1 Timothy 3: Timothy 3:3-Paul Lists Five More Qualifications For Those Men Who Aspire To The Office Of Overseer

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1 1 Timothy 3:3-5 1 Timothy 3:3-Paul Lists Five More Qualifications For Those Men Who Aspire To The Office Of Overseer Review of 1 Timothy 3:1-2 The apostle in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 presents a list of qualifications for those men with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspire to the office of overseer. In verse 1, Paul presents the second of three trustworthy statements that appear in 1 Timothy, which states that if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble occupation. 1 Timothy 3:1 This saying is, as an eternal spiritual truth, trustworthy: if and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that any man, at any time does aspire to the office of overseer for himself and we agree that there are men who do, then he, as an eternal spiritual truth, desires a noble occupation. (My translation) In this verse, Paul is employing the figure of asyndeton because he wants to reaffirm the importance of the office of overseer. This figure emphasizes how serious Paul viewed this office and its importance to the spiritual growth of the body of Christ, which is the household of God, i.e. the local assembly, the church. This saying is, as an eternal spiritual truth, trustworthy refers to the first class conditional statement that follows indicating that this statement is a commendation of the office of overseer. This is designed to refute those who reject the authority of the overseer as a result of those overseers in Ephesus who were abusing their authority and teaching false doctrine. It is a Spirit inspired evaluation of the office of overseer, affirming its value and implying its importance to the body of Christ. If and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that any man, at any time does aspire to the office of overseer for himself and we agree that there are men who do is a protasis of a first class condition that indicates the assumption of truth for the sake of argument. Any man is the indefinite pronoun tis, which refers to a member of the body of Christ without further identification. It speaks of any member of the body of Christ without exception and distinction. It indicates that this conditional clause is presenting an eternal spiritual truth. The masculine form of the word indicates that only men can hold this office and possess the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher, which is supported by the fact that in 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul says that the overseer must be a one-woman man. If women could be pastors, then why didn t he address their qualifications for ministry? Also, Paul just got through teaching the women in the 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1

2 Christian community in Ephesus that they could not teach men the Word of God in public in the local assembly or exercise authority over them. At any time does aspire is the verb orego, which denotes a positive ambition that is virtuous since it is produced by the Holy Spirit and is thus according to the will of the Father. That it is a positive ambition is clearly indicated by the fact that Paul is commending the position sought after. The office of overseer emphasizes the pastor-teacher s role as the protector of the souls of his congregation by teaching them sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine that originates from the cosmic system of Satan. The Scriptures teach that the pastor-teacher, i.e. the overseer fulfills this office by fulfilling four responsibilities that are the means by which he tends and shepherds the flock of God: (1) Study (2 Tim. 2:15) (2) Teach (1 Tim. 4:13) (3) Pray (Acts 6:1-4). (4) Exemplify the Christian way of life (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:10). Then he, as an eternal spiritual truth, desires a noble occupation is the apodasis of a first class condition. Noble occupation emphasizes that the office of overseer is of the utmost importance in life possessing outstanding qualities because it is on behalf of a superior sovereign king, Jesus Christ and the body of Christ. The word speaks of the office as of the utmost importance or the most important thing that a Christian man could do in life since the function of this office promotes spiritual growth of the body of Christ and glorifies God. It is of the utmost importance because its function protects the flock of God from false doctrine. Then, in 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul lists seven of fifteen qualifications for those men who aspire to the office of overseer. 1 Timothy 3:2 Therefore, it is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative the overseer be irreproachable in character, a one-woman man, level-headed, wise, responsible, hospitable, a skillful teacher. (My translation) This verse draws an inference from verse 1, which affirms the importance of the office of overseer to the body of Christ. Therefore, verse 2 indicates that based upon the importance of the office of overseer to the body of Christ, the man who aspires to this office must possess meet certain qualifications in order to hold this office. This verse emphasizes the connection between the list of qualifications in verses 2-7 with the office. These qualifications are commensurate with the importance of the office. Since the office is so important to the spiritual growth and protection of the flock of God, demands a particular type of Christian man, namely it demands a man whose lifestyle generally speaking is such that no one can legitimately accuse him (and make it stick) of conduct that is not befitting a mature believer. These characteristics must stand out as prominent and consistent in the man. They must be clearly distinguishable, even though there is room and times that he will fall short. He must be spiritually mature and an example of Christ-like 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2

