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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm" title="1 Timothy 2:15">◄</a> 1 Timothy 3:1 <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3.htm">New International Version</a> Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Trustworthy is the saying: If anyone aspires to overseership, he is desirous of a good work. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</a> This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a> This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office of overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This saying is trustworthy: &#8220If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. <a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It is true that anyone who desires to be a church official wants to be something worthwhile. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> This is a trustworthy saying: The one who would an elder be, a noble task desires he. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. <a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a> This saying is trustworthy: "If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work." <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This is a faithful saying: If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This is a true saying, If a man desireth the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Faithful is the saying, "If any one is eager to have the oversight of a Church, he desires a noble work." <a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a> This is a faithful saying: someone who seeks to be an overseer desires a good work. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The word [is] steadfast: If anyone longs for overseership, he desires a right work; <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Trustworthy is the saying: If anyone aspires to overseership, he is desirous of a good work. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Stedfast is the word: If any one the oversight doth long for, a right work he desireth; <a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Faithful the word, If any strive for superintendence, he eagerly desires a good work.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> A faithful saying: if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> It is a faithful saying: if a man desires the episcopate, he desires a good work. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a> This saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THIS is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he aspires to a good work. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> This is a trustworthy saying, that if a man desires Eldership, he desires a good work.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> This is a true saying: If any desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> It is a faithful saying, If any one desires the episcopacy, he covets a beautiful work. <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> IT is a true saying, If a man seeks the office of a bishop, he desireth a laudable employment. <a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> He that aspires to be a bishop, desires an office that is honourable. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Faithful is the saying, "If any one is eager to have the oversight of a Church, he desires a noble work." <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Faithful is the saying, "If anyone desires the office of bishop, he covets a noble work." <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> It is certain, if any one is desirous of the episcopal office, he desireth a good work. <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=320" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Qualifications for Overseers</a> 1<a href="/greek/4103.htm" title="4103: Pistos (Adj-NMS) -- Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.">This is a trustworthy</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">saying:</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/3713.htm" title="3713: oregetai (V-PIM-3S) -- To stretch forth, mid: To hanker after, long for, be eager for, aspire to. ">aspires to be</a> <a href="/greek/1984.htm" title="1984: episkopēs (N-GFS) -- From episkeptomai; inspection; by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian episcopate.">an overseer,</a> <a href="/greek/1937.htm" title="1937: epithymei (V-PIA-3S) -- To long for, covet, lust after, set the heart upon. From epi and thumos; to set the heart upon, i.e. Long for.">he desires</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalou (Adj-GNS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">a noble</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergou (N-GNS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">task.</a> 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5-9</a> The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / 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. ... <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm">1 Peter 5:1-3</a> As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / 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; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1-2</a> So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. / Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a> And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:12-13</a> But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. / In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another. <a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">2 Timothy 2:2</a> And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. <a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1</a> Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a> And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4</a> Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; <a href="/matthew/24-45.htm">Matthew 24:45-47</a> Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. <a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42-44</a> And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. <a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a> Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.is a.<a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a> This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.<a href="/1_timothy/4-9.htm">1 Timothy 4:9</a> This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.<a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm">2 Timothy 2:11</a> It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:the office.<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2-7</a> A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; … <a href="/acts/1-20.htm">Acts 1:20</a> For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.<a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:bishop.<a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a> Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.<a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15</a> Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;<a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">1 Peter 4:15</a> But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.desireth.<a href="/proverbs/11-30.htm">Proverbs 11:30</a> The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.