Christian's Expositor Journal

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2) The Elder/Bishop is a man of many qualifications; our attention here is drawn to the words “able to teach.” Before examining these words, we look back to Judges 2:7-10, “… another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work He had done for Israel” (v. 10). Under the faithful leadership of Joshua…

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NKJV ESV NASB Titus 1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, Titus 1:8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. Titus 1:8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, Apparently, urgent business for the Lord called Paul away from the island of Crete, perhaps before he wanted to leave. He was able, however, to leave a trusted associate to see that the good work begun would be…

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Most of the qualifications (characteristics) that all elders must possess are also the same that all Christians should possess. That is because these characteristics deal with the character or morality of the individual. It is true there are a few qualifications that are unique to the elder. He must be the husband of one wife, have believing children, be apt to teach, and not a novice. It is not necessary that every Christian possess these characteristics. One can be a…

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Long ago, the prophet Jeremiah was given the responsibility of speaking to the rebellious nation of Judah. God pleads with them through Jeremiah. “Return, O backsliding children; for I am married to you, I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer. 3:14-15). God’s desire is to have His people…

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When Paul lists the prerequisites for the eldership, he lays out several qualifications that are reflective of a man’s character and motivation. To be qualified to lead and feed the church of God, Paul states that an elder must not be “covetous” (1 Tim. 3:3) nor “greedy for money” (Tit. 1:7). While these two concepts are closely related, they are two separate qualifications that speak to a man’s attitude towards money and his actions in obtaining it. Someone who is…

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NKJV ESV NASU 1 Timothy 3:3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetousTitus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless as a steward of God not self willed, not quick tempered, not given to wine not violent, not greedy for money, 1 Timothy 3:3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.  Titus 1:7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He…

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Many westerners view nearly all ruling figures as corrupt authoritarians. Americans, whose history is saturated with Boston Tea Party-like events and revolutionary fervor, are often repulsed by the idea of voluntary submission to those in positions of power. Tragically, this worldview has dramatically impacted the lens through which Christians view the eldership. It is likely that one of the reasons many congregations have exerted so little energy and effort towards establishing an eldership is the result of American anti-establishmentarianism and…

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As the faithful men entrusted with decision-making authority, the authority to delegate responsibilities, and the spiritual counseling of the congregation in which they serve (Heb.13:7,17; 1 Pet. 5:3-4; Acts 20:17,28; 1 Thess. 5:12-13, 14-15), elders must be qualified men who by their study and teaching of God’s Word and by their own exemplary behavior have demonstrated to their congregation their dependable leadership skills. Most of the qualifications imposed upon these men by Paul in his letters to Timothy (1 Tim….

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In 1 Timothy chapter 3, Paul outlines the “qualifications” for those to be considered as elders (bishops). Two of those under consideration in this article are “good behavior” (v. 2) and “good testimony” (v. 7). Both criteria are heavily dependent upon how others perceive the man, and each are related to visible conduct, so it is appropriate to consider them together. Good Behavior “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, soberminded, of good behavior, hospitable,…

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“…distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13) An overseer, then, must be … “hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7-8). Elders are to model what is expected of all Christians. They are to live an exemplary life that illustrates the mature, full-grown character of Christ. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but…

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