1 Timóteo 3
Marvin Vincent · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Timóteo 3
Vincent says "The radical idea of the word (episkope) is that of observing or inspecting. Hence episkopos, an overseer or bishop. Visiting grows naturally out of this, as visitare from visere, to look at attentively. See Introduction, on Peter’s emphasis upon sight; and compare behold, in this verse. The “day of visitation” is the day of looking upon." Episkope - 4x - Lk. 19:44; Acts 1:20; 1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:12 Episkope in Septuagint - Gen. 50:24; Gen. 50:25; Exod. 3:16; Exod. 13:19; Exod. 30:12; Lev. 19:20; Num. 4:16; Num. 7:2; Num. 14:29; Num. 16:29; Num. 26:22; Num. 26:43; Job 6:14; Job 7:18; Job 10:12; Job 24:12; Job 29:4; Job 31:14; Job 34:9; Ps. 109:8; Prov. 29:13; Isa. 10:3; Isa. 23:17; Isa. 24:22; Isa. 29:6; Jer. 6:15; Jer. 10:15; Ezek. 7:22 Work (2041)(ergon) gives us our English word "erg," a unit of work or energy, equal to the work done by a force of one dyne when its point of application moves one centimeter in the direction of action of the force. Friberg defines ergon - (1) generally work; (a) active, anything done or to be done = deed, work, action (Jn 3.21); (b) passive, anything achieved or made as the product of an action or process = workmanship, deed, accomplishment (1Cor 3.13); (2) in contrast to rest = work, activity (Heb 4.3, 4); deed (1Jn 3.18) in contrast to word (lo,goj); as a corollary or complement to faith, as a practical demonstration or proof of it work(s), deed(s) (James 2.18); (3) as God's activity in the world work(s), deed(s), act(s) (Jn 5.20); (4) as human duties and occupations = work, task (Acts 14.26); (5) in a weakened sense = matter, thing, undertaking (Acts 5.38) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Gingrich adds "1. deed, action Lk 24:19; Col 3:17; 2 Th 2:17; Heb 4:3, 4, 10; Jas 2:14ff. Manifestation, practical proof, practice Ro 2:15; Eph 4:12; 1 Th 1:3; 2 Th 1:11; Jas 1:4. Deed, accomplishment Mt 11:2; Mk 14:6; Lk 11:48; Jn 3:19, 20f; 6:28f; 7:3, 21; 10:25, 37f; Acts 9:36; Ro 3:20, 28; Col 1:10; Heb 6:1; Jas 3:13; Rev 15:3.—2. work, occupation, task Mk 13:34; Jn 17:4, Ac 14:26; 15:38; 1 Cor 15:58; 2 Ti 4:5.—3. work in the passive sense, indicating what is produced by work Acts 7:41; 1 Cor 3:13, 14, 15; Heb 1:10; 2 Pet 3:10; 1 Jn 3:8.—4. thing, matter Acts 5:38; (Borrow Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Gingrich, F. Wilbur.) (For more borrow Spiros Zodhiates The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament). Ergon - 169x om 158v - action(1), behavior(1), deed(13), deeds(52), doing(1), effectual(1), labor(1), result(1), task(1), what...done(1), work(34), works(62). Matt. 5:16; Matt. 11:2; Matt. 11:19; Matt. 23:3; Matt. 23:5; Matt. 26:10; Mk. 13:34; Mk. 14:6; Lk. 11:48; Lk. 24:19; Jn. 3:19; Jn. 3:20; Jn. 3:21; Jn. 4:34; Jn. 5:20; Jn. 5:36; Jn. 6:28; Jn. 6:29; Jn. 7:3; Jn. 7:7; Jn. 7:21; Jn. 8:39; Jn. 8:41; Jn. 9:3; Jn. 9:4; Jn. 10:25; Jn. 10:32; Jn. 10:33; Jn. 10:37; Jn. 10:38; Jn. 14:10; Jn. 14:11; Jn. 14:12; Jn. 15:24; Jn. 17:4; Acts 5:38; Acts 7:22; Acts 7:41; Acts 9:36; Acts 13:2; Acts 13:41; Acts 14:26; Acts 15:38; Acts 26:20; Rom. 2:6; Rom. 2:7; Rom. 2:15; Rom. 3:20; Rom. 3:27; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 4:2; Rom. 4:6; Rom. 9:11; Rom. 9:32; Rom. 11:6; Rom. 13:3; Rom. 13:12; Rom. 14:20; Rom. 15:18; 1 Co. 3:13; 1 Co. 3:14; 1 Co. 3:15; 1 Co. 5:2; 1 Co. 9:1; 1 Co. 15:58; 1 Co. 16:10; 2 Co. 9:8; 2 Co. 10:11; 2 Co. 11:15; Gal. 2:16; Gal. 3:2; Gal. 3:5; Gal. 3:10; Gal. 5:19; Gal. 6:4; Eph. 2:9; Eph. 2:10; Eph. 4:12; Eph. 5:11; Phil. 1:6; Phil. 1:22; Phil. 2:30; Col. 1:10; Col. 1:21; Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:3; 1 Thess. 5:13; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 2:17; 1 Tim. 2:10; 1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Tim. 5:10; 1 Tim. 5:25; 1 Tim. 6:18; 2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Tim. 2:21; 2 Tim. 3:17; 2 Tim. 4:5; 2 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:18; Tit. 1:16; Tit. 2:7; Tit. 2:14; Tit. 3:1; Tit. 3:5; Tit. 3:8; Tit. 3:14; Heb. 1:10; Heb. 2:7; Heb. 3:9; Heb. 4:3; Heb. 4:4; Heb. 4:10; Heb. 6:1; Heb. 6:10; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:24; Jas. 1:4; Jas. 1:25; Jas. 2:14; Jas. 2:17; Jas. 2:18; Jas. 2:20; Jas. 2:21; Jas. 2:22; Jas. 2:24; Jas. 2:25; Jas. 2:26; Jas. 3:13; 1 Pet. 1:17; 1 Pet. 2:12; 2 Pet. 2:8; 2 Pet. 3:10; 1 Jn. 3:8; 1 Jn. 3:12; 1 Jn. 3:18; 2 Jn. 1:11; 3 Jn. 1:10; Jude 1:15; Rev. 2:2; Rev. 2:5; Rev. 2:6; Rev. 2:19; Rev. 2:22; Rev. 2:23; Rev. 2:26; Rev. 3:1; Rev. 3:2; Rev. 3:8; Rev. 3:15; Rev. 9:20; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 15:3; Rev. 16:11; Rev. 18:6; Rev. 20:12; Rev. 20:13; Rev. 22:12 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. - Hebrews 13:17 TODAY IN THE WORD It can be argued that there is no organization on earth that has a higher standard for its leaders than the church of Jesus Christ. Jesus handpicked the twelve men who became His apostles and the earliest leaders of the church. Even though the office of apostle ended with the death of John (the last survivor of the Twelve), the apostle Paul maintained a high standard for church leadership when he wrote these instructions to Timothy. It's good for us to step back once in a while to refresh ourselves on the qualifications for leadership in the body of Christ. The writer of Hebrews wanted us as believers to give our leaders the respect and cooperation they need to carry out their service, for which they are accountable to God. Paul saw to it that the leaders selected were worthy of the respect demanded of God's people. The word ""elder"" here could be translated as ""bishop"" or ""overseer."" The more common word for elder, from which the English word ""presbyter"" comes, is used elsewhere to describe the same office. It involves giving direction and spiritual oversight to the church, especially including the work of preaching and teaching the Word. Someone might look at the demands of spiritual leadership, and the accountability required, and wonder why anyone would want the job of elder. But Paul encourages those who feel that God is calling them to this work. These verses concerning elders contain fifteen separate qualifications. They range widely across the span of a man's life from the church to his home to his relationships with other people, including unbelievers. A person holding this office should also be ""hospitable"" and ""able to teach"" (v. 2). Along with his gifts, the elder in any local church--whether pastor or lay leader--needs control and balance in his personal and family life so that he is not vulnerable to falling into some area of temptation. It takes time for someone to establish these kinds of credentials, and it takes maturity not to be carried away by the power associated with leadership. This explains why the elder needs to have a good ""track record"" in the faith. APPLY THE WORD Any parent who has had to deal with a cantankerous, contrary child knows why the writer of Hebrews urges us not to make things hard for our pastors. QUESTION - What are the qualifications of elders and deacons? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG ANSWER - The Bible has a clear set of qualifications for a deacon and an elder and their positions in the body of believers. The office of deacon was developed to deal with a practical issue in the church: “So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables’” (Acts 6:2). The word translated “wait on” is the Greek word diakonein, which comes from a word meaning “attendant, waiter, or one who ministers to another.” To “deacon” is to serve. The first deacons were a group of seven men in the Jerusalem church who were appointed to work in the daily food distribution. A deacon, therefore, is one who serves others in an official capacity in the church. The Greek word translated “bishop” is episkopos (the source of our English word episcopal). The bishop is the superintendent, the overseer, or the officer in general charge of the congregation. In the Bible bishops are also called “elders” (1 Timothy 5:19) and “pastors” (Ephesians 4:11). The qualifications of the bishop/elder/pastor are found in 1 Timothy 3:1–7: “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” Paul also instructs Timothy on the things that exemplify the teaching of a good minister. Beginning in 1 Timothy 4:11 and continuing through 6:2, Paul gives Timothy twelve things that he should “command and teach.” The apostle Paul repeats the qualifications of a bishop/elder/pastor in his letter to Titus. “An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:6–9). The qualifications of a deacon are similar to those of a bishop/elder/pastor. “In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:8–13). The word translated “deacon” in