<a href="/luke/15-10.htm">Luke 15:10</a> Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.<a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Romans 11:13</a> For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">Bishop</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/luke/14-32.htm">Desireth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/philippians/2-28.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-12.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/galatians/4-18.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Office</a> <a href="/daniel/6-3.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Oversight</a> <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-12.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-3.htm">Task</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-7.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">Trustworthy</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Bishop</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/revelation/11-5.htm">Desireth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/james/2-2.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-10.htm">Office</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Oversight</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/revelation/11-5.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-9.htm">Sets</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-9.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-9.htm">Stedfast</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-9.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Task</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Trustworthy</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 3</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;</a> 14. <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.</a> 15. <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the pastoral epistles, Paul uses this formula to emphasize key teachings (see also <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15, 4</a>:9; <a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm">2 Timothy 2:11</a>; <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Titus 3:8</a>). It underscores the weight and truth of the following statement, indicating that it is a foundational principle for the church.If anyone aspires to be an overseer: The term "overseer" (Greek: episkopos) refers to a leadership role within the early church, often synonymous with "elder" or "bishop." This role involves spiritual oversight and guidance of the congregation. The aspiration to this position suggests a voluntary and earnest desire, not merely a pursuit of status or power. The early church structure was developing, and this role was crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and community order (<a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a>, <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7</a>).he desires a noble task: The role of an overseer is described as a "noble task," highlighting its honorable and virtuous nature. This task involves shepherding the flock, teaching, and protecting the church from false teachings (<a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a>, <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Titus 1:9</a>). The nobility of the task is rooted in its alignment with God's purposes and the example set by Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>). The emphasis on the task's nobility serves as a reminder of the high calling and responsibility associated with church leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with organizing the church and appointing leaders. 3. <a href="/topical/o/overseer.htm">Overseer</a> A church leader, also known as a bishop or elder, responsible for the spiritual oversight and governance of the church. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was serving, known for its diverse population and significant early Christian community. 5. <a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a> The context in which this letter was written, focusing on establishing order and sound doctrine within the Christian community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_noble_aspiration.htm">The Noble Aspiration</a> Desiring to be an overseer is commendable, reflecting a heart for service and leadership in the church. <a href="/topical/c/character_over_position.htm">Character Over Position</a> The focus should be on the character and spiritual maturity of the individual, not merely the title or position. <a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a> True leadership in the church is about serving others, following the example of Christ as the ultimate servant leader. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_readiness.htm">Spiritual Readiness</a> Aspiring leaders should assess their spiritual readiness and seek growth in areas of character and doctrine. <a href="/topical/c/community_affirmation.htm">Community Affirmation</a> The church community plays a role in recognizing and affirming the call and qualifications of potential leaders.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3</a> <a href="/q/can_a_divorced_man_lead_a_church.htm">Can a divorced man serve as a church leader?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_tim_3_1-7_conflict_with_women_leaders.htm">Does the emphasis on male leadership in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 conflict with teachings in other parts of the Bible that highlight women in ministry roles? </a> <a href="/q/how_is_1_tim_3's_morality_universal.htm">If human scientific understanding shows that morality is culturally influenced, how can 1 Timothy 3’s moral standards be absolutes for all cultures and eras? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_become_a_pastor.htm">What steps are needed to become a pastor?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>III.(1) This is a true saying.--There is no reason why the rendering of this formula adopted in <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm" title="This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.">1Timothy 1:15</a>, "faithful is this saying," should be altered here. The "faithful saying" here refers to the wish for high and arduous work in the Church of Christ, and declares such a wish to be a noble one; for the office in question was a beautiful one, and honourable, and in those days meant stern and ceaseless work, grave and constant danger. It was no doubt one of the well-known sayings among the brethren of the first days, and not improbably, with the other "faithful sayings" of this group of Epistles, formed a part of their liturgy, and was woven into some of their special prayers offered in public. Perhaps this "faithful saying" was a portion of a prayer offered not unfrequently in the public assembly, asking that volunteers might be moved by the Holy Ghost to present themselves for the then dangerous office of ordained ministers of the Word."Well might a man desire the office of chief pastor; it was indeed a good work;" but, in the first place, such a dignity could only be held by one possessing many qualities, then and there enumerated.If a man desire the office of a bishop.