3 character. Therefore, because of the stature and importance of the office, the man who aspires to the office of overseer must possess certain qualities that characterize a mature believer. The overseer refers to the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher. It emphasizes the pastor-teacher s role as the protector of the souls of his congregation by teaching them sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine that originates from the cosmic system of Satan. The Scriptures teach that the pastorteacher, i.e. the overseer fulfills this office by fulfilling four responsibilities that are the means by which he tends and shepherds the flock of God: (1) Study (2 Tim. 2:15) (2) Teach (1 Tim. 4:13) (3) Pray (Acts 6:1-4). (4) Exemplify the Christian way of life (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:10). It is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative expresses necessity that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess certain characteristics in order for him to function in the office. It indicates that it is absolutely imperative that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess the certain characteristics. Irreproachable in character indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must not afford anything that an adversary could use as the basis for an accusation. It must be impossible to bring any charge of wrongdoing that could withstand impartial examination. The word does not imply sinless perfection on the part of the man who aspires to the gift of pastor-teacher. The term refers to a man who has integrity of character so that no one can lay hold upon anything in his life, which would be of such a nature as to cast reproach upon the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. A one-woman man indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must be a one woman man and not a polygamist. This phrase speaks of a life-long commitment to one woman. It does not forbid remarriage after a death or divorce since Moses divorced and remarried. This expression emphasizes the avoidance of any sexual immorality on the part of the overseer. It denotes that if he is married he must be faithful to his wife. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the man who aspires to the office of overseer and his family. Level-headed indicates that one of the qualifications of the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher that aspires to the office of overseer is that he must be level-headed, temperate, shows moderation in all things, and is sober in his thinking. Thus, he is one who employs doctrinal rationales to solve problems and whose soul is influenced by God the Holy Spirit, therefore, it is used here as a synonym for the filling of the Spirit. Wise refers to one who is of sound mind, one who has control over their emotions and desires and is wise from the application of the Word of God. It denotes one who uses discretion, and has self-control, and discipline, thus one who 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 3

4 is wise because one is under the influence of the Spirit. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the pastor and himself. Responsible indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must be a man who fulfills his duties incumbent on his place and order (operates in his spiritual gift) as a member of the royal family of God. It speaks of the pastor as one who must be disciplined through enforced and genuine humility resulting from right priorities in life, thus one who has virtue. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the pastor and himself as well as himself. Hospitable expresses the fact that the man who aspires to the office of pastor-teacher must be an individual who tries to meet the needs of displaced members of the royal family of God through his own financial means or even opening his home to them. It describes the man who has the gift of pastor-teacher who is willing to open his home to other members of the Royal Family of God in order to teach them. This term is used of course with respect to the relationship between the pastor and others. A skillful teacher suggests or implies that the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher and aspires to the office of overseer must be willing and able to not only teach but also to refute errors or accurately answer questions (cf. Titus 1:9). It indicates that only those with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher can hold the office of overseer because the word denotes one who is skillful in teaching, which only those with the gift of teaching can fulfill. Five More Qualifications For Those Men Who Aspire To The Office Of Overseer The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:3 continues to add to his list of qualifications for those men with the spiritual gift of teaching and who aspire to the office of overseer. In this verse he presents five more qualifications. 1 Timothy 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. (NASU) Not An Alcoholic Not addicted to wine is composed of the negative particle me (μή) (me), not and the accusative masculine singular form of the adjective paroinos (πάροινος) (paree-noce), addicted to wine. Paroinos 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4

5 Paroinos is made up of the words para, beside, and oinos, wine and describes a person who sits long over his wine. Thus, the adjective refers to a person who is an alcoholic. It speaks of a person who is overindulgent with alcohol and argumentative under its influence, argumentative alcoholic, argumentative over wine. The term occurs only twice in the New Testament (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7). In each instance it is used in a list of qualifications that the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher must consistently manifest in his life over a significant period of time before he can be promoted to the position of overseer in a local assembly. In 1 Timothy 3:3, the adjective paroinos means alcoholic and its meaning is negated by the negative particle me, which denies any idea of a man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher being promoted to the office of overseer if he is an alcoholic. He cannot be promoted to the office of overseer if he is an alcoholic. The adjective is a predicate accusative, which means that it stands in predicate relation to the accusative form of the noun episkopos. We will translate the expression µὴ πάροινον, not an alcoholic. This expression is the first negative characteristic that appears in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, which means that this characteristic must not be manifested in the life of the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher if he is to assume the office of overseer. It is also one of two characteristics that address the pastor s relationship to things. The other is being free from the love of money, which is listed at the end of verse 3. There was a problem with drunkenness in the ancient world just as there is a problem with drunkenness today in the 21 st century. In fact, there were actually believers that were getting drunk at the Lord s Table! 1 Corinthians 11:20 Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper, 21 for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. (NASU) The Scriptures warn against drunkenness many times. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. (NASU) Proverbs 23:20 Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, {or} with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe {one} with rags. (NASU) Proverbs 23:29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; 32 At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5

6 viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange things and your mind will utter perverse things. 34 And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. 35 They struck me, {but} I did not become ill; they beat me, {but} I did not know {it.} When shall I awake? I will seek another drink. (NASU) The Bible has a lot to say about alcohol and its abuse and proper use. A number of passages warn against the dangers of drunkenness since it causes people to stagger (Ps. 107:27; Prov. 23:34), it makes them sick (Is. 28:8; Jer. 25:27), it makes the eyes red (Prov. 23:29), it puts a person into a stupor (Jer. 51:39, 57), it makes a person poor (Prov. 23:21), it interferes with a leader s work (Prov. 31:4f). The foolishness of drunkenness is shown by the examples of Noah (Gen. 9:21), Lot (Gen. 19:31-38), Nabal (1 Sam. 25:36-39), David (2 Sam. 11:13), Absalom (2 Sam. 13:28) and Belshazzar (Dan. 5:2). The Bible does not prohibit drinking alcohol but it does prohibit drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 And do not permit yourselves to get into the habit of being drunk with wine because that is non-sensical behavior, but rather permit yourselves on a habitual basis to be influenced by means of the Spirit. (My Translation) Believers are not to associate with believers who are alcoholics (1 Cor. 5:9-11). 1 Corinthians 5:11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any socalled brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. (NASU) Drunkenness is a manifestation of the old Adamic sin nature (Gal. 5:19-21). Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! (NET) The apostle Paul in Romans 13:13 exhorts the Roman believers to unite with him in conducting their lives properly as those who exist in the day, not by means of drunken parties, licentious promiscuity and jealous contention. Romans 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. (NASU) Not in carousing is composed of the negative particle me, not and the dative masculine plural form of the noun komos, in carousing. The noun komos is used in classical Greek to refer to the decadent processions and feasts connected to the worship of Bacchus and other pagan deities, which are 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6

7 the result of drunkenness. The Christians of the early church lived in the Roman Empire and spoke Koine or the common Greek and were raised as pagans worshipping the Greek and Roman pantheon of gods. One of these gods was called Dionysus. He was also called Bacchus or in Rome, Liber. Dionysus was the god of fruitfulness and vegetation, especially known as a god of wine and ecstasy. The worship of Dionysus flourished long in Asia Minor. The worship of Dionysus flourished particularly well in Phrygia and Lydia. The cult of Dionysus was closely associated with that of numerous Asiatic deities. The followers of Dionysus included spirits of fertility, such as the satyrs and in his ritual the male phallus was prominent. As the god of the vine, Dionysus or Bacchus was thought to communicate his power to his devotees through the intoxicating influence of wine, stimulating them to orgiastic excesses, wild dancing and music, and sexual promiscuity. They worshipped booze and sex. The Gentile Roman Christians were very much exposed to this cult and it was a part of their pagan background. The worship of booze and sex is still around here in the 21 st century. It is a part of our hedonistic western culture. Louw and Nida define the word drinking parties involving unrestrained indulgence in alcoholic beverages and accompanying immoral behavior orgy, revelling, carousing. (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based Upon Semantic Domains, volume 2, page 773). Kenneth Wuest writes that komos was a revel, a carousal, in the Greek writers, a nocturnal and riotous procession of half-drunken and frolicsome fellows, who after supper, parade through the streets with torches and music in honor of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before the houses of their male and female friends; hence used generally of feasts and drinking-parties that are protracted till late at night and indulge in revelry. (Word studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English reader. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans; 1997). Komos appears only twice in the Septuagint (2 Maccabees 6:4; Wisdom of Solomon 14:23) and only three times in the Greek New Testament (Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3). In Romans 13:13, the noun komos refers to a drinking party. Drunkenness is the dative feminine plural form of the noun methe. This word denotes a strong or potent drink and corresponds to methu, wine. The noun methe also can indicate the state of drunkenness or chronic intoxication. The word appears 13 times in the Septuagint, eight of which are canonical (Proverbs 20;1; 31:6; Joel 1:5; Haggai 1:6; Isaiah 28:7; Jeremiah 28:57; Ezekiel 23:33; 39:19). It occurs only three times in the Greek New Testament (Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21). In Galatians 5:21 and Romans 13:13, the noun methe appears alongside komos. In the former, methe appears before komos whereas in the latter komos appears before methe William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 7