this passage is a form of the same Greek word used in Acts 6:2, so we know we are talking about the same office. These qualifications are simple and straightforward. Both the deacon and the bishop/elder/pastor should be a male, the husband of one wife, of sterling character, and one who rules his own home in a biblical way. These qualifications also presuppose that one seeking such an office is a born-again believer and walks in submission to God’s Word. The only substantial difference between the two sets of qualifications is that the bishop/elder/pastor must be “able to teach,” whereas teaching is not mentioned as necessary for deacons. The Lord Jesus Himself is called the “Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25). The titles are interesting. The word Shepherd is a translation of the Greek word poimen, translated “pastor” elsewhere (e.g., Ephesians 4:11). This poimen is someone who tends herds or flocks and is used metaphorically of Christian pastors because pastors should guide the “flock” of God and feed them the Word of God. The word translated “Overseer” is the same word, episkopos, used by the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy and Titus. Clearly, the offices of elder and deacon are important in the church. Ministering to God’s people in word and deed is a serious responsibility for a man to take on, and it should never be done lightly. A biblically unqualified individual should not occupy either the office of elder or deacon; the church deserves better. Related Resources from Gotquestions.org What is the biblical pattern of church leadership? What are the qualifications of elders and deacons? What is a bishop, biblically speaking? What are the responsibilities of deacons in the church? What does the Bible say about the form of church government (polity)? Can women serve as deacons in the church? QUESTION - What is an overseer in the church? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG ANSWER - In the Bible, the terms overseer, bishop, and elder all refer to the same position in the church. Different English translations of the Bible use alternate terms to describe this leadership position in 1 Timothy 3:1. The New International Version and English Standard Version use overseer, while the King James Version uses bishop, and the New Living Translation merely translates the Greek term as “church leader.” The Greek word is episcope and comes from a root word that means “to inspect” and by implication “to look out or look after.” The overseer is tasked with looking out for the church. Only two church offices are mentioned in Scripture: that of overseer (bishop or elder) and that of deacon (1 Timothy 3:8; Philippians 1:1). The office of overseer in the church is that of the pastor(s) and elders, who are the spiritual leaders or shepherds of the congregation (Acts 20:28). Not just anyone can assume the role of overseer in the church. Specific qualifications for overseers are provided in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. The position is reserved for men. 1 Timothy 3:2 specifically says that the overseer is to be “faithful to his wife.” This assumes he is a man. Elsewhere in Scripture we see that God has instituted an authority structure within the church, wherein the primary leadership position of maintaining doctrinal integrity and providing spiritual shepherding to the congregation is to be held by a man. See, for example, 1 Timothy 2:11–14. This is merely a matter of role or function, not one of value or importance. Women are made in the image of God just like men (Genesis 1:27). Women come to Christ the same way men do (Galatians 3:26–29). Women are of equal worth with men. In fact, Peter tells husbands to be considerate of their wives “as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life” (1 Peter 3:7). So, it is not a matter of value but one of orderliness, based on the order of creation (1 Timothy 2:15). God has organized His church in such a way that a male is to assume the primary position of spiritual teaching authority. However, not every man will be qualified for the position of overseer in a church. In fact, relatively few may be. To be an overseer or elder is a “noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1) and a weighty responsibility (James 3:1). Below are some of the specific qualifications for an overseer in the church, based on 1 Timothy 3:2–7 and Titus 1:6–9: 1. Above reproach and blameless (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). 