Introduction
- I Timothy 3:1-7
Review
- We are seeking a balanced approach to this topic.
“Manages his own household well”
- I Timothy 3:4-5
- Dignity or reverence here could be referring to either the father or the children.
- Titus 1:6
- Does faithful here mean that the children are faithful to the earthly father or that they are Christians?
- The word behind it (pistos) can be translated either “believers” of “faithful.” Context is key to determining the precise meaning.
- Faithful to their earthly father:
- Strengths:
- Context seems to favor the more specific contrast.
- Harmony: If I Timothy 3:4-5 is a parallel.
- Weaknesses
- The number of translations going with “believe” is greater.
- Is I Timothy 3:4-5 an exact parallel, or supplemental information?
- Strengths:
- What about children who are grown and gone?
- What about Proverbs 22:6?
- Proverbs are general truths that have exceptions.
- What about Proverbs 22:6?
- Must a man have a plurality of children?
- Does the plural include the singular?
- I Timothy 5:4
- Matthew 22:24
- Genesis 21:7 – The plural includes the singular here.
“holding fast the faithful word”
- Titus 1:9
- An elder must be able to refute error.
“not pugnacious” (violent, striker, bully)
- I Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
- Elders shouldn’t be itching for a fight.
“gentle” (patient)
- I Timothy 3:3
- Contrast I Peter 2:18
“peaceable” (not contentious, not quarrelsome)
- I Timothy 3:3; Titus 3:2
“free from the love of money” (not covetous)
- I Timothy 3:3
“not fond of sordid gain” (not greedy for gain, not greedy of filthy lucre)
- Titus 1:7
“not a new convert” (novice, recent convert)
- I Timothy 3:6
“good reputation with those outside” (well thought of by outsiders)
- I Timothy 3:7
