1 Timothy 3:1

Translations

Modern

This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.

Traditional

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Literal

Trustworthy is the word: If anyone aspires to overseership, he is desirous of a good work.

Latin

Fidelis sermo: si quis episcopatum desiderat, bonum opus desiderat.

Original

Greek

English

This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.

Notes

1 Timothy 3:1

trustworthy saying: See study note on 1:15.
an overseer: Some translations assume that overseer and church leader refer to the same role (see study note on 5:17–18; see Titus 1:5–7). In the Greek and Roman world, an overseer was a supervisor in religious, civic, or military contexts. The traditional translation of this term is "bishop" (see King James Version).

1 Timothy 3:1–13

The topic shifts to church leadership by overseers and deacons (3:1–7; 8–13). Timothy’s role in the appointments is less plain than that of Titus (see 5:17–22; Titus 1:5). This may be because the church in Ephesus was more mature and better able to manage the process (see Acts 6:2–6).

The criteria listed here focus on character rather than function. It partly responds to the local false teachers and their followers. Reading this letter in the churches would make the criteria public and show that the false teachers were not qualified for leadership.

1 Timothy 2:1–3:13

Paul addresses how false teachers influenced behavior in God's household, the church (3:15). Corruption had influenced worship, roles related to gender, and leadership within this community (2:1–15; 3:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Church Leaders The Church as a Living, Active Body

Related verses

Titus 1:7
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
1 Peter 5:2
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Timothy 1:15
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
James 5:19–20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,
Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
2 Timothy 2:11
This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
1 Timothy 4:9
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.
1 Timothy 3:2–7
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
Luke 15:10
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

1 Timothy 3:1

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