8 Now, the nouns komos and methe contain the figure of speech called hendiadys, which takes place when two nouns are used to express one idea or concept. The two words are of the same parts of speech, i.e., two nouns, and are always joined together by the conjunction and. The two nouns are also always in the same case. One of the two words expresses the thing, and the other intensifies it by being changed (if a noun) into an adjective of the superlative degree, which is, by this means, made especially emphatic. In Romans 13:13 the nouns komos and methe are separated by the conjunction kai, and, and are both in the dative case and in the plural form. Methe intensifies the noun komos. Also indicating that these two nouns are connected is that methe, drunkenness resulted in komos, loud partying, revelry. Furthermore, komos denotes a drinking party involving unrestrained indulgence in alcoholic beverages. The negative particle me is used to deny the idea of Paul and his readers conducting their lives by means of drunken parties as many of them did as pagans prior to their conversion to Christianity. These two nouns komos and methe function as a dative instrumental of means used to indicate the means or instrument by which the verbal action is accomplished. This indicates that these two words are used to indicate the means or the instrument by which the Roman believers were not to conduct their lives. They were not to conduct their lives by means of drunken parties. In 1 Timothy 3:3, Paul paroinos rather than methe since the former is a stronger word than the latter. Some contend that this prohibition indicates that the pastors in Ephesus who fell victim to the teaching of the Judaizers were involved in excessive drinking but this is not the case since the Judaizers were prone to asceticism rather than immoral degeneracy and drunkenness. 1 Timothy 4:3 indicates that those pastors in Ephesus who were teaching false doctrine and attempting to become teachers of the Law as a result of the influence of the Judaizers were involved in asceticism. This injunction has in mind of avoiding the influence of the Dionysus cult that was prominent in Asia Minor and Ephesus. Not Violent Not pugnacious is composed of the negative particle me (μή) (me), not and the accusative masculine singular form of the noun plektes (πλήκτης) (pleekteece), pugnacious. Plektes In classical Greek, the noun plektes was used to describe a man who was a violent, a brawler, a fighter and speaks of the man who bullies others into getting 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 8

9 his own way by whatever means. He lacks feeling and is inconsiderate and intolerant of others and their opinions. In 1 Timothy 3:3, the noun plektes means violent and its meaning is negated by the negative particle me, which denies any idea of a man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher being promoted to the office of overseer if he is violent. He cannot be promoted to the office of overseer if he is a violent person. This expression emphasizes that a pastor can not succumb to anger and express that anger with violence. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 2:23-24 indicate that those pastors in Ephesus who were teaching false doctrine and attempting to be teachers of the Law rather than the gospel were involved in angry disputes and abusive language. There is a close connection with the first prohibition in verse 3 in that excessive alcohol consumption often leads to violent behavior. This of course is demonstrated in our day and age at football games and in Europe at soccer games where crowds get drunk and then violence often breaks out. The noun plektes is a predicate accusative, which means that it stands in predicate relation to the accusative form of the noun episkopos. We will translate the expression µὴ πλήκτην, not violent. Magnanimous But gentle is composed of the adversative conjunction alla (ἀλλά) (ah-lah), but and the adjective epieikes (ἐπιεικής) (ehpee-ee-keece), gentle. Alla The adversative conjunction alla is a marker of an emphatic contrast. It introduces a statement that stands in direct contrast with the previous prohibition. Therefore, Paul is emphatically contrasting the overseer being violent with that of his being magnanimous. We will translate the word but rather. Epiekes The adjective epieikes in the Greek New Testament expresses the concept of magnanimity and is a compound word composed of the preposition epi, upon and the adjective eikos, reasonable, probable. The adjective epieikes and the noun epieikeia are both derived from eikos, becoming, decent, or from eiko, to yield, give way, and mean from Homer onwards the proper way of life, or from Thucydides onwards forbearance, indulgence, mildness William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 9