2. The husband of one wife, i.e., faithful to his wife (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). 3. Temperate (1 Timothy 3:2). 4. Self-controlled (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). 5. Respectable (1 Timothy 3:2). 6. Hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). 7. Able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). 8. Holding firmly to Scripture so as to encourage others and refute false doctrine (Titus 1:9). 9. Not given to drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). 10. A gentle man not given to violence (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). 11. Not quarrelsome or eager to start a fight (1 Timothy 3:3). 12. Not greedy or a “lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:3). 13. Not seeking after dishonest gain (Titus 1:7). 14. A good manager of his own family, whose children obey him (1 Timothy 3:4–5; Titus 1:6). 15. Not a new believer (1 Timothy 3:6). 16. Having a good reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7). 17. A lover of good, who acts in a way that is upright, holy, and disciplined (Titus 1:8). Overseers are given the serious task of overseeing the flock that has been entrusted to them. Peter instructed fellow elders to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3). Those in the leadership position of overseer should follow the example of Jesus, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Leadership, according to the Bible, is not about puffing oneself up or lording power over others, but rather about serving those who have been entrusted to one’s care (Matthew 20:26; Mark 10:43). The overseer who humbles himself as a servant will be rewarded by Christ at His return (Matthew 23:12; 1 Peter 5:4). To summarize, the role of overseer is a leadership position in the church, tasked with the care of the congregation. Women cannot occupy the position of overseer, since the role requires teaching and having spiritual authority over men. There are many biblical qualifications a man who desires to be an overseer/pastor/elder must meet. An overseer’s duties involve proper teaching and handling of Scripture, maintaining a good Christian witness, and being a good example to his family and congregation. Biblically, being in the leadership role of a pastor requires humility and a heart of servanthood. Stephen Olford - “A good work.” – 1 Timothy 3:1 Paul calls the office of a bishop (or overseer) “a good work.” The qualifications for this office are interesting and important to note. Positive • Without reproach • The husband of one wife • Temperate • Sober-minded • Orderly • Given to hospitality • Able to teach • Ruling his house well • Having a good testimony from those without • Gentle Negative • Not given to wine • Not violent • Not quarrelsome • Not a lover of money • Not a novice There are then ten positive qualifications and five negative. Truly, a high standard, yet it is God's standard. The secret of a well-behaved church lies in the moral qualities as well as spiritual qualities of the oversight. God calls this work “a good work.” No matter my role in the church, Lord, let me always demonstrate these godly characteristics. If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. - 1 Timothy 3:1 TODAY IN THE WORD How does one get to be a leader? “Leaders aren't born, they're made,” said football coach Vince Lombardi. “And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” What are the secrets to good leadership? Former President Dwight Eisenhower advised, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head—that's assault, not leadership.” Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair noted, “The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It is very easy to say yes.” Today's reading kicks off a six-day examination of what the Bible says about church leadership. Yesterday's devotional already taught us that leaders must help build up the body of Christ toward maturity and a fuller expression of spiritual unity. Only two specific leadership offices, overseer and deacon, are mentioned in Scripture, though different churches use different names (pastor, elder, bishop, etc.). Overseers are responsible for teaching, preaching, and evangelism, and deacons are responsible for practical service. Today's passage is one of two main passages laying out the