UNROLL
A single plain marble column stands on its stone base in the quiet colonnaded courtyard of a Roman house in Ephesus at dawn, first light on its shaft, the rest of the courtyard in soft shadow.

The Book of

1 Timothy 3

Who should care for God’s household? Paul starts with character, and ends with a song about Christ.

16 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

Tap any post to go deeper

Where we are

  1. 1Sound teachingFalse teachers and the grace of Christ
  2. 2–3God's householdPrayer, worship and its leadersChapter 3
  3. 4A good servantTrain yourself for godliness
  4. 5–6:2The church familyWidows, elders and slaves
  5. 6:3–21True richesContentment and the good fight

Qualifications for Overseers

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

1 Timothy 3:1

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

Paul

A life that can be trusted

Above reproachthe word over thewhole listThe man himself“gentle, peaceable”At home“manage his ownhousehold well”With others“hospitable, able toteach”Mature in faith“not be a recentconvert”With outsiders“a good reputation”

Whiteboard

Nearly everything on Paul’s list is about who a man is, not what he can do. It starts inside, with a temper that is “gentle, peaceable,” and moves outward room by room: his home, his open door, his growth in faith, and finally what his neighbors think of him. These are the marks of a mature Christian life, the kind that others can safely follow.

Question

Quick question

Paul asks Timothy to look closely at a man’s home before trusting him with the church.

Why does Paul care how an overseer manages his own household?

Qualifications for Deacons

Paul
Paul

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.

A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.

For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:13

Pray

Pray for those who serve

Think of the people who serve in your church: the ones who set out chairs, visit the sick, teach the children, care for the money and keep things running. Thank God for them by name. Ask Him to keep them “faithful in all things,” and to give them “great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

The Mystery of Godliness

The lamplit doorway of a Greek courtyard house in Ephesus at evening; inside, believers of every age gather around a low table on which lies a rolled, sealed letter.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

0:14

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Timothy 3:15

By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

Reflect

The center of it all

Paul ends his instructions about God’s household by singing about Christ: He “appeared in the flesh” and “was taken up in glory.” Godly character grows from knowing Him. Read the six lines of 3:16 slowly. Which one do you most need to remember this week, and why? Write it down.

You’ve experienced

1 Timothy 3

0 of 6 chapters read

A verse to carry with you

By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

or swipe left