10 Epieikes, together with its derivatives, was originally an expression for the balanced, intelligent, decent in outlook in contrast to licentiousness. Then it was used for a considerate, thoughtful attitude in legal relationships, which was prepared to mitigate the rigors of justice, with its laws and claims, in contrast to the attitude, which demands that rights, including one s own, should be upheld at all costs. It is opposed to unbridled anger, harshness, brutality and self-expression. It represents character traits of the noble-minded, the wise man who remains meek in the face of insults, the judge who is lenient in judgment, and the king who is kind in his rule. Hence, it appears often in pictures of the ideal ruler and in eulogies on men in high positions. Epieikes expresses moderation or kindness towards men. Praotes, which is also translated gentleness in the English translations pertains more to the attitude of the individual, whereas epieikeia is related to the outward conduct of the individual. Praotes is unrestricted divine whereas epieikeia is directed towards others. The adjective epieikes appears only four times in the Septuagint. Each time it translates sallach. The adjective epieikes is found five times in the New Testament (Phlp. 4:5; 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1 Pet. 2:18). Its cognate noun epieikeia is found twice in Acts 24:4; 2 Cor. 10:1. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature-Third Edition defines the adjective not insisting on every right or letter of law or custom, yielding, gentle, kind, courteous, tolerant (Page 371). Louw and Nida define the term pertaining to being gracious and forbearing gentle, gracious, forbearing (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains 88.63). The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised defines the term gentle, kind, forbearing (page 163). Commenting on the word E.K. Simpson wrote Epiekes defies exact translation Gracious, kindly, forbearing, considerate, magnanimous, genial, all approximate to its idea (Page 51). Hawthorne says that this word is one of the truly great Greek words that is almost untranslatable and suggests that the word means magnanimity, sweet reasonableness (Philippians, page 182). The adjective epieikes in the New Testament denotes one who is magnanimous in their behavior since the word speaks of a wise man who remains meek in the face of insults and of a judge who is lenient in judgment, and the king who is kind in his rule. It means magnanimous because the word speaks of someone who is considerate, thoughtful in legal relationships and does not demand his own rights at all costs William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 10

11 The New Universal Unabridged Dictionary lists the following definitions for the adjective magnanimous: (1) Generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous towards one s enemies. (2) High-minded; noble: a magnanimous king (3) Proceeding from or revealing nobility of mind, character, etc: a magnanimous love of justice. If we paraphrase this definition and apply it to the Christian and in particular a pastor who is the overseer, we would say that he must be: (1) Generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness especially towards one s enemies. (2) High-minded; noble (3) Possessing nobility of mind, character, having a magnanimous love of justice. Magnanimous behavior is one of the expressions of divine-love, which as we have noted has two directions: (1) Vertical: Directed toward God. (2) Horizontal: Directed toward mankind. The vertical, motivational divine love of a believer produces the horizontal, functional divine love directed toward all mankind. The Lord Jesus Christ is magnanimous and the apostle Paul wants the overseers in Ephesus to follow suit. Paul uses epieikes in Philippians 4:5. Magnanimous behavior among the Philippian believers will resolve the personality conflict between Euodia and Syntyche. If they were magnanimous with each other in the first place, there would not have been a problem between the two. Philippians 4:5 Permit your magnanimity to become manifest to everyone. The Lord is immanently near. (My translation) Magnanimity is related to forgiveness (Col. 3:13-14). God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are inherently magnanimous. It is one of their attributes. The Lord Jesus Christ during His First Advent revealed this magnanimous character of the Trinity. The greatest manifestation of God s magnanimity was at the Cross when every sin in human history, past, present and future was imputed to Christ on the Cross and He was judged as our substitute. Our Lord s magnanimous behavior was demonstrated during His First Advent by the manner in which He demonstrated the quality of being generous in forgiving insults and injury without being pettily resentful or vindictive. Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, Father, forgive all of them, for they know not what they are doing. (NASU) He was noble in character, loving justice but not insisting upon the letter of the law in order to preserve the spirit of the law. The Lord was generous in forgiving insults and injuries without being vindictive and becoming involved in petty resentfulness. He was generous, tolerant, patient, moderate, courageous, and noble. He did not insist upon his own rights to the fullest but rectifies and redresses the injustices of justice. The pastor is to be the same way like His Lord and Savior William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 11

12 The noun epieikes is a predicate accusative, which means that it stands in predicate relation to the accusative form of the noun episkopos. We will translate the word, magnanimous. Not Contentious Peaceable is the accusative masculine singular form of the adjective amachos (ἄμαχος) (ahmah-hose). Amachos The word mache means a fight, combat, and is used of those in arms, a battle, and the prefix a negates it, thus the word means, not a fighter. Wuest states the word describes a person who does not go about with a chip on his shoulder. Louw and Nida define the term pertaining to a lack of conflict and contention- not contentious, peaceful (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, 39.24) In 1 Timothy 3:3, the noun amachos means not a fighter, not contentious, not combative, not argumentative. It indicates that the overseer must not be a contentious person. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 2:22-26 indicate that the pastors in Ephesus who were teaching false doctrine as a result of falling victim to the Judaizers teaching were often involved with quarrels and arguments and were contentious. Mounce writes that this word is a strong term describing active and serious bickering; it can even refers to physical combat. (Mounce, William D., The Word Biblical Commentary, volume 46, Pastoral Epistles, page 176; Thomas Nelson, 2000). J. Hampton Keathley commenting on this word in 1 Timothy 3:3, writes that the word speaks of the man who is not a quarrelsome person who struggles against others for self-seeking reasons such as jealousy or selfish ambition. He may strongly disagree, but he will state his case without being contentious. (Qualifications for the Evaluation of Elders and Deacons, page 8; Bible Studies Press, 1996; Swindoll writes that the word describes a man who walks away from physical altercations. While he may have the strength and skill to fight, he is known as a peacemaker, a man willing to keep a loose grip on his rights. (Swindoll, Charles R., Swindoll s New Testament Insights: Insights on 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus; Zondervan; page 58; 2010) 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 12

