1Ti 3:2-7 | PNT | STEP | A bishop then must be . . . . None must be appointed because they desire the place. None are eligible unless they fill the following qualifications. Blameless . Not under charges; of good repute. The husband of one wife . A married man, and having only one wife. In those loose times of divorce, men might be converted who had successively several wives. Divorce for unscriptural reasons would not free a man from his first, lawful wife. Hence the limitation to those who had only one living wife. I do not think there is any reference to re-marriage after the death of a wife. Sober minded . Sedate. Given to hospitality . Often saints by persecution were made homeless. The bishops must set the example of receiving such. Apt to teach . Men who have the knowledge and discretion which fit them to teach the flock.

1 Timothy 3:2-7

A bishop then must be . . . . None must be appointed because they desire the place. None are eligible unless they fill the following qualifications.

Blameless. Not under charges; of good repute.

The husband of one wife. A married man, and having only one wife. In those loose times of divorce, men might be converted who had successively several wives. Divorce for unscriptural reasons would not free a man from his first, lawful wife. Hence the limitation to those who had only one living wife. I do not think there is any reference to re-marriage after the death of a wife.

Sober minded. Sedate.

Given to hospitality. Often saints by persecution were made homeless. The bishops must set the example of receiving such.

Apt to teach. Men who have the knowledge and discretion which fit them to teach the flock. Not given to wine. Not a drunken brawler is the idea of the Greek. We must always bear in mind that the church had been formed of Gentiles whose morals had been at a very low standard. One that ruleth well his own house. This implies that he must be a man of family.

Having his children in subjection. He must be a father with obedient children. For if a man know not how to rule his own house. The order of his own house will show whether he is fit to have a charge in the house of God. The sins of Eli's sons showed that Eli, though a good man, was unfitted to rule (1Sa 2:22-25). Not a novice. One recently converted. Those chosen for bishops must be old and tired. Paul and Barnabas did not ordain elders until their second visit to the churches (Ac 14:23).

Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. A novice, suddenly exalted, was in danger of undue elation. He must have a good report of them which are without. Have an established character which speaks well for the church among the unconverted.

Lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Into some snare of the devil, some improper conduct, which will bring reproach on the church.