1Ti 3:4, 12 | JFB | STEP | 4. ruleth — Greek, "presiding over." his own house —children and servants, as contrasted with "the church" (house) of God ( ) which he may be called on to preside over. having his children —rather as Greek, "having children (who are) in subjection" ( ). gravity —propriety: reverent modesty on the part of the children [ALFORD ]. The fact that he has children who are in subjection to him in all gravity, is the recommendation in his favor as one likely to rule well the Church.

1 Timothy 3:4

4. ruleth—Greek, "presiding over."

his own house—children and servants, as contrasted with "the church" (house) of God (1Ti 3:5, 15) which he may be called on to preside over.

having his children—rather as Greek, "having children (who are) in subjection" (Tit 1:6).

gravity—propriety: reverent modesty on the part of the children [ALFORD]. The fact that he has children who are in subjection to him in all gravity, is the recommendation in his favor as one likely to rule well the Church.

1 Timothy 3:12

12. husbands of one wife—(See on 1Ti 3:2).

ruling their children—There is no article in the Greek, "ruling children"; implying that he regarded the having children to rule as a qualification (1Ti 3:4; Tit 1:6).

their own houses—as distinguished from "the Church of God" (see on 1Ti 3:5). In the case of the deacons, as in that of the bishops, he mentions the first condition of receiving office, rather than the special qualifications for its discharge. The practical side of Christianity is the one most dwelt on in the Pastoral Epistles, in opposition to the heretical teachers; moreover, as the miraculous gifts began to be withdrawn, the safest criterion of efficiency would be the previous moral character of the candidate, the disposition and talent for the office being presupposed. So in Ac 6:3, a similar criterion was applied, "Look ye out among you seven men of honest report." Less stress is laid on personal dignity in the case of the deacon than in that of the bishop (compare Notes, see on 1Ti 3:2,3).