--More accurately rendered, If a man seeketh. In the . . Pastoral Epistles the Greek words rendered "bishop" and "presbyter" or elder (episcopos, presbuteros), are applied indifferently to the same person, for up to this period (A.D. 65-6) no necessity had arisen in the constitution of the Church for the appointment of a special order of superintending presbyters. The numbers of the members of the brotherhood, though every year showing a vast increase, were still, comparatively speaking, small. St. Peter, St. Paul, St. James and St. John, and certainly the majority of the apostolic college, were still living; while, till A.D. 70, the Jerusalem congregation still acted as the central authority of the Church, and grave questions continued to be referred to the Fathers resident there.Early in the second century, however, there is not a shadow of doubt that the episcopal office, as we understand it, was widely established. During the last thirty years, then, of the first century, this great change in Church organisation must have been effected--that is, during the life-time of St. John. How this was brought about is admirably stated by Professor Rothe, of Heidelberg, as quoted by Canon Lightfoot in his dissertation on the Christian ministry (Commentary on the Epistle to the Philippians), who, without accepting all the details suggested, still in the main agrees with the famous Heidelberg professor in his theory respecting the very early establishment of episcopacy in the Catholic Church. After painting the distractions and growing dissensions of the Church, occasioned by the jealousies between the Jewish and Gentile brethren, and the menacing apparition of the Gnostic heresy, Rothe states how, in the face of this great emergency, St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. James were carried away by death almost at the same time; while, with the overthrow of Jerusalem very shortly after, the visible centre of the Church was removed, the keystone of the fabric was withdrawn, and the whole edifice was threatened with ruin. There was a crying need for some organisation which should cement together the diverse elements of Christian society, and preserve it from disintegration. Out of this need the Catholic Church in its episcopal character arose. From notices in Eusebius, Irenaeus, and Clement of Rome, Rothe (quoted by Lightfoot) concludes "that, immediately after the fall of Jerusalem, a council of the surviving Apostles and first teachers of the gospel was held to deliberate on the crisis, and to frame measures for the well-being of the Church. The centre of the system thus organised was episcopacy, which at once secured the compact and harmonious working of each individual congregation, and, as the link of communication between the separate brotherhoods, formed the whole into one undivided Catholic Church. Recommended by this high authority, the new constitution was immediately and generally adopted."He desireth a good work.--The office of a presbyter of the Church in the days of St. Paul was a difficult and dangerous post. It involved much labour; it was full of risk; it meant a hard and severe life; yet, from the Christian's standpoint, it was a work, if faithfully performed, of all toils the most beautiful, the most honourable, the most noble. "Negotium non otium" comments Bengel, in his usual pithy, untranslatable way.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Faithful is the saying for this is a true saying, A.V.; seeketh for desire, A.V. Faithful is the saying (see above, <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a>, note). This manifestly refers to what follows, not, as Chrysostom and others, and margin of the R.V., to the saying which precedes, in <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">1 Timothy 2:15</a>. Seeketh (ὀρέγεται); literally, stretches out his hands after. It is peculiar in the New Testament to the pastoral Epistles and the Epistle to the Hebrews, though common in classical Greek (see <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>; <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm">Hebrews 11:16</a>). The noun ὔρεξις, appetite, desire (which is found several times in the LXX.), is used once by St. Paul (<a href="/romans/1-27.htm">Romans 1:27</a>). The office of a bishop; meaning here, as everywhere else in Scripture, that of a presbyter, or priest. Ἐπισκοπή, in the sense of "the episcopate," occurs only here and <a href="/acts/1-20.htm">Acts 1:20</a>, where it is rendered "bishopric" in the A.V., and "overseer-ship" in the margin of the R.V., being the translation in the LXX. of Psalm 108 (Psalms 109, A.V.) of the Hebrew פְקֻדָתו, "his office." Elsewhere (<a href="/luke/19-44.htm">Luke 19:44</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6</a>) it means "visitation." But ἐπίσκοπος, "bishop" (ver. 2) - except in <a href="/1_peter/2-25.htm">1 Peter 2:25</a>, where it is applied to Christ - always means the overseer of the particular flock, - the presbyter (<a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a>; <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7</a>); and ἐπισκοπεῖν the functions of such ἐπίσκοπος (<a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a> compared with 1). It was not till the sub-apostolic age that the name of ἐπίσ᾿οπος was confined to the chief overseer who had "priests and deacons" under him, as Timothy and Titus had. Possibly this application of the word arose from the visits of the apostles, and afterwards of men sent by the apostles, as Timothy and Titus, Tychicus and Artemas, were, to visit the Churches, being occasional and temporary only, as those of Visitors. For such occasional visitation is implied in the verb ἐπισκέπτεσθαι (<a href="/matthew/25-36.htm">Matthew 25:36, 43</a>; <a href="/luke/1-68.htm">Luke 1:68, 78</a>; <a href="/acts/7-23.htm">Acts 7:23</a>; <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Acts 15:36</a>; <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>). Afterwards, when the wants of the Churches required permanent oversight, the name ἐπίσκοπος - vescovo (It.), eueque (Fr.), bischof (Get.), bisceop (A.S.), aipiskaupus (Moeso-Goth.), etc. - became universal for the chief overseer of the Church. A good work (καλοῦ ἔργου, not ἀγαθοῦ, as ver. 10). Καλού means "honourable," "becoming," "beneficial," and the like. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[This is] a trustworthy Πιστὸς (Pistos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4103.htm">Strong's 4103: </a> Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. saying: λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. If εἴ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. anyone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. aspires to be ὀρέγεται (oregetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3713.htm">Strong's 3713: </a> To stretch forth, mid: To hanker after, long for, be eager for, aspire to. an overseer, ἐπισκοπῆς (episkopēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> From episkeptomai; inspection; by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian 'episcopate'. he desires ἐπιθυμεῖ (epithymei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1937.htm">Strong's 1937: </a> To long for, covet, lust after, set the heart upon. From epi and thumos; to set the heart upon, i.e. Long for. a noble καλοῦ (kalou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. task. ἔργου (ergou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a faithful saying: if (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>