31 It is a trustworthy statement : if any man aspires to the office of overseer , it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer , then , must be above reproach , the husband of one wife , temperate , prudent , respectable , hospitable , able to teach , 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious , but gentle , peaceable , free from the love of money . 4 He must be one who manages his own household well , keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household , how will he take care of the church of God ?), 6 and not a new convert , so e that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil . 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil .
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity , not double-tongued , or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain , 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience . 10 These men must also first be tested ; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach . 11 Women must likewise be dignified , not malicious gossips , but temperate , faithful in all things . 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife , and good managers of their children and their own households . 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-7
(Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7)
If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts. Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Matthew 28:20. And he will fit his ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:8-13
(Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors and evangelists were among them. The deacons had a great trust reposed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is not fit that public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are found fit for the business with which they are to be trusted. All who are related to ministers, must take great care to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ.