Faithful is the saying ( πιστος ο λογος ). Here the phrase points to the preceding words (not like 1:15) and should close the preceding paragraph.

If a man seeketh ( ε τις ορεγετα ). Condition of first class, assumed as true. Present middle indicative of  ορεγω, old verb to reach out after something, governing the genitive. In N.T. only here, 6:10; Heb 11:16.

The office of a bishop ( επισκοπης ). Genitive case after  ορεγετα. Late and rare word outside of LXX and N.T. (in a Lycaonian inscription). From  επισκοπεω and means "over-seership" as in Ac 1:20.

The bishop ( τον επισκοπον ). The overseer. Old word, in LXX, and inscriptions and papyri. Deissmann (Bible Studies, pp. 230f.) has shown it is applied to communal officials in Rhodes. See Ac 20:28 for its use for the elders (presbyters) in verse 17. So also in Tit 1:5,7. See Php 1:1. The word does not in the N.T. have the monarchical sense found in Ignatius of a bishop over elders.

Without reproach ( ανεπιλημπτον ). Accusative case of general reference with  δε and  εινα. Old and common verbal ( α privative and  επιλαμβανω, not to be taken hold of), irreproachable. In N.T. only here, 5:7; 6:14.

Of one wife ( μιας γυναικος ). One at a time, clearly.

Temperate ( νηφαλιον ). Old adjective. In N.T. only here, verse 11; Tit 2:2. But see  νηφω, to be sober in 1Th 5:6,8.

Soberminded ( σωφρονα ). Another old adjective (from  σαος or  σως, sound,  φρην, mind) in N.T. only here, Tit 1:8; 2:2,5.

Orderly ( κοσμιον ). See on 2:9. Seemly, decent conduct.

Given to hospitality ( φιλοξενον ). Old word (see  φιλοξενια in Ro 12:13), from  φιλος and  ξενος, in N.T. only here, Tit 1:8; 1Pe 4:9.

Apt to teach ( διδακτικον ). Late form for old  διδασκαλικος, one qualified to teach. In Philo and N.T. only (1Ti 3:2; 2Ti 2:24).

No brawler ( μη παροινον ). Later word for the earlier  παροινιος, one who sits long at (beside,  παρα ) his wine. In N.T. only here and Tit 1:3.

No striker ( μη πληκτην ). Late word from  πλησσω, to strike. In N.T. only here and Tit 1:3.

Gentle ( επιεικη ). See on Php 4:5 for this interesting word.

Not contentious ( αμαχον ). Old word (from  α privative and  μαχη ), not a fighter. In N.T. only here and Tit 3:2.

No lover of money ( αφιλαργυρον ). Late word ( α privative and compound  φιλ-αργυρος ) in inscriptions and papyri (Nageli; also Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). In N.T. only here and Heb 13:5.

Ruling ( προισταμενον ). Present middle participle of  προιστημ, old word to place before and (intransitive as here) to stand before. See 1Th 5:12; Ro 12:8.

In subjection ( εν υποταγη ). See verse 11.

If a man knoweth not ( ε τις ουκ οιδεν ). Condition of first class, assumed as true.

How to rule ( προστηνα ). Second aorist active infinitive of same verb  προιστημ and with  οιδεν means "know how to rule," not "know that he rules."

How ( πως ). Rhetorical question expecting negative answer.

Shall he take care of ( επιμελησετα ). Future middle of  επιμελεομα, old compound ( επ, direction of care towards) verb, in LXX, in N.T. only here and Lu 10:34f.

The church of God ( εκκλησιας θεου ). Anarthrous as in verse 15, elsewhere with article (1Co 10:32; 15:9; 2Co 1:1; Ga 1:13). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Ac 20:28) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop.

Not a novice ( μη νεοφυτον ). Our "neophyte." Vernacular word from Aristophanes on, in LXX, and in papyri in the original sense of "newly-planted" ( νεοσ, φυω ). Only here in N.T.

Lest ( ινα μη ). "That not."

Being puffed up ( τυφωθεις ). First aorist passive participle of  τυφοω, old word (from  τυφος, smoke, pride), to raise a smoke or mist (a smoke-screen of pride). In N.T. only here; 6:4; 2Ti 3:4.

He fall into ( εμπεση εις ). Second aorist active subjunctive with  ινα μη, negative purpose, of  εμπιπτω, old verb, to fall into. Note both  εν and  εις as in Mt 12:11; Lu 10:36.

The condemnation of the devil ( κριμα του διαβολου ). See Ro 3:8 for  κριμα. Best to take  του διαβολου as objective genitive, though subjective in verse 7, "the condemnation passed on or received by the devil" (not just "the slanderer," any slanderer).

From them that are without ( απο των εξωθεν ). "From the outside (of the church) ones." Paul's care for the witness of outsiders is seen in 1Th 4:12; 1Co 10:32; Col 4:5. There are, of course, two sides to this matter.

Reproach ( ονειδισμον ). Late word from  ονειδιζω. See Ro 15:3.

The snare of the devil ( παγιδα του διαβολου ). Here subjective genitive, snare set by the devil.  Παγις, old word from  πηγνυμ, to make fast. So a snare for birds (Lu 21:35), any sudden trap (Ro 11:9), of sin (1Ti 6:9), of the devil (1Ti 3:7; 2Ti 2:26). Ancients used it of the snares of love. The devil sets special snares for preachers (conceit verse 6, money 6:9, women, ambition).

Deacons ( διακονους ). Accusative case of general reference like the preceding with  δε εινα understood. Technical sense of the word here as in Php 1:1 which see (two classes of church officers, bishops or elders, deacons).

Grave ( σεμνους ). See Php 4:8. Repeated in verse 11; Tit 2:2.

Not double-tongued ( μη διλογους ). Rare word ( δισ, λεγω ) saying same thing twice. Xenophon has  διλογεω and  διλογια. In Pollux, but LXX has  διγλωσσος (double-tongued, Latin bilinguis). Only here in N.T. One placed between two persons and saying one thing to one, another to the other. Like Bunyan's Parson "Mr. Two-Tongues."

Not given to much wine ( μη οινω πολλω προσεχοντας ). "Not holding the mind ( τον νουν understood as usual with  προσεχω, 1Ti 1:4) on much wine" ( οινω, dative case). That attitude leads to over-indulgence.

Not greedy of filthy lucre ( μη αισχροκερδεις ). Old word from  αισχρος (Eph 5:12) and  κερδος (Php 1:21). "Making small gains in mean ways" (Parry). Not genuine in verse 3. In N.T. only here and Tit 1:7 (of bishops).

The mystery of the faith ( το μυστηριον της πιστεως ). "The inner secret of the faith," the revelation given in Christ. See for  μυστηριον in Paul (2Th 2:7; 1Co 2:7; Ro 16:25; Col 1:26; Eph 3:9).

In a pure conscience ( εν καθαρα συνειδησε ). See 1:19. "The casket in which the jewel is to be kept" (Lock).

First be proved ( δοκιμαζεσθωσαν πρωτον ). Present passive imperative third plural of  δοκιμαζω, old and common verb, to test as metals, etc. (1Th 2:4, and often in Paul). How the proposed deacons are to be "first" tested before approved Paul does not say. See Php 1:10 for the two senses (test, approve) of the word.

Let them serve as deacons ( διακονειτωσαν ). Present active imperative of  διακονεω (same root as  διακονος ), common verb, to minister, here "to serve as deacons." Cf.  διακονειν in Ac 6:2. See also verse 13.

If they be blameless ( ανεγκλητο οντες ). "Being blameless" (conditional participle,  οντες ). See 1Co 1:8; Col 1:22 for  ανεγκλητος.

Women ( γυναικας ). Accusative with  δε εινα understood ( οσαυτως, likewise) as in verse 8. Apparently "women as deacons" (Ro 16:1 about Phoebe) and not women in general or just "wives of deacons." See Pliny (Ep. X. 97) ministrae.

Not slanderers ( μη διαβολους ). Original meaning of  διαβολος (from  διαβαλλω, Lu 16:1), the devil being the chief slanderer (Eph 6:11). "She-devils" in reality (Tit 2:3). "While men are more prone to be  διλογους, double-tongued, women are more prone than men to be slanderers" (White).

Faithful in all things ( πιστας εν πασιν ). Perhaps as almoners (Ellicott) the deaconesses had special temptations.

Of one wife ( μιας γυναικος ). At a time as in verse 2.

Ruling well ( προισταμενο καλως ). As in 4.

Gain to themselves ( εαυτοις περιποιουντα ). Present middle indicative of  περιποιεω, old verb, to make besides ( περ, around, over), to lay by. Reflexive (indirect) middle with reflexive pronoun ( εαυτοις ) repeated as often happens in the Koine. In N.T. only here, Lu 17:33; Ac 20:28 (Paul also, quoting Isa 43:21).

A good standing ( βαθμον καλον ). Late word from  βαινω, in LXX for steps at a door (1Sa 5:5). In plural the steps of a stair. In the inscriptions it means a good foothold or standing. The ecclesiastical writers (Theodoret) take it to be a higher grade or rank, but it is doubtful if Paul means that here.

Much boldness ( πολλην παρρησιαν ). A Pauline phrase (2Co 3:12; 7:4; Php 1:20).

In the faith which is in Christ Jesus ( εν πιστε τη εν Χριστω Ιησου ). Pauline phrase again (Ac 26:18; Ga 3:26; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15; 2Ti 1:13; 3:15).

