1 Timothy 3:1

¶ This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

This is a true {G4103} saying {G3056}, If a man {G1536} desire {G3713} the office of a bishop {G1984}, he desireth {G1937} a good {G2570} work {G2041}.

Here is a statement you can trust: anyone aspiring to be a congregation leader is seeking worthwhile work.

This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.

Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Commentary

1 Timothy 3:1 introduces a crucial section regarding leadership in the early church, particularly the qualifications for those who aspire to lead. Paul begins by emphasizing the truth and significance of his statement, setting the stage for the detailed requirements that follow.

Context

The Epistle to 1 Timothy is a pastoral letter written by the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, who was overseeing the church in Ephesus. This letter provides guidance on church order, doctrine, and conduct. Chapter 3 specifically addresses the qualities necessary for two key leadership roles: bishops (or overseers) and deacons. In the early church, the role of a "bishop" (Greek: episkopos, meaning "overseer" or "superintendent") was synonymous with an elder (Greek: presbuteros) or pastor, denoting a spiritual leader responsible for the care, teaching, and governance of the local congregation.

Key Themes

  • Desire for Ministry: The verse highlights that a legitimate desire to serve in church leadership is a prerequisite. This desire should stem from a genuine calling and a heart for God's people, not from ambition for power or prestige. It's an internal prompting, a willingness to undertake significant spiritual responsibility.
  • The Office as a "Good Work": Paul emphatically states that the role of an overseer is a "good work" (Greek: kalon ergon). This phrase implies something noble, honorable, excellent, and beneficial. It underscores that leadership in the church is primarily about demanding service and diligent effort, rather than a position of privilege. It is a work that builds up the body of Christ and glorifies God.
  • Importance of Church Leadership: By dedicating an entire section to the qualifications of overseers and deacons, Paul underscores the vital importance of godly, competent leadership for the health and stability of the church. The integrity and character of its leaders directly impact the spiritual well-being of the congregation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a true saying" (Greek: pistos logos) is used several times by Paul in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 4:9, Titus 3:8) to introduce a trustworthy and universally accepted truth within Christian teaching. The word "bishop" is derived from the Greek episkopos, which literally means "one who watches over." This term emphasizes the supervisory, protective, and pastoral nature of the role. The "good work" (kalon ergon) signifies an activity that is inherently beautiful, morally excellent, and results in good for others, aligning with the concept of Christians being created for good works.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a foundational principle for anyone considering spiritual leadership, whether as a pastor, elder, or in any significant ministry role. It teaches that:

  1. Motivation Matters: The desire to serve in leadership should be pure, driven by a love for God and His people, not by personal ambition or worldly gain.
  2. Leadership is Service: The office of an overseer is not a position of power to be wielded, but a demanding "good work" involving sacrifice, dedication, and diligent care for others. It often requires humility and a willingness to serve rather than be served.
  3. High Standards are Necessary: The subsequent verses in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 lay out rigorous character qualifications, underscoring that those who desire this good work must also demonstrate the moral and spiritual fitness for it.

For the church today, 1 Timothy 3:1 reminds us to pray for and uphold those who serve in leadership, recognizing the weighty responsibility they bear. It also calls individuals to self-examination if they feel a pull towards ministry, ensuring their desire aligns with God's purpose and the demanding nature of the work.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Titus 1:7 (12 votes)

    For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

  • Acts 20:28 (11 votes)

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

  • 1 Peter 5:2 (8 votes)

    Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

  • 1 Timothy 1:15 (7 votes)

    This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

  • James 5:19 (6 votes)

    Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

  • James 5:20 (6 votes)

    Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

  • Hebrews 12:15 (6 votes)

    Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;