1 Timothy 3:1,2 - A noble task

3:1

We have another “trustworthy saying” here (see 1:15). “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task”. There are some who question the “trustworthy saying” bit, thinking it to be a later addition. The reason for this is that the statement isn’t of great theological importance. However, these objections don’t really stand up. Leading in the church is a very demanding and difficult task, yet it is a very noble one, a very worthwhile one. So the saying is indeed of great importance, even of great theological importance. For Jesus said “I will build my church” (Matt 16:18) and the church is the primary means of God working in the world today. God has chosen to work through people, through His people. So to have a role in that work, difficult as it might be, is indeed a noble thing to do.

Some older versions translate overseer as bishop, but overseer in the Pastoral epistles is essentially interchangeable with elder.

3:2

We now get the qualifications for the role of overseer. Similar lists were found in Greek literature for civic roles. He is to be of good character, and above reproach. Ie he must not be someone who is easily accused.  Where NIV has “faithful to his wife”, the more literal translation (as ESV) is “husband of one wife”. The NIV here is an interpretation, not a translation. There is argument over whether this qualification means that the overseer must not have been divorced and remarried, or whether it means that he has only one wife and is faithful to her. The latter is possible, but the NIV has been a little naughty here. He must be temperate and not a drunkard, He must be self-controlled, respectable and hospitable, and able to teach. Most of these qualities might seem blindingly obvious to us, but remember that the gospel here was reaching into pagan societies, where morals were low. So does this mean that someone who has lived a pretty immoral life and gets converted can never lead in the church? No. But they must demonstrate the reality of their conversion, living a “respectable” life for a period of time. Teaching is an important quality.