13 The noun amachos is a predicate accusative, which means that it stands in predicate relation to the accusative form of the noun episkopos. We will translate the word, not contentious. Not A Lover Of Money Free from the love of money is the accusative masculine singular form of the adjective aphilarguros (ἀφιλάργυρος) (ahfee-lahren-yearoce). Aphilarguros This term is a double compound word composed of the alpha privative and the noun philos, love and the noun arguros, silver, thus the word literally means not a lover of silver. It is attested in inscriptions and certain papyri dating to the second century B.C. Louw and Nida define the term pertaining to not being desirous or greedy for money- not loving wealth, one who does not love money. (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, ) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature-Third Edition defines the word not loving money, not greedy (Page 157). This term does not occur in the Septuagint and only twice in the new Testament (1 Timothy 3:3; Hebrews 13;5). Hebrews 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU, 6 so that we confidently say, THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME? (NASU) In 1 Timothy 3:3, the adjective aphilarguros means not a lover of money. It speaks of the love of money and materialism. It indicates that the pastor can never be in the ministry for the money or because it pays well. It also denotes that he is to serve in the ministry regardless even if he is not making a great salary. Some don t serve because the ministry does not pay well. The adjective aphilarguros teaches that the pastor must be known for the love of his work for its own sake and not for the material wealth that his work can provide him. This term indicates that the man with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher must possess an attitude toward material wealth that is one of healthy detachment but of course not irresponsibility. It refers to the fact that the man who aspires to the office of pastor-teacher must not be involved in always making deals outside of the church since these 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 13

14 activities erode his character and hinder his ministry. Also, many times pastors are woefully underpaid and at times at poverty level, thus there is a great temptation to attempt to supplement one s salary by outside means or endeavors which take the pastor away from his duties of studying and teaching and prayer. The sin of loving money is thus not relegated to the rich but the poor who don t have it. Commenting on this word in 1 Timothy 3:3 J. Hampton Keathley III writes, Does he have his priorities straight? Is he seeking his significance, security, and primary satisfaction from material wealth? Is he involved in dishonest business practices? Is the amount of salary he receives the most important thing about his occupation? Is he seeking the office of elder for personal gain? (Ibid., page 8) Paul warns of the consequences of loving money in 1 Timothy 6: Timothy 6:7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Peter also warns pastors about sordid gain. 1 Peter 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness. (NASU) In 1 Timothy 3:3, the noun adjective aphilarguros is a predicate accusative, which means that it stands in predicate relation to the accusative form of the noun episkopos. We will translate the word, not a lover of money. Translation of 1 Timothy 3:3 1 Timothy 3:3 Not an alcoholic, not violent but rather magnanimous, not contentious, not a lover of money. (My translation) Summary of 1 Timothy 3:3 This verse continues to add to the list of qualifications that appear in verse 2 for those men with the spiritual gift of teaching and who aspire to the office of overseer. In verse 2, he presents seven qualifications and not in verse 3 he presents five more qualifications William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 14

15 Not an alcoholic makes clear that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher desires to be promoted to the office of overseer if he must not be an alcoholic. He cannot be promoted to the office of overseer if he is an alcoholic. Not violent also makes clear that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher desires to be promoted to the office of overseer he can not be violent. He cannot be promoted to the office of overseer if he is a violent person. This expression emphasizes that a pastor can not succumb to anger and express that anger with violence. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 2:23-24 indicate that those pastors in Ephesus who were teaching false doctrine and attempting to be teachers of the Law rather than the gospel were involved in angry disputes and abusive language. There is a close connection with the first prohibition in verse 3 in that excessive alcohol consumption often leads to violent behavior. This of course is demonstrated in our day and age at football games and in Europe at soccer games where crowds get drunk and then violence often breaks out. Magnanimous teaches that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher desires to be promoted to the office of overseer then he must be magnanimous. It means that he must demonstrate on a consistent basis that he can remain meek in the face of insults and is lenient and kind. He must demonstrate that he is considerate and does not demand his own rights at all costs. The term means that he must be generous in forgiving an insult or injury and free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness especially towards one s enemies. It means he must be high-minded and noble, possessing nobility of mind, character, having a magnanimous love of justice. This treatment of others is a manifestation of Christ-like character and love toward both God and men. Not contentious teaches that if the man with the spiritual gift of pastorteacher wants to be promoted to the office of overseer in a local assembly then he must not be a fighter, he must not be contentious, nor combative or argumentative. It indicates that the overseer must not be a contentious person. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 2:22-26 indicate that the pastors in Ephesus who were teaching false doctrine as a result of falling victim to the Judaizers teaching were often involved with quarrels and arguments and were contentious. Not a lover of money speaks of the love of money and materialism. It indicates that the pastor can never be in the ministry for the money or because it pays well. It also denotes that he is to serve in the ministry regardless even if he is not making a great salary. Some don t serve because the ministry does not pay well. It teaches that the pastor must be known for the love of his work for its own sake and not for the material wealth that his work can provide him. The man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher must possess an attitude toward material wealth that is one of healthy detachment but of course not irresponsibility. It refers to the fact that the man who aspires to the office of pastor-teacher must not 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 15

