1 Timothy 3:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This section introduces a pivotal section within Paul's pastoral instructions to Timothy, laying the foundational principle for church leadership. This verse declares a universally accepted truth: that aspiring to the office of an overseer is a desire for a noble and demanding work. It sets the stage for the subsequent detailed qualifications, underscoring the high calling and significant responsibility inherent in spiritual leadership within the nascent Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Epistle to [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "1 Timothy - Paul's Letter to Timothy") is a pastoral letter from the Apostle Paul to his trusted associate, Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to address doctrinal and practical issues within the church. Prior to [chapter 3](/1_timothy/3 "1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for Church Leaders"), Paul has discussed matters of prayer and worship in [chapter 2](/1_timothy/2 "1 Timothy 2 - Instructions on Worship and Women's Roles"), including instructions for men and women in the assembly. [1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers") marks a significant transition, shifting the focus from general church conduct to the specific qualifications and character required for those who would hold positions of authority and spiritual oversight. This verse serves as an introductory thesis statement for the rigorous standards that follow for both overseers and deacons, emphasizing the gravity and honor of such roles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse religious practices, including the widespread worship of Artemis. The early Christian church in Ephesus, like many others, was grappling with internal challenges such as false teaching (as seen in [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warning Against False Teachers")) and the need for established order and sound doctrine. In the Greco-Roman world, leadership often conveyed status and power. Paul's instructions, therefore, were counter-cultural, redefining leadership within the church not as a position of worldly prestige but as one of humble, diligent service. The terms "bishop" (Greek: _episkopos_) and "elder" (Greek: _presbuteros_) were often used interchangeably in the early church (cf. [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Acts 20:17 - Paul Summons the Ephesian Elders") with [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's Charge to the Ephesian Elders")), referring to the same office of spiritual oversight and pastoral care, distinct from the later hierarchical structures.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers") introduces several foundational themes pertinent to church leadership. Firstly, it highlights the **Legitimacy of Desire for Ministry**, affirming that a genuine, Spirit-prompted desire to serve in leadership is a valid and even commendable starting point. This desire should stem from a heart devoted to God and His people, not from worldly ambition or a craving for power, which Paul implicitly warns against by emphasizing the nature of the work. Secondly, the verse underscores **The Office as a "Good Work"**. The Greek phrase _kalon ergon_ signifies something noble, honorable, inherently beautiful, and beneficial. It redefines leadership as demanding service, diligent effort, and a commitment to building up the body of Christ, rather than a position of privilege or ease. This theme contrasts sharply with secular notions of authority. Thirdly, by dedicating an entire section to these qualifications, Paul emphasizes the **Vital Importance of Godly Leadership** for the health, stability, and spiritual integrity of the church. The character and competence of its leaders directly impact the congregation's ability to withstand false teaching and grow in faith, echoing the need for discernment in leadership as seen in [Titus 1:5-9](/titus/1-5-9 "Titus 1:5-9 - Qualifications for Elders").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **true (Greek, _pistós_):** From G4103, meaning objectively trustworthy or subjectively trustful. In this context, _pistós_ modifies "saying" (_lógos_), indicating that the statement Paul is about to make is reliable, faithful, and worthy of full acceptance. It carries the weight of an established Christian truth, not merely Paul's opinion.
* **office of a bishop (Greek, _episkopḗ_):** From G1984, meaning inspection (for relief), superintendence, or specifically, the Christian "episcopate." This term denotes the function or activity of an overseer. It emphasizes the responsibility of watching over, caring for, and guiding the flock, highlighting the supervisory and pastoral dimensions of the role rather than a mere title.
* **good (Greek, _kalós_):** From G2570, meaning properly beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous. It distinguishes from _agathós_ (intrinsic goodness) by emphasizing that which is outwardly excellent, honorable, and beneficial in appearance or use. When combined with "work," it signifies an activity that is inherently noble, excellent, and produces positive, virtuous outcomes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ This [is] a true saying":** Paul begins with a declarative statement, "Pistos ho logos," which translates to "the saying is trustworthy" or "this is a faithful saying." This phrase, used elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles, serves to introduce a foundational, universally accepted truth within Christian doctrine or practice. It immediately elevates the importance and reliability of what follows, signaling to Timothy and the church that the subsequent instruction is not merely advice but a divine principle.
* **"If a man desire the office of a bishop":** This clause addresses the internal motivation and aspiration for spiritual leadership. The word "desire" (Greek: _orégomai_, G3713, and _epithyméō_, G1937, used in different manuscripts but conveying similar meaning of longing or reaching for) indicates a strong, intentional inclination. The "office of a bishop" (Greek: _episkopḗ_) refers to the function or responsibility of an overseer, a leader charged with the spiritual care, teaching, and administration of a local congregation. Paul acknowledges that such a desire is legitimate and can be Spirit-prompted.
* **"he desireth a good work":** This concluding phrase defines the nature of the "office of a bishop." It is not a position of power, prestige, or personal gain, but fundamentally "a good work" (Greek: _kalon ergon_). This signifies an activity that is noble, honorable, morally excellent, beneficial, and inherently beautiful in God's eyes. It underscores that leadership in the church is primarily about diligent service, sacrificial effort, and a commitment to the spiritual well-being of others, rather than a title or privilege.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers") to convey his message with clarity and emphasis. The phrase **"a true saying"** (or "faithful saying," _pistos ho logos_) functions as a **Formulaic Introduction**, lending immediate **Apostolic Authority** and weight to the statement that follows. It signals that the principle about to be articulated is not a new or debatable idea, but an established, trustworthy truth within the Christian faith. The very structure of the conditional "If a man desire... he desireth..." uses **Parallelism** to draw a direct and undeniable connection between the aspiration and the nature of the role. Furthermore, the description of the office as a **"good work"** serves as a powerful **Euphemism** or **Understatement**, as the subsequent verses reveal the demanding and rigorous nature of this "good work." This phrase also functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying the spiritual leadership role not as a status, but as an active, laborious, and morally excellent endeavor. The overall tone is **Didactic**, instructing Timothy and, by extension, the church, on fundamental principles of leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers") establishes a profound theological truth: that a divinely-inspired desire for spiritual leadership is not only permissible but commendable, precisely because the nature of this leadership is fundamentally a "good work." This concept challenges worldly notions of authority, reframing ministry as sacrificial service rather than a pursuit of power or personal gain. It underscores the intrinsic value and nobility of laboring for the Kingdom of God, particularly in the demanding role of overseeing God's people. This verse sets the stage for the rigorous character qualifications that follow, implying that such a "good work" requires individuals of impeccable integrity and spiritual maturity, whose internal desire aligns with God's external standards for leadership.

