INTRODUCTION
This Epistle was written not long after Paul had left Ephesus for Macedonia; but it is a matter of debate as to when this was, some holding that it must have been about the time of the great riot which drove the Apostle from the city; others that it was nearer the time of his second and last imprisonment at Rome.
Timothy is first mentioned as living at Lystra, Act_16:1. His mother, Eunice, was a Jewess, 2Ti_1:5; his father was a Greek. He was early the subject of pious influence, 2Ti_3:14-15. He was well spoken of by his fellow-believers, and became the intimate friend and companion of the Apostle.
The Epistle was designed to instruct him how to deal with false teachers, how to conduct public worship, and to urge him to cultivate all those qualities which would better equip him for the discharge of his important duties.
OUTLINE OF THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
The Church and Its Ministry
THE CHARGE CONCERNING THE CHURCH
The Place of Women in the Church
The Appointment of Deacons and Deaconess’s
5. How is the fitness of deacons and deaconesses to be determined?
QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEACONS
Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain,
but upholding and fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity].
These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons.
Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things.
Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing [having a good reputation among the congregation], and great confidence in the faith which is [founded on and centered] in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness
I hope to come to you before long, but I am writing these instructions to you
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
And great, we confess, is the mystery [the hidden truth] of godliness: He (Jesus Christ) who was revealed in human flesh, Was justified and vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
on
1 Timothy 3:8-16
QUALIFICATIONS OF CHURCH OFFICIALS
Younger men, referred to as deacons, were appointed to subordinate tasks, especially the relief of the poor, Act_6:1-15. Though their service was less important, their character must be of the highest quality. The strength of a church is as much in the godliness of those who fill subordinate offices, as in its acknowledged leaders. The caretaker of a church should be a man of as high ideals as its chief pastor. Nothing is common or unclean, nothing trivial and unimportant, where Christ’s honor and glory are concerned. In the prophet’s vision the very snuffers of the candlestick were of gold.
The women mentioned here are deaconesses, Rom_16:1. Governor Bradford, describing the church of the Pilgrim Fathers, says of a deaconess: “She honored her place and was an ornament to the congregation. She did frequently visit the sick and weak, and would gather relief for them. She was obeyed as a mother in Israel.”
The Church is the earthly dwelling-place of God. It lifts up and maintains the standard of truth in the midst of men, therefore it is hated. It is most necessary that Christians should bear witness to the truth, collectively as well as individually. The facts given us to witness to are enumerated here in the six clauses of an ancient antiphonal chant.
A Sermon by:-
Pastor Jeff Arthur.
Women Preachers?
Churches Duties To Deacons.
The Mystery Of Godliness.
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