qualifications for the “noble task” of the overseer (v. 1). These qualifications can be examined under three headings. First, an overseer must have excellent moral and spiritual qualities. He should be a person of integrity, faithful in marriage, self-disciplined, and with priorities in the right order. Second, an overseer should manage his own family well before he can be considered for church leadership. The care of the home is explicitly said to be an analogy and preparation for caring for the local congregation. As individualistic Americans, we might resist this line of thinking, but Paul was quite clear here that children's behavior reflects on their parent. Third, an overseer must have spiritual maturity. Specifically, he should not be a recent convert, but old enough in the faith to resist pride and be able to teach sound doctrine. He should also have a “good reputation with outsiders,” especially given that Satan delights in bringing down church leaders. APPLY THE WORD Do you know how your church or denomination is governed? What roles do overseers and deacons play, and what terms does your church use? How much authority do pastors hold? On what issues does the congregation vote (if applicable)? How are leaders held accountable? How do ordinary church members learn about leadership decisions? Ways to find out about these matters include reading the church constitution, talking to your pastor, or taking a church membership class. AMBITION You can't really blame Albert Malone for trying to get ahead in his military career. Wanting to get a better job, he went to law school and applied for the JAG (Judge Advocate General's) Corp but was turned down because of poor eyesight. Oh, did I mention that when he was in the Navy, his primary job was to "sight guns?" —Reader's Digest, Nov 2004, p. 66. Steven
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Vincent adds "The kindred verb nephein means to be sober with reference to drink, and, in a metaphorical sense, to be sober and wary; cool and unimpassioned." The temperate man is able to discern more clearly which things are of the greatest importance and value. He uses his time, his money, and his energy more carefully and selectively than when he was younger and less mature. His priorities are in the right order, and he is satisfied with fewer and simpler things. In this area of "self mastery" or self control, there is always the subtle danger of falling into the trap of legalism. Along that line I think D G Kehl's advice is spot on "The beginning of self-mastery is to be mastered by Christ, to yield to His Lordship. True spiritual self-discipline holds believers in bounds but never in bonds; its effect is to enlarge, expand and liberate." Saying "Yes" to Jesus (and His Spirit) each morning makes it much easier to say "No" to the variegated fiery missiles of temptation which fly into our eyes, ears, heart and mind each day. In fact, if we would guarding our hearts well, we must begin with assiduously guarding our eyes and ears. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "The great need in the Christian life is for self-discipline. This is not something that happens to you in a meeting; you have got to do it!" And I would add that you do it ("work out your salvation in fear and trembling" - Php 2:12+) because the indwelling Spirit of God gives you the desire and the power to do it! (Php 2:13+) Don't try to become self-disciplined by your SELF, but in dependence on the Spirit! Yes, you are 100% responsible to develop self-discipline but you are 100% dependent on the Spirit's enabling power! Mysterious? Yes! But it is sound doctrine which will nourish your soul and grow you in Christi-likeness! W E Vine says "nephalios primarily has to do with abstinence from strong drink; it acquired, however, the more general sense of soberness in disposition… It conveys partly the idea of watchfulness, but the meaning is that of freedom from excitability as well as from credulity. (Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson) Augustine who had entered into the Spirit given victory over sexual lusts (see note) said "Conquer yourself and you have conquered the world." Nephalios - 3x - 1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Tim. 3:11; Titus 2:2 Prudent (4998) sophron from sozo = to save + phren = mind) is literally a "saved mind" and so describes the man whose thoughts are saving thoughts. He is