Chapter
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Verse
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1 Timothy 3:2
ESV Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
NIV Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
NASB An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching,
CSB An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
NLT So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.
KJV A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
NKJV A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;

What does 1 Timothy 3:2 mean?

Because of the important nature of their work, "an overseer must be above reproach." This is more of an overall statement regarding his character, rather than a specific trait. The specific details which follow in this passage show the ways in which an elder would fulfill this requirement. The same concept is presented in the list given to Titus (Titus 1:6, 7) and in Colossians 1:22 (applying to Christ's work in all believers). It includes the idea of character that cannot be easily attacked. The Jewish prophet Daniel serves as an excellent Old Testament example of this type of integrity.

This verse includes a specific mention of an elder's family morals. The phrase given here is mias gynaikos andra, which literally means "a one-woman man." This comment from Paul does not imply anything in particular about past divorce, widowers, or those who are single. Both Timothy and Paul likely were unmarried at the time these words were written. The point, rather, is that an elder must not be known for marital immorality. This means either being celibate and single, or demonstrating a faithful relationship with his wife.

The verse continues with additional traits elders must demonstrate. "Sober-minded" is not a reference to drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:3), but being alert or level headed. "Self-control" is a quality often mentioned by Paul and is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) expected of all believers. "Respectable" can also be translated "modest," including the idea of not being a boastful person. "Hospitable" implies the common hospitality of Mediterranean culture, especially since many elders hosted churches in their own homes. "Able to teach" relates to the ability to communicate biblical truth and is both a gift (Romans 12:7) and an ability to develop (2 Timothy 4:1–2).
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