1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:1-7 KJV)
Qualifications for Overseers
The two epistles to Timothy and that to Titus contain a scriptural plan of church government and instructions for ministers. Timothy was an evangelist left at Ephesus to care for those whom the Holy Spirit had made overseers — that is, the presbyters — as seen in Acts 20:28, where the elders were charged with the care of the church and called bishops. They were reluctant to part with Paul, especially after he told them they would see his face no more (Acts 20:38). Since their church was newly planted, Paul left Timothy there to set things in order. Here we have the character of a gospel minister, whose office as a bishop is to lead a particular congregation of Christians: “If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1).
The ministry is a work. Although the office of a bishop may now be seen as a promotion, then it was viewed as a noble labor. The office of a bishop is of divine appointment, not human invention. The ministry is not a creation of the state, for it existed in the church before civil authorities supported Christianity. It is one of the great gifts Christ gave to the church (Ephesians 4:8-11).
This office is a work that requires diligence and devotion. Ministers should focus more on their work than on the honor or benefits of their office. It is a good work because it concerns the salvation of immortal souls, meant to glorify God in bringing many sons to glory. The ministry is designed to open people’s eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18).
Those who seek this office should earnestly desire it, not for personal gain but for the opportunity to bring glory to God and do good to souls. This is reflected in the question asked of those entering the ministry: “Do you believe you are moved by the Holy Spirit to take upon you this office?”
In order to perform this work, the minister must be properly qualified.
A minister must be blameless, not under scandal or reproach, for that would harm his ministry. He must be the husband of one wife, not having divorced one and married another, nor practicing polygamy, as was common among Jews and Gentiles at that time. He must be vigilant and watchful against Satan, who goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). A minister should watch over himself and the souls of those under his care, making the most of every opportunity to do them good.
He must be sober, temperate, and moderate in all things. Sobriety and vigilance are often linked in Scripture because they support each other: “Be sober, be vigilant.” He must be of good behavior, composed and steady, not vain or frivolous. He must be hospitable — open-hearted and generous to strangers — not greedy for wealth but loving toward others.
He must be apt to teach — a preaching bishop who is both able and willing to share the knowledge God has given him, well-instructed in the truths of the kingdom of God, and ready to instruct others. He must not be given to wine (Leviticus 10:8-9), for the priests were forbidden to drink while ministering, lest they distort judgment.
He must not be violent or quarrelsome, but gentle and peaceable, for “the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle toward all” (2 Timothy 2:24). He must not be greedy for dishonest gain or use his ministry for personal advantage. He should show by his conduct that he is dead to worldly wealth and ambition.
He must be patient and not a brawler, mild in spirit like Christ, the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls. Ministers who teach others to control their tongues must themselves exercise self-control. He must not be covetous, for covetousness is evil in anyone but worst in a minister, whose calling is focused on eternal things.
He must rule his household well, setting an example for others. If a man cannot manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? (1 Timothy 3:5). Ministers’ families should be examples of godliness. Their children must be in subjection, not through harshness but with gravity and respect.
He must not be a novice — not newly converted or poorly instructed in the faith — for such a person is prone to pride, and pride was the sin that brought the devil’s condemnation. “Lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” The devils fell through pride, which warns us to beware of it, for it turned angels into devils.
He must also have a good reputation among outsiders so that the devil cannot use his past conduct to discredit his ministry or turn others away from the gospel.
Considering these qualifications, we may well cry out with Paul, “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:16). What piety, prudence, zeal, courage, faithfulness, and watchfulness are needed in this sacred work!
Even the best and most faithful ministers have reason to humble themselves, knowing how far short they fall of what they ought to be and do. Yet they must bless God who has counted them worthy of this calling. If God enables any to be faithful in this office, He deserves all the praise.
For the encouragement of all faithful ministers, Christ has promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). With His presence, He strengthens us for the work, helps us through its difficulties, forgives our shortcomings, and will reward our faithfulness with “a crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).