Shortly ( εν ταχε ). Old idiom (locative case of  ταχος, quickness, speed). See Ro 16:20. A pseudonymous writer would hardly have put in this phrase. Paul's hopes were not to be realized, but he did not know that.

But if I tarry long ( εαν δε βραδυνω ). Condition of third class with  εαν and the present active subjunctive of  βραδυνω, old verb, to be slow (usually intransitive), from  βραδυς (slow, dull, Lu 24:25), in N.T. only here and 2Pe 3:9.

That thou mayest know ( ινα ειδηις ). Final clause with  ινα and second perfect active subjunctive of  οιδα, to know.

How men ought ( πως δε ). "How it is necessary for thee" (supply  σε more naturally than  τινα, any one). Indirect question.

To behave themselves ( αναστρεφεσθα ). Present middle (direct) infinitive of  αναστρεφω, old verb, to turn up and down. See 2Co 1:12; Eph 2:3.

In the house of God ( εν οικω θεου ). Probably here "household of God," that is "the family of God" rather than "the house (or temple) of God." Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and  οικος commonly means "household." Christians are the  ναος (sanctuary) of God (1Co 3:16f.; 2Co 6:16), and Paul calls them  οικειο του θεου (Eph 2:19) "members of God's family." It is conduct as members of God's family ( οικος ) that Paul has in mind.

Which ( ητις ). "Which very house of God," agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word  εκκλησια (church).

The church of the living God ( εκκλησια θεου ζωντος ). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in verse 5.

The pillar and ground of the truth ( στυλος κα εδραιωμα της αληθειας ). Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to  εκκλησια and  οικος. On  στυλος, old word for pillar, see Ga 2:9; Re 3:12 (only other N.T. examples).  Hεδραιωμα, late and rare word (from  εδραιοω, to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See Co 1:23; 2Ti 2:19 for similar idea. See also Mt 16:18f.

Without controversy ( ομολογουμενως ). Old adverb from the participle  ομολογουμενος from  ομολογεω. Here only in N.T. "Confessedly."

Great ( μεγα ). See Eph 5:32. "A great mystery."

The mystery of godliness ( το της ευσεβειας μυστηριον ). See verse 9 "the mystery of the faith," and 2:2 for  ευσεβεια. Here the phrase explains "a pillar and stay of the truth" (verse 15). See in particular Co 1:27. "The revealed secret of true religion, the mystery of Christianity, the Person of Christ" (Lock).

He who ( ος ). The correct text, not  θεος (God) the reading of the Textus Receptus (Syrian text) nor  ο (neuter relative, agreeing with  μυστηριον ) the reading of the Western documents. Westcott and Hort print this relative clause as a fragment of a Christian hymn (like Eph 5:14) in six strophes. That is probably correct. At any rate  ος (who) is correct and there is asyndeton (no connective) in the verbs. Christ, to whom  ος refers, is the mystery (Col 1:27; 2:2).

Was manifested ( εφανερωθη ). First aorist passive indicative of  φανεροω, to manifest. Here used to describe the incarnation ( εν σαρκ ) of Christ (an answer also to the Docetic Gnostics). The verb is used by Paul elsewhere of the incarnation (Ro 16:26; Col 1:26) as well as of the second coming (Col 3:4).

Justified in the spirit ( εδικαιωθη εν πνευματ ). First aorist passive indicative of  δικαιοω, to declare righteous, to vindicate. Christ was vindicated in his own spirit (Heb 9:14) before men by overcoming death and rising from the dead (Ro 1:3f.).

Seen of angels ( ωφθη αγγελοις ). First aorist passive indicative of  οραω, to see, with either the instrumental or the dative case of angels ( αγγελοις ). The words were probably suggested by the appearance of Jesus ( ωφθη, the usual form for the resurrection appearances of Christ) of the angels at the tomb and at the ascension of Christ. See Php 2:10; 1Pe 3:22 for the appearance of Jesus to the angels in heaven at the ascension. Some would take "angels" here to be "messengers" (the women).

Preached among the nations ( εκηρυχθη εν εθνεσιν ). First aorist passive indicative of  κηρυσσω, to proclaim. The word  εθνος may mean "all creation" (Col 1:23) and not just Gentiles as distinct from Jews. Paul had done more of this heralding of Christ among the Gentiles than any one else. It was his glory (Eph 3:1,8). Cf. 2:7.

Believed on in the world ( επιστευθη εν κοσμω ). First aorist indicative passive again of  πιστευω, to believe (2Th 1:10). Cf. 1:15; 2Co 5:19.

Received up in glory ( ανελημφθη εν δοξη ). First aorist passive again (six verbs in the same voice and tense in succession, a rhythmic arrangement like a hymn). Cf. Ro 8:29f. This time the verb is  αναλαμβανω, the verb used of the ascension (Ac 1:11,22, which see). In a wonderful way this stanza of a hymn presents the outline of the life of Christ.