sane, sober minded, cool-headed, discreet and always using good judgment, in control of self (curbing his desires and impulses), prudent (showing the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason), avoiding extremes and giving careful consideration to responsible actions. Sophron - 4v - 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; Titus 2:2; Titus 2:5 Respectable (2887)(kosmios from kosmos = adorning or order, ornament, decoration, adornment) means orderly, well-arranged referring to persons who are disciplined, honorable, respectable. It refers to dress characterized by respectability and thus that which is modest, sensible (1Ti 2.9) Hospitable (5382)(philoxenos from phílos = friend, to be friendly to one or to wish him well, beloved, dear + xenos = stranger, unknown, foreign or foreigner, alien, guest) is literally "stranger loving" or a friend of strangers, showing them care and kindness. Practically philoxenos means fond of guests and so hospitable or given to (lover of) hospitality. It describes one who is given to generous, welcoming and cordial reception of visitors, guests or strangers. It means to give practical help to anyone who is in need (friend or stranger, believer or unbeliever) Hospitality was a highly valued Greek and Jewish virtue. It was absolutely necessary for the expansion of the gospel and necessary for the maintenance of the fellowship within the church as well as the image of the church from without. Hospitable is from Medieval Latin hospitāre = to receive as a guest which in turn is from Latin hospes = guest. The hospitable man gives practical help to anyone who is in need, friend or stranger, believer or unbeliever, freely offers his time, his resources, and his encouragement to meet the needs of others. Philoxenos - 3v - 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 4:9 Able to teach (apt to teach) (1317) didaktikos from didaktos = pertains to that which is taught or instructed from didasko [from dáo= know or teach; see study of related noun didaskalia]) means to provide instruction or information in a formal or informal setting. = provide instruction in a formal or informal setting by imparting positive truth; English = didactic = designed or intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive) (Click word study on related word didaskalía) is one who is highly skilled in teaching and able to communicate truth. Didaktikós does not refer so much to possessing vast knowledge as to one who has the ability to communicate effectively whatever knowledge and understanding they might have. Though truth can seem harsh, carrying with it conviction or judgment of sin, it must be delivered with compassion and kindness because God always works for the restoration or repentance of the sinner. An overseer or elder who is not able to teach is like a surgeon who can’t use a scalpel. Are the elders in your church able to teach and are they actively utilizing this gift to edify and equip your local body? Overseer (bishop, guardian) (1985) (episkopos from epi = over or upon + skopos = goal or end one has in view = English "scope" as in microscope or telescope) is literally one who looks over closely or intently, who views carefully. Interesting derivation helps understand the meaning > epi (upon) + skopos (watchman, "scope") <> skeptomai (peer about ~"skeptic"; sentry, scout). In the Septuagint it was used of one who watches over something or someone, guardian, supervisor, inspector. These are the men who were the guardians of the church at Philippi and were to care for them not as dictators but as spiritual leaders who provided godly examples (1Pe 5:1,2,3, 4-notes). What an overseer should be doing...visiting the Sunday School classes, small group fellowships, etc...any place where ravenous wolves might arise and bring in unsound doctrine. He needs to make sure the sheep are getting fed sound (healthy) doctrine which means he needs to be eating the same fare! (cp Titus 1:9, Heb 5:14). Click for some additional insights on episkopos. The episkopos describes one who superintends, exercises oversight or watches over others, thus an "overseer" (one looking over another). The Latin equivalent is super-visus, someone who “looks over” things, a manager. From super-visus comes the English supervisor. Episkopos properly means an inspector, overseer, or guardian, and was given to the ministers of the gospel because they exercised this care