1 Timothy 3
Lutheran reading notes
In 1 Timothy chapter 3, the message of the gospel develops the theme of pastoral guidance for church leadership. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
This {is} a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1 Timothy 3:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {of good...: or, modest}
1 Timothy 3:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; {given...: or, ready to quarrel, and offer wrong, as one in wine}
1 Timothy 3:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1 Timothy 3:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1 Timothy 3:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. {a novice: or, one newly come to the faith}
1 Timothy 3:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
Likewise {must} the deacons {be} grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1 Timothy 3:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being {found} blameless.
1 Timothy 3:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Even so {must their} wives {be} grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 3:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Timothy 3:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. {used...: or, ministered}
1 Timothy 3:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1 Timothy 3:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. {ground: or, stay}
1 Timothy 3:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1 Timothy 3:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.