16 be involved in always making deals outside of the church since these activities erode his character and hinder his ministry. Also, many times pastors are woefully underpaid and at times at poverty level, thus there is a great temptation to attempt to supplement one s salary by outside means or endeavors which take the pastor away from his duties of studying and teaching and prayer. The sin of loving money is thus not relegated to the rich but the poor who don t have it William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 16

17 1 Timothy 3:4-Paul Presents The Thirteenth Qualification For Those Men Who Aspire To The Office Of Overseer Review of 1 Timothy 3:1-3 The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 presents a list of qualifications for those men with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher who aspire to the office of overseer. This pericope contains what scholars call a duty code or we could call it simply a code of conduct. It corresponds and parallels the duty code in Titus 1:6-9. That they correspond to each other is indicated in that a specific introductory line appears in each passage which is it is necessary for the overseer to be above reproach (anepilempton, 1 Timothy 3:2), it is necessary for the overseer to be beyond reproach (anenkleton, Titus 1:7). In both lists, both positive and negative characteristics appear. The positive characteristics are to be manifested by the overseer and the negative ones must not. There are fifteen qualifications listed by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and 17 in Titus 1:6-9. Many of the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 appear in Titus 1:6-9, therefore, when we don t count the duplicates we have twenty-five qualifications listed by the apostle Paul. The number twenty-five is significant in Scripture because being the square of five; the number twenty-five expresses the essence of the signification of five, i.e. grace. Of these twenty-five qualifications listed by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9, seventeen are positive and eight are negative. The list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 indicate that the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher had to demonstrate that he possessed these qualifications must stand out as prominent and consistent in his life before he can be assigned to oversee a local assembly. In other words, even though he had the gift of pastor-teacher, he was not promoted until these characteristics were prominent and consistently being manifested in his life. This is the reason for Peter s statement in 1 Peter 5:5-6 where in the context addressing pastors, he teaches the younger men with the gift to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God in order that He might promote them at the proper time. 1 Peter 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 17

18 yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (NASU) In verse 1, Paul presents the second of three trustworthy statements that appear in 1 Timothy, which states that if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble occupation. 1 Timothy 3:1 This saying is, as an eternal spiritual truth, trustworthy: if and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that any man, at any time does aspire to the office of overseer for himself and we agree that there are men who do, then he, as an eternal spiritual truth, desires a noble occupation. (My translation) In this verse, Paul is employing the figure of asyndeton because he wants to reaffirm the importance of the office of overseer. This figure emphasizes how serious Paul viewed this office and its importance to the spiritual growth of the body of Christ, which is the household of God, i.e. the local assembly, the church. This saying is, as an eternal spiritual truth, trustworthy refers to the first class conditional statement that follows indicating that this statement is a commendation of the office of overseer. This is designed to refute those who reject the authority of the overseer as a result of those overseers in Ephesus who were abusing their authority and teaching false doctrine. It is a Spirit inspired evaluation of the office of overseer, affirming its value and implying its importance to the body of Christ. If and let us assume that it is true for the sake of argument that any man, at any time does aspire to the office of overseer for himself and we agree that there are men who do is a protasis of a first class condition that indicates the assumption of truth for the sake of argument. Any man is the indefinite pronoun tis, which refers to a member of the body of Christ without further identification. It speaks of any member of the body of Christ without exception and distinction. It indicates that this conditional clause is presenting an eternal spiritual truth. The masculine form of the word indicates that only men can hold this office and possess the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher, which is supported by the fact that in 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul says that the overseer must be a one-woman man. If women could be pastors, then why didn t he address their qualifications for ministry? Also, Paul just got through teaching the women in the Christian community in Ephesus that they could not teach men the Word of God in public in the local assembly or exercise authority over them. At any time does aspire is the verb orego, which denotes a positive ambition that is virtuous since it is produced by the Holy Spirit and is thus according to the 2011 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 18

