherd”) are used in the NT to refer to the same role.

1 Tim. 3:2–3 The meaning of husband of one wife is widely debated. The Greek phrase literally states, “of one woman [wife] man [husband].” (1) Many scholars understand this to mean “having the character of a one-woman man,” that is, “faithful to his wife.” A similar phrase is used in 5:9 as a qualification for widows, where it seems to refer to the trait of faithfulness. (2) Another view is that “husband of one wife” means polygamists cannot be elders. Interpreters who hold this view note that there is evidence of polygamy being practiced in some Jewish circles at the time. According to both of these views, Paul does not say elders may marry only once; he does not prohibit marriage after divorce or the death of a spouse (see 5:14). (3) A third view is that Paul requires that an elder be someone who has never married more than once. But that does not fit the context as well, since its emphasis is on present character. able to teach. This is the only example in this list of the pastor/elder’s actual duties (see note on Titus 1:9).

1 Tim. 3:4–5 Good management of one’s own household is in keeping with Paul’s picture of the church as “the household of God” (v. 15).

1 Tim. 3:7 well thought of by outsiders. See 2:2; 5:7; 14; 6:1.

1 Tim. 3:8–13 Along with elders (vv. 1–7), deacons have specific responsibilities in the NT church (see Phil. 1:1). Likewise (1 Tim. 3:8) suggests a link between the lists of qualifications for elders and deacons, and there are striking similarities. One key difference is that deacons are not required to be able to teach. The NT contains little discussion of the role of deacons (although, see note on Acts 6:6). The Greek word means “servant,” so the role probably involved responsibility for various areas of service in the church.

1 Tim. 3:9 Mystery refers here to the entire revealed content of God’s plan of salvation through Christ (see 1 Cor. 4:1; Eph. 3:4–13; Col. 1:26–27; 2:2). with a clear conscience. Deacons must understand the gospel, and their behavior must be consistent with it.

1 Tim. 3:10 Deacons should be tested, presumably under the leadership of the overseers.

1 Tim. 3:11 As the esv footnote indicates, the Greek word for “wives” can mean either “women” or “wives.” The text could refer to: (1) the wives of deacons (their wives); (2) women who serve with men as deacons (the word “their” is not a distinct word in the original Greek); or (3) women who are distinct from the male deacons but who perform similar tasks (sometimes called “deaconesses”). Romans 16:1 refers to Phoebe as a “servant” or “deacon” or “deaconess” (see note on Rom. 16:1).

1 Tim. 3:12 husband of one wife. See note on vv. 2–3.

1 Tim. 3:13 good standing. Respect and appreciation from the church. great confidence. Probably refers to the increase in confidence that comes from seeing the power of the gospel regularly proven in ministry.

1 Tim. 3:14–16 Purpose of Writing: Behavior in the Church. Paul states the purpose of his letter and reveals its central focus. How one ought to behave in the church summarizes the instructions to groups in the church (2:1–3:13; 5:1–6:2), the instructions to Timothy, and the warnings against false teachers (1:3–20; 4:1–16; 6:3–20). True doctrine leads to right living.

1 Tim. 3:15 Paul provides one of the key NT descriptions of the church’s identity and mission. He often uses household and related words to describe the church and its ministry (see Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 4:17). The church is like a family, with similar responsibility and authority. pillar and buttress of the truth. God has given the church the task of sharing and protecting the gospel (that is, “the truth”; see note on 1 Tim. 2:4).

1 Tim. 3:16 Paul offers a poetic exposition of the gospel—perhaps a hymn—whose source is unknown. mystery of godliness. See note on v. 9. Great indeed, we confess. This introduction may be calling on the Ephesian church to affirm this statement and its doctrinal implications. The basic idea is clear: God the Son has been revealed in human flesh (resulting in the crucifixion, line 1); he was vindicated by the resurrection (line 2); afterward he was seen by angels in victory (line 3); the message of salvation has been proclaimed among the nations, that is, among the Gentiles (line 4); this preaching has been effective (believed on, line 5); taken up (line 6) seems most naturally to refer to the ascension, although chronologically it would precede lines 4 and 5.