Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 26

Paul Details to Timothy the Qualifications of Leaders in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Part 3

1 Timothy 3:4-5 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God?) KJV

Next the Apostle Paul focuses on what transpires in the home of a man who would seek the office of Bishop in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and declares these words to Brother Timothy regarding what must be evident for such a pursuit, "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;" (1 Timothy 3:4) (KJV). The little English phrase 'one that ruleth' is translated by one Greek word proistēmi which means to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside over - maintain, be over, rule. This English word 'subjection' is translated by the Greek word hupotagē and it means subordination: - that is, to subordinate; reflexively to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, be in subjection to, submit self unto. The English word 'gravity' is translated by the Greek word semnotēs which means venerableness or honorable, that is, probity: which means complete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles; gravity, honesty.

In other words, the prospective Bishop of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ should be in control of his home life, that is, his family and not be unaware of the activities of his children living under his roof. In presiding over them, he is to be in command of them not be just a harsh or strict disciplinary, but his command likewise must proceed from a place of having the respect of his children, which will then lead them to obedience, for they will not want to do things that would hurt and disappoint their Father and bring reproach upon him and their family, just such a man was Abraham even as the Lord God Himself said of him with these words, "For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach {and} command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him." (Genesis 18:19) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke said concerning the prospective Bishop ruling over his household, "One who has the command, of his own house, not by sternness, severity, and tyranny, but with all gravity; governing his household by rule, every one knowing his own place, and each doing his own work, and each work having the proper time assigned for its beginning and end. This is a maxim of common sense; no family can be prosperous that is not under subjection, and no person can govern a family but the head of it, the husband, who is, both by nature and the appointment of God, the head or governor of his own house."

Paul with this next verse answers why the qualifications in the previous verse are necessary declaring these words, "(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) (KJV). The little English phrase 'shall he take care of' is translated by one Greek word epimeleomai which means simply to care for (physically or otherwise): - take care of. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of this entire verse 5, "This is a beautiful and striking argument. A Church resembles a family. It is, indeed, larger, and there is a greater variety of dispositions in it than there is in a family. The authority of a minister of the Gospel in a Church is also less absolute than that of a father. But still there is a striking resemblance. The Church is made up of an assemblage of brothers and sisters. They are banded together for the same purposes, and have a common object to aim at. They have common feelings and common needs. They have sympathy, like a family, with each other in their distresses and afflictions. The government of the Church also is designed to be 'paternal.' It should be felt that he who presides over it has the feelings of a father; that he loves all the members of the great family; that he has no prejudices, no partialities, no selfish aims to gratify.

Now, if a man cannot govern his own family well; if he is severe, partial, neglectful, or tyrannical at home, how can he be expected to take charge of the more numerous 'household of faith' with proper views and feelings? If, with all the natural and strong ties of affection which bind a father to his own children; if, when they are few comparatively in number, and where his eye is constantly upon them, he is unable to govern them aright, how can he be expected to preside in a proper manner over the larger household where he will be bound with comparatively feebler ties, and where he will be exposed more to the influence of passion, and where he will have a much less constant opportunity of supervision? Confucius, as quoted by Doddridge, has a sentiment strikingly resembling that before us: 'It is impossible that he who knows not how to govern and reform his own family, should rightly govern and reform a people.' We may remark, also, in this verse, a delicate and beautiful use of words by the Apostle to prevent the possibility of misapprehension. While he institutes a comparison between the government of a family and that of the Church, he guards against the possibility of it being supposed that he would countenance 'arbitrary' authority in the Church, even such authority as a father must of necessity employ in his own family. Hence, he uses different words. He speaks of the father as 'ruling; over his own family, or 'presiding over it - prostēnai; he describes the minister of religion as 'having a tender care for the Church' -  epimelēsetai."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…