over the churches or were appointed to oversee their interests. In the NT the overseers had the responsibility of oversight of the body of Christ, serving as the guardians who were to watch over God's "flock" and lead the sheep by their godly example. It is important to note that Paul here uses the term in the plural and that elsewhere this term is used interchangeably with "elder" (presbuteros). (Titus 1:5+) God’s people are like sheep (see study of Jehovah Roi for discussion of sheep) and in need of shepherds to watch over them, protect them, and lead them. Pray for your spiritual leaders that they might more and more be what God wants them to be. Oden rightly states that "Episkopos implies vigilance far more than hierarchy. (Borrow Thomas Oden's Pastoral theology : essentials of ministry) In the early Church Fathers episkopos was used to denote function rather than the status of anyone who exercised supervision or control, as well as to denote a member of a body exercising oversight and government in a church, equivalent to presbuteros. Episkopos was originally a secular title, designating commissioners appointed to regulate a newly-acquired territory or a colony. It was also applied to magistrates who regulated the sale of provisions under the Romans. In the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew OT) episkopos signifies "inspectors, superintendents, taskmasters," (2Ki 11:19; 2Chr 34:12,17) or "captains, presidents," (Neh 11:9,14,22). In the ancient Greek culture episkopos was often used of pagan gods, who supposedly watched over worshipers and over their nations and also the pagan priests who represented a false deity. Episkopos 5x - Acts 20:28; Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:2; Titus 1:7; 1Pe 2:25 13x Septuagint (LXX) (Nu 4:16; 31:14; Jdg. 9:28; 2 Ki. 11:15, 18; 12:11; 2 Chr. 34:12, 17; Neh. 11:9, 14, 22; Job 20:29; Isa. 60:17). Here are two representative uses in the Septuagint… 2 Chronicles 34:17 "They have also emptied out the money which was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hands of the supervisors (Hebrew = paqad = attend, visit, look after; Lxx = episkopos) and the workmen." Isaiah 60:17 "Instead of bronze I will bring gold, And instead of iron I will bring silver, And instead of wood, bronze, And instead of stones, iron. And I will make peace your administrators, And righteousness your overseers.
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Vincent adds the word pictures this individual as in "a beclouded and stupid state of mind as the result of pride." And fall into (empipto) the condemnation (krima) incurred by the (definite article = the actual devil) devil (diabolos) - The verb fall into (empipto) is the picture of falling into a sudden trap or snare. The newborn babe in Christ has not had sufficient time in the pure milk of the Word to grow in respect to salvation (1Pe 2:2) and has not taken in "solid food (which) is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (Heb 5:14). In other words, the new convert does not have spiritual senses trained to recognize good and evil. The devil's pride was the cause of his fall from grace and the presence of the Lord (see Isaiah passage above). He wants to draw others into the same trap he fell into. So the devil comes in with a counterfeit (that looks like the real thing) and the new convert fails to see the danger and falls into the devil's trap and into the same condemnation or judgment that fell on the devil. Do not misunderstand the phrase the condemnation incurred by the devil for it does not mean the devil might judge this new convert if he falls prey to pride, for the devil is never given authority to judge others! John
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Vincent writes that "A common derivation of this word is from eiko, to yield. Hence the meaning, mild, yielding, indulgent. But the true derivation is from eikós, reasonable; and the word implies rather the not being unduly rigorous: “Wherein not strictness of legal right, but consideration for one another, is the rule of practice” (Alford). Compare Phil 4:5, where, for moderation (to epieikes) RSV gives forbearance, with gentleness in margin. According to Aristotle, the word stands in contrast with akribodikaios one who is exactingly just, as one who is epieikés is satisfied with less than his due. (Vincent, M. R. Word studies in the New Testament . Vol. 1, Page 3-647)"