1 Timothy 3:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

NIV: (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

NASB: (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

CSB: (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?)

NLT: For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

KJV: (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

NKJV: (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);

In the previous verse, Paul required overseers to be able to manage their own "household" well, including children. This verse uses a rhetorical question to explain his reasoning. Why would the church select a leader to oversee a larger group of people if a man could not lead the few people in his own family well? In modern society, job applicants build upon past job experiences to show why they are qualified for a job. In ancient culture, the family was the "past experience" to show whether a person was ready for greater responsibility.

This qualification also stressed the church's identity not as an organization, but as a family. In verse 15, Paul calls the church "the household of God." The first church met in both public spaces and in homes (Acts 2:42–47), a practice common throughout the New Testament period. In John 1:12, believers are said to become part of God's family. Family was of central importance in ancient culture, with family serving as the basis for all other leadership, including church leadership.

First Timothy 3:1–7 describes the requirements of church elders. Those who are placed in high leadership positions within the church are to be men of a good reputation, known for self-control and fairness, as well as have an ability to teach spiritual truths. They cannot be known as drunkards, bickerers, or prone to greed. Those who are married must demonstrate faithfulness to their wife and respectable control of their children. Paul also specifies that new converts cannot be elders: this presents a high risk of arrogance and failure.

First Timothy chapter 3 expresses requirements for two different levels of church leadership. The first are ''elders'' or ''overseers.'' These men are to be experienced Christians, respectable, capable teachers, with a good reputation and a well-ordered family life. The second group are ''servants,'' or ''deacons,'' who share many of the same expectations. Unlike elders, however, deacons are not necessarily called on to teach. And, they are expected to be ''tested'' prior to taking on their role.

Chapter 3 concludes Paul's general statements about church structure and behavior. In chapters 1, 2, and 3, he has laid out some broad concepts which Timothy needs to enforce in his congregation. This chapter specifically deals with the qualifications for leaders, including both elders and deacons. The next chapters will transition to Paul's warnings about certain dangers lurking around the Christian church.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.

Accessed 4/29/2024 9:20:15 AM