* [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church")
* [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Servant Leadership")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers") offers timeless guidance for both individuals considering ministry and churches seeking to appoint leaders. For those who feel a stirring within their hearts towards spiritual leadership, this verse affirms that such a desire, when pure and God-honoring, is a legitimate and even necessary prerequisite. However, it immediately qualifies this desire by defining the role as a "good work"—a demanding, sacrificial, and often difficult endeavor, not a path to ease or recognition. This calls for profound self-examination: Is my desire rooted in a genuine love for Christ and His church, a willingness to serve, or is it driven by ambition, ego, or a misunderstanding of the work involved? For the church, this verse highlights the importance of discerning not just external qualifications, but also the internal motivation of potential leaders. It reminds us that appointing leaders is about identifying those willing to undertake a "good work" for the sake of the gospel and the flock, recognizing the immense spiritual weight and honor associated with such service. We are called to pray for, support, and hold accountable those who serve, understanding the high calling they have embraced.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates my desire to serve in leadership, whether in the church or elsewhere?**
* **How do I understand the "work" of ministry, and am I prepared for its demands and sacrifices?**
* **In what ways can our church better recognize, affirm, and support those who genuinely desire to undertake the "good work" of leadership?**

### FAQ
**What does "a true saying" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "a true saying" (Greek: _pistos ho logos_) is a Pauline idiom, used five times in the Pastoral Epistles ([1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners"), [1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers"), [1 Timothy 4:9](/1_timothy/4-9 "1 Timothy 4:9 - Godliness is Profitable"), [2 Timothy 2:11](/2_timothy/2-11 "2 Timothy 2:11 - If We Die with Him"), [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Good Works")). It serves to introduce a statement that is universally accepted, trustworthy, and foundational to Christian belief or practice. In [1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers"), it emphasizes the absolute reliability and importance of the principle concerning the desire for the office of an overseer and its nature as a "good work."

**Is the "office of a bishop" the same as a "pastor" or "elder" in today's church?**

Answer: In the New Testament, the terms "bishop" (Greek: _episkopos_, meaning "overseer"), "elder" (Greek: _presbuteros_, meaning "older one"), and "pastor" (Greek: _poimēn_, meaning "shepherd") are often used interchangeably to describe the same office of spiritual leadership within the local church. For example, in [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Acts 20:17 - Paul Summons the Ephesian Elders"), Paul calls for the "elders" of the Ephesian church, and then in [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Paul's Charge to the Ephesian Elders"), he charges them to "oversee" (_episkopéō_) the flock and to "shepherd" (_poimainō_) the church of God. While modern denominations may distinguish these roles hierarchically, the biblical context suggests they refer to the same function of spiritual oversight, teaching, and care for the congregation.

**Why does Paul call the office of a bishop a "good work"?**

Answer: Paul calls it a "good work" (Greek: _kalon ergon_) to emphasize its inherently noble, honorable, and beneficial nature, not in terms of worldly prestige, but in terms of its divine purpose and impact. The Greek word _kalos_ signifies something beautiful, morally excellent, and intrinsically valuable. This phrase underscores that the role of an overseer is primarily one of diligent, sacrificial service and labor for the spiritual well-being of the church. It is a work that builds up the body of Christ, glorifies God, and requires significant effort, dedication, and integrity, as detailed in the subsequent qualifications in [1 Timothy 3:2-7](/1_timothy/3-2-7 "1 Timothy 3:2-7 - Qualifications for Overseers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers") finds its ultimate fulfillment and paradigm in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who desired and perfectly executed a "good work." While the verse speaks of human aspiration to the office of a bishop, Christ is the [Chief Shepherd](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd"), the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") who laid down His life for His sheep. His entire earthly ministry was a "good work," characterized by humble service, sacrificial love, and unwavering dedication to the Father's will, culminating in His atoning death and resurrection. He did not desire a position of earthly power or prestige, but rather emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Thus, any human desire for the "good work" of ministry must be patterned after Christ's own self-giving example, recognizing that true leadership in God's kingdom is always a reflection of His servanthood and His ultimate work of redemption. We are called to fix our eyes on [Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus"), who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, demonstrating the highest form of "good work" for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 1:7

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

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

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

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

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

James 5:20

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

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;