19 will of the Father. That it is a positive ambition is clearly indicated by the fact that Paul is commending the position sought after. The office of overseer emphasizes the pastor-teacher s role as the protector of the souls of his congregation by teaching them sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine that originates from the cosmic system of Satan. The Scriptures teach that the pastor-teacher, i.e. the overseer fulfills this office by fulfilling four responsibilities that are the means by which he tends and shepherds the flock of God: (1) Study (2 Tim. 2:15) (2) Teach (1 Tim. 4:13) (3) Pray (Acts 6:1-4). (4) Exemplify the Christian way of life (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:10). Then he, as an eternal spiritual truth, desires a noble occupation is the apodasis of a first class condition. Noble occupation emphasizes that the office of overseer is of the utmost importance in life possessing outstanding qualities because it is on behalf of a superior sovereign king, Jesus Christ and the body of Christ. The word speaks of the office as of the utmost importance or the most important thing that a Christian man could do in life since the function of this office promotes spiritual growth of the body of Christ and glorifies God. It is of the utmost importance because its function protects the flock of God from false doctrine. Then, in 1 Timothy 3:2, Paul lists seven of fifteen qualifications for those men who aspire to the office of overseer. 1 Timothy 3:2 Therefore, it is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative the overseer be irreproachable in character, a one-woman man, level-headed, wise, responsible, hospitable, a skillful teacher. (My translation) This verse draws an inference from verse 1, which affirms the importance of the office of overseer to the body of Christ. Therefore, verse 2 indicates that based upon the importance of the office of overseer to the body of Christ, the man who aspires to this office must possess meet certain qualifications in order to hold this office. This verse emphasizes the connection between the list of qualifications in verses 2-7 with the office. These qualifications are commensurate with the importance of the office. Since the office is so important to the spiritual growth and protection of the flock of God, demands a particular type of Christian man, namely it demands a man whose lifestyle generally speaking is such that no one can legitimately accuse him (and make it stick) of conduct that is not befitting a mature believer. These characteristics must stand out as prominent and consistent in the man. They must be clearly distinguishable, even though there is room and times that he will fall short. He must be spiritually mature and an example of Christ-like character. Therefore, because of the stature and importance of the office, the man who aspires to the office of overseer must possess certain qualities that characterize a mature believer William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 19

20 The overseer refers to the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher. It emphasizes the pastor-teacher s role as the protector of the souls of his congregation by teaching them sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine that originates from the cosmic system of Satan. The Scriptures teach that the pastorteacher, i.e. the overseer fulfills this office by fulfilling four responsibilities that are the means by which he tends and shepherds the flock of God: (1) Study (2 Tim. 2:15) (2) Teach (1 Tim. 4:13) (3) Pray (Acts 6:1-4). (4) Exemplify the Christian way of life (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:10). It is, as an eternal spiritual truth absolutely imperative expresses necessity that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess certain characteristics in order for him to function in the office. It indicates that it is absolutely imperative that the man who aspires to the office of overseer possess the certain characteristics. Irreproachable in character indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must not afford anything that an adversary could use as the basis for an accusation. It must be impossible to bring any charge of wrongdoing that could withstand impartial examination. The word does not imply sinless perfection on the part of the man who aspires to the gift of pastor-teacher. The term refers to a man who has integrity of character so that no one can lay hold upon anything in his life, which would be of such a nature as to cast reproach upon the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. A one-woman man indicates that the man who aspires to the office of overseer must be a one woman man and not a polygamist. This phrase speaks of a life-long commitment to one woman. It does not forbid remarriage after a death or divorce since Moses divorced and remarried. This expression emphasizes the avoidance of any sexual immorality on the part of the overseer. It denotes that if he is married he must be faithful to his wife. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the man who aspires to the office of overseer and his family. Level-headed indicates that one of the qualifications of the man with the spiritual gift of pastor-teacher that aspires to the office of overseer is that he must be level-headed, temperate, shows moderation in all things, and is sober in his thinking. Thus, he is one who employs doctrinal rationales to solve problems and whose soul is influenced by God the Holy Spirit, therefore, it is used here as a synonym for the filling of the Spirit. Wise refers to one who is of sound mind, one who has control over their emotions and desires and is wise from the application of the Word of God. It denotes one who uses discretion, and has self-control, and discipline, thus one who is wise because one is under the influence of the Spirit. This word is used with respect to the relationship between the pastor and himself William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 20